Free Entangled by Annie Brewer Page A

window, comprehending my earlier comment. I’m wondering what her boyfriend would say about me living in the same building as her. I can’t stand Landon and it’s obvious he’s not too fond of me either. “Oh, um I guess I can look and see what I can find.”
    “Cool.”
    We walk into Best Buy, off 28 th street, where all the shops and restaurants are. “I’m going to check out the movies.” I leave her in the CD section and wander around by myself. I don’t really care to look at the movies since all mine are still packed so I don’t remember what I have and don’t have. I just need a distraction. My phone beeps in my pocket so I pull it out without thinking, “Hello?”
    “Hey Noah, it’s-“
    “I know who it is. What do you want?” I rudely interrupt, annoyed.
    “I just wanted to see how you were doing. Are you’re getting tired of Colorado yet?”
    “I think I’m enjoying it, just fine.” That’s a total lie, but I’m not going to tell her that. Besides, I’m slowly adapting.
    “Look, I’m not sure why you can’t let me go but I really need you to forget about me. I’m not coming back.” And if I did, even to visit, I wouldn’t tell her. It’s obvious by the brief silence and moans that she’s pouting like a child, “No one would give me what I want, Noah.”
    “And neither will I, Kasey. Now I have to go.” I catch Maddy watching me, not even having heard her approach. I hang up even though Kasey was still talking. “You’re quiet. I didn’t hear you.” She’s casually leaning against the shelf, crossing her arms.
    “I wasn’t eavesdropping if that’s what you mean. Who’s Kasey?”
    “Not eavesdropping, huh?” I raise a brow, disbelieving. “She’s just someone who won’t let me go.”
    “I finished browsing the CD’s for now. Hungry?” She walks away, leaving me staring after her in confusion. I follow her to her car, more and more fascinated by her. And I need to put the brakes on, now.
    After ordering our food from sonic and eating, making small talk about absolutely nothing, Maddy drives me back to the house. “So,” Maddy starts as I grab for the handle. I pull back but shift toward her. “Do you want to go look at apartments tomorrow?”
    I watch her bite her lip nervously, stifling a laugh that I make her this uncomfortable. “You don’t have to be nice just because I’m your friend’s cousin.” I tell her, honestly, knowing that’s why she’s going out of her way to be nice.
    “That’s part of why, but I also think you need a friend.”
    “I don’t need a friend. I have one, back home.”
    “You need one here too, to talk to.” I tilt my head and study her. “And you want to be my friend?”
    “Maybe.” I laugh, shaking my head. “You don’t want to be my friend.”
    “You know what? Maybe I don’t. Maybe you should just go through life alone. I’m sorry I even bothered.” She stares at the steering wheel, clearly done with my attitude. I’m glad she is one to not take shit.
    “Wouldn’t your boyfriend have a problem with you hanging out with me?”
    “I’m not doing anything. I’m trying to be polite, you’re my best friend’s cousin and you need a friend or two. He can get over it. So do you want to go or not?”
    “Sure. Meet me here, I’ll drive this time. You’re kind of a scary driver.” She opens her mouth to say something but then shuts it and grins. “Okay, cool. See ya tomorrow.”
    “See ya.” I close the door and watch her drive off.
    “Was that Maddy?” My aunt saunters up beside me. I shrug, acting nonchalant but I can tell by her expression that the wheels in her head are turning. “Don’t even say anything.” I tell her, leaving.
    She laughs. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Chapter 12
     
    Maddy
    “Okay, so you’re taking him to look at apartments, here?”
    I ignore the surprised tone and smile. I can tell Andi thinks it’s a bad idea. I don’t really care though. I don’t get the big deal;