Page 60 of November

“Yes, you should. Your hair looks perfect anyway.”

Maisie ran a hand up to India’s ear and pushed a rogue strand behind it.

“I think if it were perfect, you wouldn’t have had to do that just now.”

“Youlikethat I did that just now,” Maisie replied with a wink.

“I did, yes. But I like having my hair behave. Can I have five minutes to handle these flyaways?”

“No. Let’s go,” she said and tugged on India’s hand.

“You’re killing me, Lincoln.”

“Your espresso machine tried to killmejust minutes ago. Consider this payback. And you’re trying a different beer tonight, by the way. I’m convinced there’s one out there for you.”

“What? No. Wine or a martini.”

“I saidtry,” she replied as they made their way through the hall. “You can order something else, too.”

“This is a lot of you bossing me around on a date.”

Maisie stopped when they got to the living room and asked her, “Hey, want to go to a soccer game with me tomorrow?”

“Random,” India said.

“Sorry. But do you?”

“Do I what, again?”

“Soccer game. Lainey and Paige’s team. They’re in the state tournament. It’s a big deal. It’s a home game. I’m going to cheer from the stands and try to pretend like the election isn’t fast approaching. Thank God, I got a big donation today, but it’s still crazy. Anyway, come with me. We’ll cheer together.”

“To a sporting event?” India squinted. “Ahigh schoolsporting event?”

“They’re really good.”

“I’m sure they are, but I don’t do sports, Maisie. They’re boring to me and confusing, and if it’s high school, there are bleachers, and those are cold and uncomfortable.I’dbe uncomfortable, and I don’t want to ruin the night for you and your friends.”

Maisie forced a smile and said, “Yeah, okay. It was just an idea. Like you said, random. Let’s just get that drink.”

“A martini?”

“I’m getting an IPA. You’re going to at least taste it.”

“Fine,” India said.

As they made their way downstairs, Maisie tried not to think about the fact that India had turned her down for the game, and when Justin met them and opened the door to the garage, India just stood there for a second before she realized that he wasn’t bringing the car to them. She caught up to Maisie then, and they walked to her car, which was no Jaguar. India didn’t comment on it, though, and later, she tried that IPA, shaking her head immediately after. While Maisie knewit was only a beer and no big deal, the whole night had still reminded her just how different the two of them were, so when she dropped India off for the night, she kissed her on the cheek instead of the lips and told her goodnight.

CHAPTER 16

“You said no?” Juliet asked.

“I said it wasn’t really my thing. Besides, she’s got a lot going on. It’s her friends’ big day, I think,” India replied.

“It’s a high school soccer game,” Juliet replied.

“Her friends are the coaches. Maisie is going to show her support.”

“Shouldn’t you go to support Maisie?”