Talia – Umm, earth to Harls? That thing ends at eight. You should have been home by eight thirty. It’s now ten. You, okay?
Lila – Talia. Hush.
Talia – What? I’m worried.
Me – It wasn’t boring. I actually had a good time.
Me – We all avoided the food.
Me – Met Carter’s best friend, Granger. He’s a riot
Me – I also met his little sister. She’s our age. Told her about y’all. Plans are in the works.
Talia – Okay. So, why’d it take so long for you to text us back?
Lila – Talia. Geez.
Everly – I’m with them. Chill.
Me – We stopped at Gusher’s. Actually ate good food.
I tried to swallow the hurt at Talia’s words. What was the big deal?
At times, it seemed as though she didn’t care if Carter and I hung out, then at other times, it seemed as though it bothered her.
Then my phone vibrated with a new text.
Carter – Thank you again for going with me tonight. You made the night not boring and a lot of fun.
Me – Good. I am so glad.
Carter – Night, Harlee Belle.
Me – Night Carter Car.
***
I smiled as I opened two packages of instant grits, then dumped them in the bowl. Followed with a dollop of butter, shredded cheese, and just the right amount of sugar into my bowl.
All I was waiting for was for the water in the kettle to finish boiling.
The first time I had eaten grits like this had been after a slumber party at Talia’s house when we were seven.
And ever since then... I can’t eat grits any other way.
Even my parents thought it was weird, until they tried it... and now.... at Gushers, we offer the Plain Jane Grits, or the Rock Me Grits.
That thought sobered me up, in more ways than one.
Last night with Carter had been fun. Just the two of us.
And how he was protective over me, his hand on the small of my back, I wished, gah, I wished I had met Carter first before I met Talia.
Freaking girl code.
I sighed. At the same time, my kettle started whistling.
Taking it off the burner and turning the dial, I poured just the right amount of water and dove in.
