6. Kai
Six
Kai
Okay, so fighting with my brother is always fun.
But he has a point.
The truth is, I don't know what this thing with Mary is.
I just know I like talking to her.
I like making her smile.
I like the way she rolls her eyes at me.
I like the way she immediately stands up for people.
I like that she cares about the school so much that it keeps her awake at night.
I like that she thinks she's hiding how stressed she is.
I like that she calls me ridiculous.
Frequently.
Accurately.
And maybe Ego’s right.
Maybe I do have a problem.
Fine.
He’s entitled to his opinion.
But I'm not admitting it.
Not yet.
Because tonight is just Bingo.
One fake date.
One fundraiser.
One step toward saving the gym.
That's all.
At least that's what I tell myself.
Then my phone buzzes.
It’s her.
Mary.
Or, as I have her saved in my contacts, Firecracker.
She’s sending me a text.
My grin appears instantly.
Firecracker/Mary
Please tell me you're not planning to wear a leather jacket to Bingo tonight. It’s in the Church’s basement.
I laugh.
Actually laugh.
Then type back.
Me
Depends. Are you wearing one?
Three dots appear immediately.
Then she texts.
Firecracker/Mary
I hate you.
My grin grows wider.
Me
No, you don’t. See you in an hour, Firecracker.
A few seconds later, my phone buzzes again.
Firecracker/Mary
Don't call me that.
I stare at the message.
Still smiling.
Yeah.
I've got a problem.
A big one.
And for the first time in my life?
I'm not sure I want to fix it.