“Why not let things happen naturally? Instead of feeling like you have to be romantic, or can’t be romantic, just be. If you want to kiss him, just do it. If you don’t, well, then you’re estúpida. My point is, how can either of you feel comfortable when you’re together if you’re so worried about what you can and can’t do, can and can’t say?”
“I already told him I only wanted to be friends.”
“You changed your mind. If you want, you can always tell him that you’re estúpida.”
“That I am or that you said I am?”
Tee-Tee patted my hand. “Both, Mija. Now, what’s for dessert tonight?”
I’d decided earlier to make peppermint brownies. They were easy, and with the addition of mint, they’d be Christmas-y too. I dug out my cell phone—Edge’s cell phone that I still needed to return to him—and sent him a text.
I’ve been thinking about the Christmas tree.
Moments later, he responded. Change your mind?
I had changed my mind, but not about the tree. I think we should go and get one tonight.
While he hadn’t responded to my text, I was happy to see him in the dining hall for dinner. Grinder was with him, which I didn’t recall happening before. The man laughed and smiled often enough, especially when he was around Edge, but it always seemed as though he had an underlying sadness. Maybe that’s why they were best friends. After losing his parents at such a young age, Edge probably carried sadness too. Just like I did because of my mother’s addiction.
Once I had the brownies plated with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, I grabbed a tray and took three portions to their table.
“Hi, guys.” When I set the tray on the table, Edge got up and pulled out the chair next to him.
I gave him what I hoped was my sweetest smile. “Thank you.”
“By all means.” He sat back down, seemingly leaving my smile unnoticed.
I set one plate in front of him, one in front of Grinder, and took one for myself.
“This looks fantastic.” Grinder looked at Edge as though he expected his friend to say something, but he didn’t, nor did he take a bite of the brownie.
“Don’t you like chocolate?”
“Sorry, what?”
“I asked if you liked chocolate.”
He looked at the plate and then up at me. “Not terribly hungry.”
My eye caught the brief look of surprise on Grinder’s face.
“Okay, well, I’ll leave you gentlemen to finish your conversation.” I didn’t wait for Edge to respond; I stood and walked away.
“Rebel, wait.” Edge jumped up and followed me.
I stopped and took a deep breath before I turned around. “I’m sorry I interrupted.”
He looked down at the floor. “You didn’t.”
“Is it me, Edge, or is something else going on?”
He looked up and into my eyes. “I’m truly happy that you were offered the position.”
“I can tell.” I half-laughed, remembering how Tee-Tee had said the same words to me this afternoon.
He looked over his shoulder and then led me out the dining hall en
tryway. “I think we should forgo the tree decorating.”