Page 87 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

Walking to the back of the line, I try not to worry about him. Maybe he’s having an off day, or maybe he had a hard day yesterday. If he wants to talk to me about it, I’m here. If not, that’s fine, too. I won’t pry.

The line takesforever. But soon Brock gets his food and passes by me, holding his tray filled with two slices of pizza and a Dr Pepper.

“Looks really good,” he tells me. For a second, it looks like one of his usual sweet smiles passes over his face, but he quickly spins around and heads to our table.

The guys cheer and urge him to try the pizza ASAP. My cheeks lift in a smile when I watch him pick up one of his slices and take a tentative bite. From all the way here, I can see how his eyes get as wide as two Jupiters and then he attacks his pizza as though he’s been stranded for days on a remote island and this is the first thing he’s eaten since his rescue.

“You guys weren’t kidding!” he says before continuing to devour it.

Ugh, he and the guys are making me so jealous. But after a few minutes, it’s finally my turn and I choose a slice of pizza, a chocolate pudding, and a Dr Pepper—why not? Then I hurry to our table.

“Lexi, finally!” Finn pushes out the chair next to him. “We were worried there wouldn’t be any pizza left.”

There isn’t an empty chair next to Brock, unfortunately. I lower my tray on the table and settle down next to Finn, smiling at Brock. “So, how’s the pizza?”

“So freaking good,” he gushes as he bites into his second slice. The corner of his mouth is dirty, which just proves how much he loves it. Because who the heck cares about that when devouring this yummy pizza?

“I got a Dr Pepper, too,” I tell him.

“Nice.”

“I got a Sprite,” Theo says, picking up his can.

“And I got a 7Up,” Dean says.

“Who cares?” Finn asks. “But since we’re sharing, I got a Coke.”

The rest of the guys announce which drink they chose, and I try not to laugh. I was just informing Brock that I decided to pick his drink, since I haven’t had it in a while. It wasn’t meant to be a comparison contest.

We talk about many different topics, like always, but I notice that Brock isn’t as talkative as he was the past few weeks. True, he was never the most social person here, but he seems quieter than usual. I already asked him if he was okay earlier, and he assured me that he was, but I can’t help but feel that there’s something he’s not telling me. But again, I have no right to pry. I just hope he’ll be okay.

“It was pretty sick,” Finn is telling the others. “Unique powers and a darn good villain. Though Lexi wasn’t very impressed.”

“Are you talking about the new comic?” I ask.

“Yeah. Admit that your taste has been sucking lately,” Finn says.

“Uh, no. My taste hasn’t been sucking. The hero has the most boring personality. Ooh, that reminds me, Brock!” I drop my pizza and rummage in my backpack, producing the second comic I read yesterday. “I know you’re not into comics, but I think you might like this one. The guy loves to read, see?” I open to one of the first pages, where it shows the dude reading on his bed. “He’s supposed to be very bookish. I thought you might like it.”

Nate chuckles. “Lexi still hasn’t given up on her quest to turn Brock into a comic book reader.”

“Oh…” A strange look passes over Brock’s face. Why does it look like he’s in pain? “That was so…that was so thoughtful. Thanks.” His lips tremble a little as he smiles and gives me a quick hug. “Thanks for thinking of me. I’ll try to read it tonight.” He takes it from me and places it in his backpack.

I can’t help but stare at him, my chest hurting. I guess I thought he would have a different reaction. It almost looks like he’d rather I didn’t offer him the comic.

Finn sits up in his seat. “Anyone check out the new FPS that came out this week? The game looks wild.”

The guys discuss the video game, with me adding my input here and there, but Brock is totally silent. He eats the last of his pizza slowly, taking tiny bites, eyes locked on the table and his mind seeming to be anywhere but here. I don’t think he’s enjoying his meal anymore.

“Anyone want to share my pudding?” I ask, my eyes creeping to Brock. He doesn’t lift his gaze from the table.

“Sure!” Cooper says.

After giving him half, I say, “Brock, have you tasted the school’s pudding? It’s pretty good.”

“Hmm?” He lifts his head. “Did you say something?”

“Where’s your brain?” Theo jokes.