Page 83 of Organized Chaos

“And here we have a lady with the best roasted pecans in the world.”

“The best?”

“Yup. She wrote it down on a sign and everything. So, it must be true.”

I laughed again as he pulled me in a million directions, making sure there was never a dull moment.

Hours went by as a realization dawned on me. It was the longest I had gone in my life without thinking about Brandon.

So, when Chris walked me home and leaned in, I didn’t deny him. It somehow seemed poetic since he was the first boy I had kissed, though it never quite curled my toes. Then or now.

However, this kiss was more significant than my first. For when I pulled back, one thing was decided on my behalf—I was cured.

My obsession with Brandon Cooper was finally over.

Chapter 19

By the time my lastclass ended, I practically leaped outside with my phone in hand. Wellington Prep had strict rules about cell phone usage on school grounds. Most kids broke the stipulation. I never did but had a gut feeling that good news was waiting for me.

I turned on my phone on the walk home, anticipating a message or voicemail. Crushing disappointment engulfed me when I saw neither.

Last night, I texted Milo and had hoped he’d respond to the kindly fashioned words. It’d been weeks since Nice, and things were still tense. The strain had left a punctured hole in my chest.

At least, I had a wonderful new boyfriend to focus on instead of wallowing. While the relationship had its challenges, on the account that my boyfriend had no romantic interest in me, I was grateful for Chris.

People said you needed love to survive. I disagreed. Oxygen was a little more important, wouldn’t you agree? Love was a mixture of biochemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, vasopressin. Those elements could be manipulated and redirected toward another source if necessary.

Any source, such as Chris.

Chris was sweet, well-mannered, and undeniably polite.

Chris was also totally gay.

My rank as the youngest in our family might have left me ignored for years, but it did help me develop a valuable skill—acute observation. Secrets were always hiding in the small details. You merely had to look for them.

I wondered if that’s why Chris hated me at first. I noticed things others missed, and he was worried about being found out. Eventually, he realized that I’d never disclose his secret even if I did figure it out.