Page 47 of Paint Our Song

She really does look impressed, and it tugs at Miles’s heart. He did this. He had a part in this, and he hopes it only gets even better.

They’re in the middle of eating when Miles’ phone vibrates in his pocket. His heart takes a leap when he sees that it’s Calvin.

Cat-vin: It’s beautiful.

It’s curt and direct to the point. Reading Calvin’s tone—or lack of it—is difficult on a normal day, more so through text messages. Miles can’t tell if he actually means it or if he’s only being polite.

Me: do u want to see the others and choose? I made a few

Cat-vin: sure.

Me: where are you?

Cat-vin: Watching a movie at the mall downtown. I can meet you at the inn later.

Me: Did you walk all the way there??? Wat r you watching?

Cat-vin: Yeah. Some documentary about the ocean. Idk. It’s not interesting.

Miles clasps a hand over his mouth. What is even going on? Why would Calvin go all the way there to watch a boring documentary? Before he can convince himself not to, he calls him.

“Hi,” Calvin mutters. There’s a man’s monotonous voice talking in the background.

“Do you need a ride?” Miles asks.

“No. You’re not my chauffeur.”

“Relax, I wanted to head there and get something for my mom, anyway.” Shit, now he has to think of what to get Mom.

There’s a strange pause from Calvin. The old man’s talking about… otters? Calvin lets out a sigh. “I can’t leave. Some people were making a fuss over how I was here, so I snuck into this movie. Not sure if they’re still outside.”

Aaaand, there it is.

“Okay. I’ll go grab my mom’s stuff and meet you by the movie theater.”

“Fine. Thank you.” The call ends.

“Who are you talking to?” Gabby asks, peering over his shoulder. He instinctively locks his phone and puts it away, but Gabby’s already seen Calvin’s name on the screen.

She smirks.

Ever since he and Calvin drove to Ridgeford together, she’s been much more aggressive with her teasing. For some reason, Gabby has this absurd idea that Calvin’s into him.

After Mom excuses herself and steps away to talk to some of the staff, Gabby leans toward Miles and says, very directly, “Ask him out.”

“Wha—no.”

“Why not?”

Miles levels a glare at her.

Gabby chuckles. “It’s time. You haven’t seen anyone since Matthew.”

“I most definitely have seen people since Matt.”

“One time hookups don’t count.”

He’s suddenly very, very appreciative that Mom’s across the room and out of earshot. There’s no way she can hear this conversation. “Listen, what makes you think that Calvin would even be remotely interested in me?”