Not Pretending Anymore Ward, Penelope (good books for high schoolers .txt) 📖

the sidewalk and offer him lunch. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders to contribute to change. You can do it little by little.”

“How did you get so insightful?” I smiled, clutching one of the throw pillows to my chest. “Hey, I never got to properly thank you for being there for me the night my dad was rushed to the hospital.”

“Anytime.”

I hesitated a moment. “Will seemed freaked out to see you with me, but I guess I can’t blame him considering what he thinks of my relationship with you.”

“Did he tell you we got into a pissing match outside the waiting room before you woke up?”

“No, but I sensed something when I saw you two talking.” I paused. “I know why he must hate you. He thinks you’re his competition. But…why do you hate him?”

Declan’s jaw tightened. “I’ve already told you. The verdict is still out on Dr. Dickalicious. I don’t like how fast he changed his tune on things.” He shrugged. “But look, I just want you to be happy. If he ends up making you happy, that’s what matters.”

You make me happy. Those words were at the tip of my tongue as the tension in the air grew thick.

Declan jumped up off the couch and clapped his hands, seeming to forcibly shake himself out of his funk. “You know what this night is missing?”

“What?”

“Breakfast for dinner. You hungry?”

Rubbing my stomach, I grinned. “I’m starving, actually.”

“Go relax. I’m gonna head to the store because we’re out of eggs. I’ll be back in twenty.”

“Sounds good.”

After spending so much time at my dad’s house, I was glad to be back in my happy place. A casual night in with Declan was exactly what I needed right now. The only thing dampening the evening was Declan’s strange mood. Maybe I was overreacting. Everyone has the right to feel crappy and not have to explain themselves. Maybe I’d just been spoiled by his happy-go-lucky demeanor up until this point.

While waiting for him to come back, I took a nice, hot shower. Closing my eyes as the water rained down on me, I reflected on our conversation, pondering some of the small things I could do moving forward: be a better daughter to my parents, a better big sister to Siobhan, volunteer my nursing services somewhere once a week on one of my days off. Declan was totally right. There were lots of small ways I could make my life more meaningful—in honor of my dad.

I exited the shower feeling refreshed and hoped Declan would be in a better mood when he returned. I’d just wrung out my hair when the doorbell rang. I thought it was a little strange that he was using the bell, but perhaps he’d forgotten his key.

Wrapped in my towel, I walked over to the door and opened it with a huge smile on my face. It faded when I realized it wasn’t Declan returning with the groceries. It was Julia.

I clutched my towel closer to my body. “Oh...hey. I thought you were Declan.”

Her eyes wandered from my head to my toes. “You thought I was Declan, so you answered the door in your towel?”

Is she seriously judging me in my own damn house?

“No. I answered the door in my towel because I live here, and the bell rang when I’d just gotten out of the shower.”

“Of course.” She nodded and made her way into the apartment without being invited. “Where is Declan?” she asked, looking around suspiciously.

“He went grocery shopping.”

“Ah.” She ran her finger along the granite countertop. “You mind if I hang out until he gets back?”

What the hell am I supposed to say?

“Sure.”

I went to my room to change. God, this sucked. I did not want to deal with her tonight.

As soon as I returned to the living area, the front door opened, and my and Julia’s heads turned in unison.

Declan’s eyes widened. “Julia, what are you doing here?”

“I was heading home from a late spa appointment. Since your apartment was closer than mine, I figured I’d stop by. I know you said you were just going to chill at home tonight, but I missed you.”

He feigned a smile, but I could tell it wasn’t genuine. “How come you didn’t text me to tell me you were coming?”

“I guess I wanted to surprise you?”

He looked over at me, and I could tell he was uncomfortable.

“I was just getting out of the shower when the doorbell rang,” I explained. “She hung out and waited for you while I got dressed.”

He smiled sympathetically at me, and turned to her. “Okay. I just wish I’d known you were coming. I would’ve bought extra bread. I only bought eggs.”

She looked between us. “Oh, I didn’t realize I was interrupting…dinner?”

Shit. I actually felt bad for Declan. She was definitely suspicious when this was just a platonic dinner between roommates. He was trying to do something nice for me, and she was probably going to give him shit about it.

“Declan was just going to make breakfast for dinner. Nothing fancy,” I said.

“Molly had a tough week, and it’s her favorite.”

“But…” I looked at him. “There should definitely be enough for everyone, right?”

Julia pretended not to care. “I haven’t been eating carbs anyway.”

Figures. Skinny bitch.

“I can make you a nice omelet,” Declan offered. “We have some veggies in the crisper. You like spinach, tomato, and a little feta?”

“I would love that. You’re so sweet.”

He’s being sweet right now because he has no choice. You forced him into it by showing up unannounced.

Declan smacked his hands together. “Okay, veggie omelet coming up.” He turned to me. “French toast for us, okay?”

“You know it. Of course.” I excused myself. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to dry my hair.”

After I disappeared into my room, my phone chimed.

Declan: I’m sorry she showed up unannounced.

Molly: It’s okay.

Declan: No, it’s really not. I know you wanted a chill evening.

Molly: Well, she’s here. And I would never expect