Hate to Love You novel · Chapter 10 of 24

Chapter 10: First Kiss

I told three lies to get out of the house on Friday night.

I said I was studying with Jess.

I said Jess's mom would drive me home.

I said I wouldn't be late.

Dad nodded and handed me ten dollars for pie.

Mason watched me from the couch with a controller in his hand and didn't say a word.

I felt his eyes on my back all the way to the door.

The Starlite Diner sat at the edge of town, a silver rectangle with a red neon sign and a parking lot full of pickup trucks.

It was raining again.

It seemed to rain every time something mattered in this town.

Shay was already in the corner booth.

He stood up when I came in, nearly knocking over the napkin holder.

"You came," he said.

"You asked."

"I know. I just didn't think..." He shook his head and laughed at himself. "Sit. Please."

I slid into the booth.

He'd ordered two slices of pie and a pot of tea without asking what I wanted, and somehow it was exactly right.

The waitress poured and left.

For a while we ate and talked about nothing.

He told me about Eastlake's cafeteria, which had once served blue pasta on purpose.

I told him about Dayton, and the one good bakery on Wayne Avenue.

He listened to every word.

"Can I tell you something?" he said, pushing his plate away.

"You can always tell me something."

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