Page 86 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

He hesitates. “Yeah. Sometimes it was so bad she wouldn’t get out of bed or even go to dance practice. But what does it matter? You’re back now and she’s happy. You brought life back into her eyes.”

I shouldn’t be the one determining whether or not she has light in her eyes. That’s what Finn was getting at. Lexiisconditioning her happiness on me. He’s right that I need to let her go.

“Hey.” Dean places his hand on my shoulder. “You good?”

My lips try to form a smile, but they fail. “Yeah, I’m all right.” The bell rings. “We’d better get to class.”

We meet the others outside the English classroom and find our usual seats. Lexi bends close to me. “I think I’m prepared for my psychology test.”

I smile, though I’m sure it doesn’t reach my eyes. “That’s great. I’m sure you’ll do awesome.”

“I hope.” She looks into my eyes. “Hey, are you okay? You look like you’re bothered about something.”

“No. Just couldn’t sleep. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. I’m going to the dance studio after school to practice. Want to come with? I’m dying to get back on your motorcycle.”

Normally, I’d joke that she’s using me for my bike, but I’m not in the mood to joke around right now.

“I don’t think so. Maybe I’ll go home and nap.”

She nods. “Yep. Napping is always good. Maybe we could watch another ocean life docu later?”

“Okay. If you want.”

She laughs. “Yeah, I want. Do you want?”

“Of course. I just want to make sure it’s what you want.”

Her eyebrows furrow. “Huh?”

“Brock, Lexi,” Aunt Ally says as she stands at the front of her desk. When did she come in? “Class has started, so no talking, please.”

Throughout class, Lexi gives me confused looks, like she doesn’t understand what’s wrong with me. Why I’m being so stiff and distant.

The fact that she’s distracted because of me makes me conclude that Finn is right. Lexi worries about me more than herself.

I’ll be her friend, but no more than that. It’ll be hard, but this is for her.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Lexi

One thing that’s awesome about Edenbury High’s lunch is their pizza. I smell it when I’m only a few feet away from the cafeteria and sigh happily. Usually, I check the school app to see what’s for lunch, but I was too lazy today. It’s such a wonderful surprise!

The rest of the gang are already seated at our table, except for Brock, who’s waiting in line. After grabbing my tray, I head to the back of the line, once again inhaling that delicious smell that makes my mouth water. When I pass Brock, I fist bump him and say, “You, Water Boy, are in for a magnificent treat.”

He gives me a confused look.

I inhale again. “Smell that? That is the yummy pizza that you are about to devour. Seriously, it’s delicious.”

Brock offers me a smile and says, “Cool. Can’t wait,” but there’s something very off with his smile and his words. The smile seems forced and I sense he’s trying not to be…I don’t know, friendly? Close? I sensed it during English class and spent that period and the ones following trying to convince myself that it was all in my head. But from the way he’s behaving now? I don’t think so.

“You should get in line,” he says. “More kids are coming.”

“What? Oh, right. See ya soon.”

He gives me another one of those same smiles before turning away.