Page 41 of Always Love You More

She peers over at the table. “No, it’s fine.”

I hold out my hand, and she looks up at me before taking it. Her hand is so much smaller than mine, so much softer.

I’ve never held a girl’s hand before. I never saw the point. But I want it to be clear as we walk back over to the table that even though she technically isn’t mine, she can’t be anyone else’s, either.

I climb up onto the table, above the spot I left her purse, and she sinks down on the bench below me, sitting between my legs.

I know everyone saw us come over. Saw her hand in mine. The way she’s sitting with me.

Good.

Mason doesn’t try anything with her after that.

We sit as everyone talks around us, sipping our drinks. Eventually, Billy comes over with Madison, his arm slung over her shoulders.

I guess he’s gone back to her tonight.

He was just complaining to me a few days ago that she wouldn’t leave him alone, that she keeps calling his house. I’ve told him that he’s confusing as fuck. He tells girls he’s done thengoes back so many times that they never believe him when he says it.

She leans into him and looks at Sam. “Hi, I’m Madison,” she says, her voice pitched high.

Sam’s attention shifts from her to Billy, and I wish I could see the look on her face. I want to know if she finds this girl as ridiculous as I do. From the way she deadpans, “Hi, I’m Sam,” I’m pretty sure she does.

“Billy told me you work at the garage.”

Sam nods.

“That must be fun.” Madison beams. “Maybe I can come hang out, too.”

“Don’t think so,” I mutter.

She puffs out her bottom lip and turns to Billy, who throws me a dirty look.

“What he means is we’re working,” Billy tells her. “We can’t just have people hanging around.”

“I know,” she whines, and I seriously don’t understand how Billy can stand her grating voice. “But you’re always working. I never get to see you.”

Billy rolls his neck. “You’re seeing me right now.”

She deflates. “You’re right.” Forcing her face into a smile, she adds, “Sorry. I just miss you.”

He pulls her in tighter but doesn’t answer.

She turns her attention back to Sam. “Billy said you’re going to be a sophomore this year at Lincoln. We can all hang out.”

“Sure,” Sam mumbles halfheartedly.

“Do you play any sports?” Madison asks. “Or are you in any clubs?”

“No.”

“Oh,” Madison says. “Well, I’m on the cheerleading squad. You should try out next year.”

Sam looks down at herself then back up to Madison. “Not really my thing.”

Madison is in a little pink sundress and sandals, while Sam has on cutoff denim shorts, a tight black T-shirt that hits her belly button, and her dirty black Converse. They couldn’t look any more different if they tried.

Sam drains the rest of her beer and crushes the can under her foot. Madison jumps at the noise, and I have to keep myself from smiling.