Free Fake by Beck Nicholas Page B

nerd?’
    â€˜I’ll take that as a compliment.’
    He can, because he’s unlike any computer nerd I’ve seen. My tongue is on strike again as my brain tries desperately to think of something to say. ‘It’s nice out. Want some company the rest of the way?’
    It’s only once the question is out of my mouth that the pain in my feet from Chay’s heels registers to my brain. But I don’t care. I’ll hobble if it means I get to spend a bit longer with Sebastian.
    â€˜That would be nice.’ He looks up at the clouds, which are becoming darker by the second. The wind is picking up too. ‘Perfect weather for a stroll.’
    It’s only an extra two blocks down the main shopping strip from the salon. I enjoy every second despite my ankles and toes feeling like I’m striding through shards of glass with every step.
    â€˜You’re really into computers, huh?’
    He launches into a description of his favourite programming language and the uni courses he plans to do nearby.
    When he pauses for breath I’m ready with my next question. ‘You don’t want to go somewhere bigger?’ In my head I add ‘better’.
    â€˜No, do you?’
    â€˜I can’t wait to get away. I’m going to study business and be a brilliant success.’ My plan doesn’t ring as true as it once did, but saying I want to write movies seems the stuff of fantasy.
    He seems to consider this. ‘I’ve only been here for a few months, but it doesn’t seem so bad.’
    â€˜But everyone knows everyone. You do one stupid thing and the whole town knows by dinnertime.’
    Like a ghost, Lana looms between us. Thanks to his sister, everyone in town was talking about me just days ago.
    He doesn’t argue the point, though, and moments later we reach his work.
    We stand at the door to Dave’s Computer Emporium. It’s more of a poky second-hand computer shop than an emporium, but I guess Dave has delusions of grandeur.
    â€˜I’d better go in. I was supposed to start three minutes ago.’
    â€˜Three minutes? Now I know you live on the edge.’
    He grips the door. ‘I’d suggest we meet later but I promised I’d get home.’ He hesitates. ‘I have to look after my sister. The little one.’
    â€˜It’s fine.’
    Of course it’s not. Of course I’m looking into his green eyes and trying to work out whether he’s making an excuse to avoid me. But it’s not as though I expected this would turn into a date.
    Hoped maybe.
    â€˜Bye.’ I make my feet move before I say something dumb and Sebastian spends the whole afternoon at work regretting he ever offered to walk me home.
    â€˜Hey.’
    I turn back at the sound of his voice.
    â€˜I finish at five. I could sneak half an hour if you wanted to meet for ice-cream.’
    Do I? Yes!
    â€˜I think I’m free,’ I say casually.
    My phone beeps again with another text. I still haven’t looked at the first.
    â€˜That reminds me.’ Sebastian closes the distance between us and holds out his hand. I pass him my phone. A second later he hands it back. ‘My number is in there in case you discover you’re not free.’
    He’s just given me his number.
    Now I’m teetering on Chay’s heels and it has nothing to do with their height or the cold. It’s all about Sebastian. My hand clutches the phone like it can keep me from falling. Into his arms.
    â€˜I’ll see you then.’
    * * *
    I set up my laptop on the kitchen bench and prepare my lunch while I wait for it to start up. A check of my phone tells me the texts were from Chay and I reply briefly telling her I survived detention.
    You’re the best
    Lunch is my favourite combination of peanut butter and banana on fresh white bread, heated for twenty seconds in the microwave to make a gooey mess.
    Mum hates the whole concept. I always have it when