Page 71 of Light Up My Life

“We just collided,” I said.

“Watch where you’re going,” Marcus said. I thought he was talking to me, but I realized he was talking to Ryan.

“It was my fault. I was the one not watching,” I said.

Marcus kept glaring at Ryan.

For his part, Ryan was trying his best at a smile, but it wasn’t landing. “I’m Ryan, by the way. Not sure we’ve ever officially met.”

“Oh, we’ve met plenty,” Marcus said, as if the fact that Ryan didn’t remember this made him even more of a jerk. I’d never seen Marcus quite so hostile. He was normally so chill.

I put my hand on my brother’s arm. “Hey, I’m good. We’re good.”

“Yes, we’re good,” Marcus said to Ryan.

Ryan got the hint, gave a quick nod, and left.

Chapter 25

“That wasn’t nice,” I said, forcing myself not to watch Ryan leave. Not to read into his body language that seemed both hurt and angry all at once.

“I wasn’t trying to be nice,” Marcus said. “The guy just mowed you over.”

“He didn’t. I told you, I wasn’t watching.”

“But he was. He could’ve easily avoided you.”

What was I supposed to say to that? Well, Marcus, if he really did see me, he was probably hoping to catch me. To be near me. And I’m happy about that.

I didn’t say that, of course. I said, “I’m going to get hot chocolate.”

“Hey, I’m here,” Fiona said, startling me. “It took forever to find parking.” She had a camp chair slung over her shoulder as she looked between Marcus and me. “Why are you two glaring at each other?”

“We’re not,” I said.

“She’s crossing into enemy territory,” Marcus said.

I hooked my arm through Fiona’s, my heart thumping at his words. Marcus didn’t know how right he was. “Come get a drink with me.”

“I don’t even get to put down my chair?” Fiona said as I dragged her toward the hot chocolate trailer.

“Ryan and I kissed five days ago,” I blurted out.

“You what?” she yelled. “Why are you just now telling me this?”

“Shhh,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. Marcus was busy adjusting the chair he’d been sitting in. Had it fallen when he’d stood to “save” me from Ryan?

“I don’t know why I didn’t tell you,” I whispered. “At first, I wasn’t sure it was going to happen again. I was worried I’d made it happen and he didn’t want it. But then it did happen again. And I’m telling you now.”

“Wait. How many times have you guys kissed?” Fiona whispered back, her eyes dancing.

“Um … four.” If we were counting each instance a kiss was initiated, which, of course, I was. I blushed.

“Your moms are going to kill you.”

I groaned. “I know. What am I supposed to do? Ryan wants to tell our parents after Christmas.”

“Tell them what?” she asked.