Life in the No-Dating Zone Read Online Free Page A

you?”
    “Yeah, I guess. I’m ten years older than my youngest brother. I spent a lot of time holding him when he was a baby.”
    “Huh. Cool.”
    “So what do you think about letting me come with you when y’all hang out?”
    I frowned. “I don’t know. Let me think about it, okay? I mean, that feels a lot like me being a go-between.”
    “It’s okay. You don’t have to if you don’t want. Just … thanks for listening. I really do feel stupid about this.”
    “Don’t worry. I’ve met stupider people.” Oops . That was supposed to be a joke. I smiled in case he took it the wrong way.
    But he wasn’t even looking at me. “I hope so,” he mumbled into Jack’s hair.

Four
     
    Claire
     
    After Gray left and my mom put Jack down for his nap, she caught me in the kitchen. “He’s cute,” she said.
    “Don’t get excited. He’s just a friend.”
    “He seemed pretty interested in talking to you.”
    “Because he has a crush on Lindsey.”
    “Oh. Too bad.”
    “Mom. I haven’t changed my mind about not dating in high school.”
    She was fighting a grin big time. “I know, sweetie. Keep me posted, though.”
    “I will, but nothing’s going to change,” I said, heading for the stairs.
    “We’ll see.”
    I ignored that. I was pretty darn good at ignoring my mom’s teasing about my vow. “I need to hurry or I’ll be late to the Petersons’.”
     
     
    ***
     
     
    Once the three Peterson kids had played in the pool and dried off enough to come in for a snack, I sat them down in front of the TV for a little SpongeBob time. Perfect chance for me to check in with the girls. We had plans to go to a movie that night, but I hadn’t heard from either of them about it. Time to text Rose.
    Claire: What movie do you want to see?
    No more than ten seconds later, my phone rang and a photo of Rose kissing her favorite coffee mug appeared on the screen. What was she doing calling me? She knew I only texted when I was babysitting. I went to the kitchen doorway to get away from SpongeBob’s giggle.
    “Hey,” I said, “why’re you calling?”
    “Lindsey didn’t call you?”
    “No, why?”
    “Adam got off work for tonight. He wants to take her out.”
    Something tightened in my chest. “So it’s just you and me then?”
    “Well, no. Sam and I are going to dinner with them. But we want you to come too. I’m so sorry. Lindsey was supposed to call you. I had to take Josh to the dentist and Lindsey was going to tell you about the change of plans.”
    “When has Lindsey ever remembered to do something like that?”
    “I know. I’m sorry. I should’ve done it myself.”
    Sounded like I’d become the chore people liked to put off.
    “Claire?” Rose asked.
    “I’m here.”
    “You should come with us. We’re only going to Chili’s. I need you there. You know how weird Adam can be. Who else will laugh with me about it?”
    I knew as soon as she said it, she realized her mistake. Because the answer, of course, was the new boyfriend. Sam.
    It’s not that I didn’t want Rose to date someone. It was just that a few years ago when I’d vowed not to date during high school, I’d assumed Rose would always be available to hang out. Not like Lindsey, who had guys following her like she was leading a parade, even though she usually had a boyfriend. Guess most guys knew her relationships were short.
    How I wished the one with her current boyfriend would end. Every time I saw Adam’s snake tat winding around his neck, its head just below his left earlobe, I imagined it sliding into his ear and then coming out of his mouth. So gross.
    “Paaatrick!” SpongeBob said. The volume had gone way up on the TV.
    “Y’all need to turn that down,” I called.
    Five-year-old Devan twisted around at the table. “You were talking too loud.”
    “Claire?” Rose’s voice sounded thin and distant.
    I walked into the living room where I could hear myself think. Not that I was enjoying my thoughts at the moment.