Vomit.
When we get back to school, a tall blond guy halfway across the commons approaches us, eyeing Audrey. The way he looks at her is nothing like one typical teen checking out another: He looks sad. Maybe even more than sad. Wrecked. The guy stops in front of us and opens his mouth to say something to her. The pain in his eyes makes me want to listen, but Audrey grabs my arm and pulls me around him and quickens her pace. Kids all around us watch the silent scene with funny looks on their faces as we work our way through the post-lunch crowd.
“What was that all about?” I ask quietly when we’ve made it to the hallway where our lockers are.
“Just an old boyfriend,” she says.
“Wow, he’s gorgeous.”
Audrey’s quiet for a second. Then she says, “He used to be.”
The bell rings, so I don’t get the chance to ask what she means.
>I hook Audrey a look like she’s insane and move to the other side of the rack.
“I love this song.” I sing quietly as I flip through pants I can’t afford; I used all of my allowance on stuff for my bedroom.
“Ick,” Audrey says. “I totally don’t get this band. You and Matt.”
I suck in my breath, hoping she’ll say more about her brother. She doesn’t, so I decide to use question number one.
“What show did he go see last night?” I ask casually.
“Crunch Toast.”
“Love them, too.”
“Actually, I agree with that one. They’re awesome. One time…”
Audrey tells her story and I try to listen but instead I zone out, pulled away by thoughts of Matt’s hair. Of his tanned arms and the wide, industrial-hip watch that looks like it was made specifically for his arm. I think of the way he smelled faintly of cucumber and mint—both must be in his shampoo. I think of the sound of him sipping his coffee: not a gross slurp, but not silent, either. Like a little inhale. Of his easy smile. Of the way his worn jeans hang perfectly from his hips. I think of the fact that he has the nicest boy feet I’ve ever seen… not that I’ve seen a ton of them.
I wonder what he’s doing right now.
Then I wonder if he’s mad about the iPhone.
Then I wonder whether he’s wondering about me.
“Hello?” Audrey says. “Are you even listening to me?”
I blink, confused.
“I’m sorry, what?” I ask.
“Do… you… want… coffee?” she asks, enunciating every word. She looks really tired all of a sudden.
“Oh, yeah, sure,” I say, putting the shirt I didn’t realize I was holding back on the rack.
We take the escalator to the coffee shop on the second floor. Audrey orders a nonfat caramel latte and it sounds delicious so I get the same. When we’re settled at a table by the window, Audrey checks her phone.
“What time do you have to be home?”
“Five,” I say, sipping my drink.
“Okay, we’re doing all right, then.”
Audrey’s still looking down at her phone. I take the opportunity to bring up Matt.
“Why did Matt take your phone?” I ask. She rolls her eyes dramatically.