Why Wait?

24

~~~Strike's dressing room~~~
I stretch my legs across Alex's lap. "If you could go anywhere in the world," he says, "where would you go?"

I think for a moment. "I'm not sure. Probably Paris. Austin has been. But I was sick that month so I couldn't go."

He nods. "Your turn."

"How many girlfriends have you had?"

He tenses a little but sees that I'm asking out of curiosity and not to make him feel bad. "About ten. Give or take a few. Most of them just wanted money or just to say they're dating a celebrity." Then he looks at me. "How about you? How many boyfriends have you had?"

I shrug. "There was a boy in middle school who I had this huge crush on. And he asked me out about three months into the school year. But after him I dated Cody. Then this guy named Anthony."

"And you got back with Cody?"

I nod. "He apologized."

"But--"

I cut him off. "Its my turn."

He sighs, waving his hand. "Go ahead."

"When is your birthday?"

He smiles kindly. "In three days."

My eyes widen. "Seriously?"

He nods. "I'm serious."

I furrow my brows. "But I thought Chance had his birthday in three days."

"Yep. We were born on the same day but two years apart."

"Huh. So you'll be eighteen, how old will he be? Twenty?"

He nods.

"Do you share birthdays?"

He furrows his brows. "I just said we did."

"No, like, share birthday parties."

He shrugs. "We haven't in a a few years. It's been a while. Ty will hang out with Chance while I go out with Luke."

I choose not to question that. It's none of my business.

"I know you want to know," he says quietly. "I just don't want to talk about it now."

I nod. "I understand."

My phone buzzes on the table and I let out a small groan. It's Cody. I haven't talked to him since Austin found out. I'm afraid my brother will just walk in as I'm talking to him.

"Are you guys fighting?" Alex asks after I allow my phone to shut off.

I shrug, playing with the sleeves of my sweater. "Not really. I just don't want to talk to him?"

His brows furrow. "Any particular reason?"

Again, I shrug. "He's been busy lately. And so have I. Plus Austin is usually lurking around every corner."

"Are you breaking up with him?" I felt a twinge of hope in his voice.

I give him a light smile. "I don't know. I guess I'll have to if I ever want to hear your song."

He sighs, shaking his head. "Don't break up with him for me, Kelli. I'll wait for ever if I have to."

I take my phone, sending Cody a text. "Why wait?"

~~~Connie's party~~~
Even though I absolutely hate Connie, she throws some amazing parties. Cody had asked me to come back to California with him. And although Austin objected, I said yes. And he decided to come with me.