Suddenly, in my mind, I’m back in the tank, submerged with him, our lips locked together. “I do.”
Kate opens her arms as if she wants a hug. “Well, who am I to judge other people’s love?”
Then she leans in and wraps her arms around me, pulling on me so tight I feel like I might puke all over her. I let it go on for the count of three seconds, and then I wiggle out of her tight embrace.
“It’s not love. It obviously can’t go anywhere.” My mind ticks away all the reasons why it’s completely unreasonable for me to want to see Mack again. Even though I know I’ll try. My spirits immediately dampen. “Let’s change the subject. Why are you here . . . how’d you get in?”
Kate digs into her pocket and produces a single key. “I made this forever ago. I’ve had it for years. You don’t talk to anyone. Do you think I’d let you die in this apartment all by yourself? Anyway. I’m here to remind you that next week is my birthday. And you . . . you agreed to Little Mermaid Drag.”
“I didn’t agree. I said maybe.”
“Well, that’s as good as a yes in my book. So, here’s your warning. You better show up.”
I wipe my hair out of my face and glance at Kate furtively.
But considering how brave I’ve been these last few weeks . . . odds are actually looking pretty good that I’ll turn up. Miracles upon miracles. Still, I won’t promise.
“We’ll see,” I say. I hold out my arm. “Here, take your phone back.”
She grabs my hand, pinching at the skin. “What the hell is this on your skin?”
I look down.
There’s a second green fleck.
Chapter 15
Jules: Question for you
Mack: A question for me? Not surprising.
Jules: Can I ask it?
Mack: You already did. Kidding! Fine, ask it.
Jules: Have you ever been to the ocean?
Mack: It’s only 20 minutes away.
Jules: Yeah, but, like, as you are now . . .
Mack: No, but I think about it.
Jules: Really?
Mack: Sometimes in my dreams. Yeah.
Jules: What keeps you here?
Mack: I have family.
Jules: You do?
Mack: Or I used to at least.
Jules: You have friends too?
Mack . . .
Mack: No, not anymore.
Jules: Your family knows then . . .
Mack: For the most part.
Jules: And what do they think?
Mack: It’s complicated.
Jules: Sure, yeah. I get that. I do.
Jules: Okay, well, it’s late. I guess I should get to bed.
Mack: Late? It’s seven thirty in the morning?
Jules: Really?
Mack: Yes . . .
