Page 42

“Nothing. Still tired, I guess.”

“Yeah, right. What gives?”

“Nothing. Are we putting the tree up or not?”

“What the hell?” Ali asks.

Shit. “I’m sorry.”

“What’s going on? No bullshit this time,” Ali demands.

“It’s nothing. Really. How was Brooklyn?”

“Fine. Why don’t you ask me what you really want to ask me?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Bullshit. You want to know if Brooklyn was with anyone.”

“It’s none of my business.”

“No, I guess not, but maybe it should be.”

“What does that mean?” I bite.

“Exactly what I said. You’re in love with her.”

“I’m not—”

“Yeah. You are. I know you. It’s written all over your face.”

Great.

“Why don’t you let her in on your secret?” Ali asks.

“According to you, it’s not much of a secret.”

“Not to me. I’m not Brooklyn.”

“Brooklyn and I are friends. That’s all.”

“Uh-huh.”

“If I’m not mistaken, she’s taken.”

“You mean Drew?”

My head snaps to attention.

“She told you about Drew, huh?”

“No. I overheard her on the phone when she was here the other day.” I explain.

“And you assumed they were together.”

“It wasn’t exactly a puzzle, Ali.”

“They’re not exclusive.”