Page 24 of How To Tackle A Crush
I remember the way he had allowed silence to exist. The way he had seemed comfortable inside it.
How he had looked directly at whoever spoke to him like they were the only person there.
How he had looked at me like that.
I wish I wasn’t remembering that part so clearly.
“He listened,” I add.
Chloe nods slowly, understanding something in that.
“That’s rare.”
“Yes.”
“You notice that kind of thing.”
I look down at the edge of my notebook.
I always have. It’s easier to understand people through behaviour. Through patterns. Through what they do when they think nobody is measuring them.
Safer too.
“So,” Chloe says, her tone shifting back to something lighter, “important question.”
She better not going to ask me anything about football.
“Is he as hot as he looks in the pictures?”
I sigh quietly. “Chloe.”
“What? This is vital background research.”
“I was not there to evaluate his appearance.”
“So you did.”
I hesitate just long enough to betray myself.
She grins immediately.
“That pause said everything.”
“He is… well proportioned,” I admit.
Chloe bursts out laughing, then immediately presses a hand to her stomach.
“Don’t make me laugh,” she says. “Still healing.”
“I apologise.”
“It was worth it.” She wipes at her eyes. “Well proportioned.You sound like you’re reviewing a sculpture.”
“I am describing objectively.”
“Did he flirt?”
“I don’t think he was trying to impress anyone.”
