Page 24 of Fly's Path

Fly wouldn’t kill me for having another friend. Maybe I can make all of her friends into my friends. That would give me even more cover.

Keeping a pack of people around us will act as a distraction. Lola will be able to fade into the pack and disappear, while I keep her protected.

You’ve literally known this girl for a few hours and decided to become her protector. Have you lost your mind?

Yes, her smile took away any hope of me ever getting it back again.

Lola steps out of class with her friend Kerri by her side. Perfect.

Lunch for three.

Kerri nudges Lola, and the two of them turn towards where I’m leaning against the wall.

Lola’s entire face lights up as she smiles. The joy spreads like a virus, forcing a smile out of me. “You made it?”

Did she really expect me to ditch her even though I said I’d take her to lunch? “How was class?”

“Hard.” She grins. “There’s no way I’m going to get everything memorized.”

Does she ever stop smiling? I hope not.

“Yes, you will. I’ll help you study.” Kerri hefts her book bag onto her shoulder.

“Could you lend me your brain for the test? Seriously. Maybe I should have taken a few gap years and started all of this when I was in my twenties.”

I knew Lola was younger than me, but I didn’t know she was that young. A twenty-four-year-old has no business dating a teenager.

DATING! You aren’t dating her. Just friends.

That’s it. Friends who hang out in groups of friends.

Never alone.

No dating.

“You would have been so bored,” Kerri says.

“Lola would have loved traveling abroad.” Both women turn to face me. That probably wasn’t the smartest thing to say, but it’s true. Lola is fun and game for things. She would have had a blast running around, exploring the world. “Are you two ready for lunch?” I slip Lola’s bag off her shoulder and onto mine.

The two women exchange glances…

Friends, just friends. I hold a hand out for Kerri’s bag.

She gives me a confused look but plops the all-too-heavy thing into my hand.

Are these two trying to curve their spines under the weight of their quest for knowledge? “What would you two like for lunch?”

The two girls look at each other, then start laughing at their inside joke before saying in unison, “Pho.”

Rice noodles and vegetables it is. “Sounds good. I know a place.” I know every place thanks to Fly’s attention to detail and never-too-prepared attitude.

Lola slips her hand into mine.

I should pull away, but instead my eyes are drawn to the connection. To the spot where she touches me. To where something so simple and mundane feels like a brand scorching a path to my heart.

How does it feel to already fail at the friends thing? Not going to lie, pretty amazing.

We stop in front of my car, and embarrassment starts to set in as I realize what it looks like. I bought this car to make me look like a rich playboy without a care in the world and more money than sense.