8 Chapter 8
Jessica’s smile faltered beside them, but Mrs. Rossi didn’t notice. She kept talking to Leonardo and me. “Once you’re in Seattle, you two will be all each other has. Leo, you have to take care of Kira, and stop making her mad, okay?” (1
My mom looked uncomfortable, probably realizing none of this would be useful in sunny LA. Not wanting to be rude, she just thanked her.
“That’s okay, Mrs. Clark. There are plenty of stores in Seattle, and I can always order
online.”
1
I pulled out my phone, found a clear photo of my acceptance letter, and shoved it in his face.
Before she finished, the expressions on Leonardo and his parents’ faces changed completely.
Leonardo let out a low chuckle. “She’s just being childish. She’ll come around. We’ve known each other our whole lives; she can’t stay mad at me.”
After a pause, Leonardo spoke. “Honestly, Kira’s great. But I feel like I’d be settling. I’m young; a guy can’t just be with one girl his whole life. It’s too boring.”
“I want to play the field… But that doesn’t mean I have to lose my safety net. I know she’ll always be there waiting for me when I’m done.”
The mood grew tense. Jessica suddenly spoke up. “Mrs. Rossi, I’ll be in Seattle too. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Leo. Besides, Kira’s going to be all the way in Los Angeles. It’s not like she can do much from there, right?”
Leonardo glanced at me with a smirk. “Hah, she’s all independent now. Doesn’t need me. She can handle herself just fine.”
I couldn’t listen anymore and quietly slipped away. The chilly night air made me sniffle, my eyes burning again. I cursed myself for being so stupid, for being such a bad judge of character.
The friend sighed. “You know, Kira’s a keeper. That kind of history is rare. We all envy how much she’s into you.”
Mom stepped in to save me. “Kira changed her preference at the last minute. She decided to go to UCLA. It’s a fantastic school with the program she wanted.”
Everyone’s eyes were on me.
My mood at the dinner was terrible. Mrs. Clark, however, was thrilled to have me there, fussing over me constantly.
Ignoring the shocked whispers from the other guests, he pulled me out of the room.
Leonardo’s party was a small, private affair for close family and friends. My arrival caused a ripple of surprise, visible on everyone’s faces.
“Childhood sweetheart versus the campus queen. Tough call, man. It’s a shame to lose either… So what’s the game plan?”
Leonardo looked stunned, then laughed in disbelief. “Are you serious? You, who screams and runs to me if you see a spider, you’re really going to LA?”
“Los Angeles?”
I stepped onto the balcony for some air and overheard a conversation from the hallway. Some of his football buddies had cornered him.
They asked in unison, looking at me.
“I thought you said Kira was still mad about the whole Jessica thing. Is she over it already?”
“Kira, that Seattle rain is no joke. Tomorrow, you have Leo take you shopping for some good waterproof boots.”
I nodded silently under their intense stares.
I smiled and greeted everyone, pretending nothing was wrong. But I could feel their curious glances.
His grip was tight. Annoyed, I snapped. “Yes, I’m going to Los Angeles. What’s it to you?”
Leonardo took the phone, staring at it for a long time. Finally, he let out a short, angry laugh.
Jessica looked shocked. “Leo, you didn’t know? The college placement list was posted
at school. Oh, right, you haven’t been back.”
Leonardo looked unconvinced. He grabbed my wrist, demanding an answer. “Kira, weren’t we going to the same college? I watched you fill out the application.”
She nodded, then turned to my mom. “I’ve already started getting Kira’s dorm stuff together with Leo’s, for every season. Those gloomy northern winters are no joke, so I got her extra warm fleece blankets. And a really good waterproof jacket. Don’t you worry about getting her ready; I know how busy you are.”
His friend was quiet for a second before laughing and clapping him on the shoulder. “You’re a real piece of work.”
