Page 104 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

I find myself staring at him, trying to determine what kind of expression he’s wearing. Does he still want us to be as close as we were? Or is that impossible because I’m trying with Finn? Does he feel like I abandoned him? But I can still be there for him. I want to be there for him.

I also can’t help thinking that, despite our awkwardness, I’m much more comfortable with Brock than I am with Finn. But then I reprimand myself foronceagaincomparing them.

Brock looks at me, then away, shifting in his seat. “So, uh, any idea what theme you want to do?”

Blinking, I snap out of my thoughts. “Not really. Figured I’d wing it like you did. Yours came out pretty good.”

He chuckles, the sound almost music-like. “Pretty good for a No-casso?”

“Some-casso, remember?”

He laughs again. “Right. Well, maybe you’ll be an even more Some-casso than me. You definitely have more years of painting under your belt.”

My spirits lift a little. Maybe things don’t have to be weird between us just because I’m with Finn.

But there’s something off with us as I start painting him. Brock sits still in his seat, eyes on me, an expression I can’t read. I don’t know how to explain it, but there’s this chill in the air.

“So…how are you?” I ask as I begin drawing his eyes.

“I’m good. You?”

“Good.”

“Nice.”

I want to say more to him, but I don’t know what. Brock seems content to just sit there watching me, but I feel like I’m losing him. Losing our close friendship.

Maybe I can’t fight it? Maybe it’s just natural that we’ll grow apart?

“Excellent work,” Mrs. Jackson compliments me as she passes by.

“Oh, thanks.” Once she walks off to the next team, I bend close to Brock. “She actually thinks what I have so far is good.” I frown. “Or maybe she’s just encouraging me.”

“I’m curious what you have so far. Can I see?”

He gets to his feet, but I say, “No, you’ll jinx it.”

“Okay.”

“I’m working on your second eye now. Shh, this needs concentration.”

“You got it.”

We’re quiet as I paint, and I can feel his sharp eyes on me. But I don’t look at him. It’ll just make me feel uneasy.

“So you and Finn are, like…” he says, then stops.

“Um, yeah. We’re hanging out and stuff.”

“That’s great. I’m really happy for you guys.”

My gaze darts to his and I find his eyes still on me. There’s pain in there, but I’m not sure if that’s the usual pain he carries or if he’s sad that we’re…

I mean, that’s silly. Hedoesn’tsee me that way.

“Thanks,” I say.

Quiet.