Page 62 of Hard Rock Love

“Ish essploding im my mouf!” he said, trying to speak as he chewed.

I was equally surprised when I took one myself and found that familiar popping sensation you got on your tongue when eating Pop Rocks candy.

“I have got to figure out a way to put Pop Rocks into my drinks,” Seth said after swallowing. “The others will flip their shit.”

After devouring the dessert, we leaned back into our chairs with satisfied groans.

“That was amazing,” Seth said. “It wasn’t just dinner, it was an experience.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” I said. “I wanted to do something special. I know you’ve been a bit down lately.”

“How do you mean?” he asked, sounding curious.

“Julian cancelled that guys’ night to be with Everly,” I said. “And when you talked about how you used to go to art stuff with Cerise, you sounded sad.”

Seth looked taken aback.

“I know you’re always trying to be cheerful and happy around the others, but you don’t need to always act that way around me,” I said. “If you’re feeling sad or down, I want you to know you can come to me.”

Seth stared at me, long enough that I wondered if I’d got it wrong.

Despite the somber look on his face, a tender smile crossed his lips. He reached over the table and took my hand.

“You’re a wonder,” he said. “You’ve got all this shit you’re dealing with, and you still have time to think about me.”

I squeezed his hand. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”

The somber expression shifted into surprise, before he forced a grin.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m doing great. As long as my friends are happy, I’m happy.”

I knew that was true. Seth only ever wanted his friends to be happy.

I just wondered how he felt about them finding happiness without needing him.