“I wish.” Leon sighs. “We do hang out more though. He’s single. I’m single. Something is bound to happen, you know?”
“Aw, that first blush of new love,” I tease.
“It’s not love, sweetie. More like lust. Though I do like him. He’s so smart, so…interesting.” Leon smirks. “And you can’t give me any grief. You’re giddy in love with Knox Maguire.”
“I’m not in love with him,” I protest.
Am I?
The look Leon sends me is full of disbelief. “Open your eyes, doll face. You are so in love with him, it’s pathetic.”
And with that little truth bomb, Leon shuffles away, heading for the back of the store while I stand there dumbfounded with the realization.
I think my friend is right. I’m in love.
I’m in love with Knox Maguire.
Meaning I am seriously leaving myself wide open to heartbreak.
“Oh hey, aren’t you Joanna?”
I turn to find Daphne standing behind the counter, a curious look on her face.
“Yeah. I am.” I don’t bother telling her we met before, at Logan’s. She only had eyes for Knox that night. I didn’t even exist.
“I’m Daphne.” She thrusts her hand out toward me and I admire her manicure. Long, pale blue nails shaped almost like talons. I’d look like a little kid pretending to be a villain with nails like that while Daphne’s are incredibly stylish. “I know Knox. And you’re—datingKnox.”
“I know.”
She frowns. “You do?”
“He told me you two used to hook up.”
Her pale glossed lips drop open, her eyes going wide with shock. “Really?”
I nod. “We don’t keep secrets from each other, so if you’re trying to cause trouble by saying you two used to fuck all over campus, I don’t really care. He’s with me now.”
Daphne snaps her lips shut, slowly shaking her head. “That’s not why I wanted to talk to you.”
Oh shit. “It’s not?”
“No. But go you for trying to put me in my place. I could never work up the courage to do that to someone.” She leans against the counter, her gaze full of…admiration? “I just wanted to congratulate you.”
“Congratulate me?” My voice is faint. I really don’t know what direction she’s trying to take this.
“Yeah. I’ve been chasing after Knox for years and he barely gives me the time of day. He doesn’t take me seriously. No one does.” She sighs, resting her elbow on the counter and propping her chin on her fist. “But you nabbed him in a matter of weeks. Props to you, girl.”
I stare at her, shocked at her words. Her praise. “Um, thank you?”
“No problem.” She stands up straight, her arms dropping to her sides. “And no bad feelings, okay? I’m not out to get your man. I don’t play like that.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Her words truly shock me. “Thanks for being so upfront with me.”
“I’m just following your lead.” She tilts her head toward the clothing section. “When are you guys getting some new stuff?”
“New designs won’t come out until after winter break.” We keep getting the same complaints. At least they restocked sizes though.
“I knew you were going to say that.” She mock pouts. “Will you be at the game Saturday?”