Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
“But why?” I laugh again. “Is Elliot happy?”
“I think so,” she says softly. “We’ve been spending a lot of time together. Obviously, he’s stressed because of the mob stuff, but things have been great apart from that. We play video games together.”
“You do?”
Her smile gets more confident. “Yeah, cooperative games. I was no good to begin with, but your brother is very patient. He taught me his so-called ‘elite skills.’”
I can hear and see Elliot saying it when she does air quotes and mimics his voice. We laugh together, and then Ruby softens. “Are you honestly not mad at me? I thought you’d hate me. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long, but I’ve been terrified.”
“You’re happy. Elliot’s happy.”
“Yes,” she whispers.
“I don’t think I can be angry,” I say truthfully.
“Are you sure? Maybe you’re in shock.”
“I am in shock,” I admit. “But I’m not angry. I’m happy for you both. How crazy is that?”
“It’s pretty crazy… I’m still waiting for you to realize what I’ve said. You know I’m talking about Elliot, right, your big brother? You’re aware of that?”
“Yes,” I say.
“But you’re still smiling.”
It’s crazier than that. My smile gets even wider. “Yes.”
“I think I’m going to die if I don’t hug you.”
She stands up. I stand and throw my arms around her. She clutches tightly to me and sinks her face against my chest, sobbing softly.
I look inside myself, asking a brutal and necessary question.
Am I reacting like this because I hope Elliot will react the same if I tell him about me and his best friend?
There’s another layer of crazy, as I realize… nope. It has nothing to do with that. It all comes down to what I just said. I’m happy for them. They’ve found somebody they care about, and I can’t imagine standing in the way of that.
“You’re amazing,” she whispers. “Do you think I should tell Elliot that you know?”
“That’s up to you,” I tell her. “But if he’s not ready yet…”
“I’m so relieved. You have no idea.”
“I think I have some idea,” I whisper.
Later, after watching a movie, I lie on Ruby’s foldout couch bed with my cell phone in my hand.
Piper: You can’t tell Elliot, but I learned something mind-blowing today. Elliot has been in a relationship with Ruby, my bestie, for a year!
Logan: Whoa. That’s wild. How do you feel about it?
Piper: Ruby thought I was going to totally freak.
Logan: That’s a fair assumption. Most women would.
Piper: I know. You’re right. But I’m happy for them. I keep waiting to be angry, but I’m just not. I can’t see any downside to it. Elliot’s happy. She’s happy. What is there to be pissed about?
Logan: Maybe if they break up, you’ll be forced into an awkward situation. I’m not trying to rain on your parade. Your soul is as beautiful as your appearance. You never stop surprising me with your deep emotion, Hardcover, but maybe that was where Ruby was coming from.
Piper: Hmm, you’ve got a point. I guess she seems so obsessed with him. I didn’t even think about them breaking up.
Logan: People break up all the time. In my book, though, if Elliot’s happy, I’m happy for him. But you need to be careful. Just because you feel this way, it doesn’t mean he will.
I sigh.
Piper: I know you’re right. For now, I think it’s enough to be happy for him.
Logan: And that’s wonderful. But don’t let it make you believe things that might not be true. Elliot’s a good person, but when it comes to somebody’s little sister, it’s different from being with somebody’s friend.
Piper: He’s MY brother, remember? It’s not that different.
Logan: But you didn’t raise him. He raised you. He’s going to feel protective. I’m sorry, angel. I’m not trying to kill your good vibes. I just want to live in reality.
Piper: No, I get it. But like I said, this isn’t about us.
Logan: You’re a better person than me because all I can think about is us. Maybe this won’t change anything, but it might. It could give Elliot perspective. It could make him understand we didn’t do this to hurt him any more than he started a relationship with Ruby to hurt you.
Hope flurries through my chest, bright and tempting.
Piper: They’ve been together for a year. Think of all the dates, all the experiences. They’ve probably even talked about what a future together would look like.
Logan: Why do I feel like you’re hinting at something, my gorgeous texting girlfriend?
Maybe it’s silly, but it feels significant when he calls me his girlfriend.
Piper: Maybe I am. Maybe I’m wondering what a life together would look like.
Logan: I thought you college chicks lived in the here and now. I thought you lived for the next party, the next exam, the next essay. You don’t want some old grump boring you with his dreams of the future.