Free Dizzy by Jolene Perry Page B

it.”
    “So, we’re both after the big degrees,” he says.
    “Yeah.” We both are. “But on opposite sides of what they offer.”
    “Maybe.” He shrugs.
    It sort of sums up Dylan and me. Not that there is a Dylan and me. But it’s like we’re similar, and we’re not. I’m okay to cry in front of him, although I’m still embarrassed about it, and we’re both unhappy about this wedding. Then he’s the big mansion, hot party guy with the model friends, and I’m…well, the opposite of that. Before I have a chance to process how much time’s gone by, the city’s turning dark, and I’m not sure what to do.
    “I’ll take you home,” he says.
    “What?”
    “You’re looking around like you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of me,” he teases as he slides off the hood.
    He stands underneath me and holds his hand out to help me down. My heart starts to beat all crazy, which means I’m completely ridiculous because it’s just a hand. I take it and land way too close to him. And his blue eyes are too close and his warmth is too close and he smells so, so good. And when he steps away, it’s like my legs are weak, proving that I really need to be careful around this guy.
    “So, today we call bonding time, and maybe we’ll get together again for the museum, cross something off that stupid, damn list.” He sucks in the last word. “Sorry, I know it’s your sister’s.”
    “Her lists are ridiculous. No worries here.”
    “I know you don’t know me or anything, but you really should talk to your sister about all this mess with the friend and the guy and everything.”
    I blow a loose strand of hair off my face. “Maybe.”
    I know he’s right, and I know I’m stubborn and want her to come to me. But I’m also stubborn enough to wait on her for a while longer.
    Dylan pauses looking at me more intently than I expect. He shakes his head like I do when I’m trying to get past one thought into another.
    “No maybe. Dylan knows his shit. Besides, if you’re able to get them to separate for longer than a bathroom break, I’ll call you a miracle worker.”
    It sounds like a challenge. “You’re on.”
     
     

 
     
    Nine
    ~Dylan~
     
    I can’t get over how weird yesterday was. I mean, it started because I can’t stand to see a girl cry. When Ziah was all teary and mopey, I did the only thing any guy would—I tried to distract her so the tears would stop. I’m not the best with the whole opening up thing, but I figured pizza always works with me. So I gave it a shot.
    And it actually wasn’t so bad.
    Not like I think we’re friends or anything, but for a little while, I actually forgot I was just trying to distract her. Granted, today I’ll do everything in my power to make myself remember it was just distraction. She’s still the angry chick whose sister is ripping my brother away from me. And who also has an idiot of an ex-boyfriend.
    “Lil D! Open up.” Something pounds against my bedroom door.
    “Go away!” I yell back at Derrick. I’m still pissed at him about this whole thing, and honestly, I’m not even sure what to say to him anymore. It’s weird hanging out with him now, and I never expected it to be like that.
    “No.” He pushes inside.
    “Don’t make me kick your ass again.”
    He laughs, and I roll over to ignore him. “Come on. Get dressed. We’re hanging out for a while.”
    I look up to see he’s already dressed in a pair of cargo shorts and a button up shirt. “Oh, so you have time for me today? You pried your lips away from Lora long enough to talk with your brother?” Still, I find myself pushing up and getting out of bed.
    Derrick rolls his eyes. “Grow up and come on. You’re acting like a five-year-old.”
    I choose to ignore that. This is his fault, not mine. Once I’m in my bathroom, I strip and take a quick shower. When I’m ready, I jog down the stairs, half expecting to see Derrick and Lora surgically re-attached, but luckily, she’s not