Saving It

by Monica Murphy

  Huh. I frown. Would she? And would I be okay with that?

  My frown deepens. Probably not.

  Abraham nods. “Since August, at least. She’s cute, Josh. Actually, Eden’s more than cute. She’s freaking hot. Have you looked at her lately? She has a great rack and a tiny waist and…” He stops talking when he notices how I’m glaring at him. “Aw, come on. Don’t be a protective asshole.”

  “She’s my best friend, and you’re talking about her like she’s just any other girl.” And she’s not. Abraham knows this.

  “Are you telling me I’m not allowed to notice that she’s gorgeous? Like she’s off-limits since she’s your best friend? Because that’s not fair, bro.” Abraham is the one glaring now, and I take a step back, rubbing my hand against my suddenly tight chest.

  Abraham called Eden gorgeous. He likes her. He thinks she has a great rack and a tiny waist. I shake my head. I feel like I’m in some weird world where everything just flipped upside down. Seriously, what the hell is happening?

  My stomach twists, and I swallow hard. I can’t imagine them together, but what if it happens? I’d hate it. But why?

  Face it. You’re jealous.

  Uh, hell no.

  “I never said that,” I finally murmur, keeping my gaze fixed on the ground. “If you like her, I can’t stop you from pursuing her. Though I gotta admit, it’s kind of weird.”

  “I know, right?” I can hear the relief in Abraham’s voice. “There’s just something about her. When she’s not insulting me or making me feel dumb, she’s really funny. Hell, she’s really funny even when she is insulting me or making me feel dumb.”

  True. Abraham brings out the sarcasm in Eden. But I can’t imagine them together. Ever. “You two are total opposites.”

  “Not really. We have a lot in common. Like you.”

  “So you’re gonna go out with her and talk about…me?” I grimace and toss the ball at him. He catches it with a grunt. “That’s just weird, bro.”

  “We won’t talk about you. God, you’re such an arrogant asshole.” Abraham backs up and tosses the ball, making the shot. “You need to talk me up.”

  “Talk you up?”

  “To Eden. Tell her what a great guy I am.”

  “You two have been friends throughout high school. Doesn’t she already know what a great guy you are?”

  “We haven’t been that close. Only in the last year has she started tolerating me. But I want more than that. I want to get to know her better.” Abraham drops the ball and lets it roll into the nearby grass. He turns to look at me, his expression dead serious. “I need your help.”

  “I’ll put in a good word on your behalf.”

  “Find out if she has a date to winter formal.”

  “You want to take her to winter formal?”

  “Yeah, totally.” He nods vigorously. “Where is she right now? Is she at home?”

  I feel sort of sick to my stomach. Why is he pushing this so hard? “She’s working.”

  Abraham smiles. “Let’s go visit her at work.”

  “It’ll probably be busy down there.” I’m making excuses. Why am I making excuses? I go visit Eden at work all the time. I’ve brought her lunch. I’ve brought her iced coffees. Hell, one time I brought her a box of tampons because she started her period and she couldn’t get a hold of her mom or Molly, and holy hell, I actually went into the local Walgreens and bought a box of freaking tampons like it was no big deal.

  I’m a damn good friend. I’d do anything for Eden. I’d do anything for Abraham. But hook the two of them up together?

  Uhhhh…

  I think of our stupid sex pact. If I were to call her out on it, now would be the time. I’d do it with my best friend than have her hook up with Abraham. And I know that makes me sound like a terrible, selfish person, but I can’t help it.

  I don’t want the two of them to get together.

  “I’ll buy a magnet. She can’t refuse my business, right?” Abraham slaps me on the back, so hard I take a stumbling step forward. “Come on, man. Help me out here. It’s only a few weeks until winter formal. I want Eden as my date.”

  “I need a date, too,” I admit.

  Abraham chuckles and claps me on the back again, but this time I’m prepared. I stand my ground. “You’ve been keeping secrets or what? Who are you hot for?”

  If he only knew I really have been keeping secrets. I know Abraham has done the deed. He confessed all near the end of ninth grade, when he hooked up with some older chick on the track team. He gave up the girl and the track team by the beginning of our sophomore year. “No one in particular,” I say, which is the truth. “But I sort of want a girlfriend.”

  “You know you can hook up without all the strings, right?” Abraham starts laughing. He’s always given me grief for my commitment issues. As in, I love to commit. But it’s true. I’m not a hookup kind of guy. I like having a girlfriend. Yet I haven’t had one in a while. Haven’t really felt the need.

  Until now.

  “Maybe I like strings,” I say defensively. But do I? Maybe I should take Abraham’s advice and go for a chick with no commitment. Get laid and get it over with.

  Huh. That’s not a bad idea. In fact, that’s a great idea.

  “You’re the only guy I know who does. Come on. Feed me and then let’s go see Eden.”

  “Maybe I’ll take your advice,” I tell him as I lead him back into my house.

  Abraham frowns. “What do you mean?”

  We enter the kitchen, and I grab a bag of bagels out of the pantry. “Forget the strings. I need to find a hot girl to hook up with.”

  Abraham grins as he opens the fridge and pulls out the orange juice. “Now we’re talking. Have anyone in mind?”

  “Not really.” I shrug and carefully tear the bagel in half, drop it into the toaster, and then grab a paper plate while Abraham pours himself a giant glass of orange juice with ice. When he’s not paying attention I sneak a text to Eden, making sure she’s cool with us coming to her work.

  Mind if Abraham and I stop by?

  Yeah come by. It’s not very busy. Though leave Abraham at home. LOL

  Huh. This might not go so well.

  He wants to say hi.

  Please. He just wants to give me crap.

  We’ll be there in about an hour.

  I’m not getting out of this am I.

  Nope. Neither am I. :|

  See you in an hour then! :)

  Chapter Four

  Josh

  I feel like I’m walking into a war zone, and I don’t know why. I have Abraham with me, who’s jabbering on and on like he’s hopped up on caffeine, which he sort of is because we stopped at the Java Hutt and picked Eden up an iced vanilla latte. He’s nervous, too, which he never is. He’s got a big mouth and loves to show off, but he’s also funny and a loyal friend. He’s always been there for me, and so has Cole, Eden’s ex-boyfriend.

  Yeah, we live in a small community, so we all have these overlapping relationships that can sometimes make things weird, but we’re used to it, I guess.

  Anyway, we park down the street from the gift shop Eden works at and push our way through the crowds of tourists filling the sidewalk. The weather is perfect—a clear, sunny day with a predicted high of about seventy. The breeze is coming off the ocean, and the seagulls are calling as they fly overhead. I usually avoid this area because of all the tourists. The only time I come down here is to see Eden or go to that one restaurant that has the best clam chowder in a bread bowl.

  “Let me give her the vanilla latte,” Abraham says as he takes it from my hand.

  “I bought it,” I protest, not wanting to give up the glory of bringing Eden her favorite drink.

  “I’ll pay you back. Thanks.” Abraham grins, nodding his head to the music pouring out of the store we just passed. “This will score me some points. I know how much that girl values her caffeine.”

  He’s right. She does value her caffeine.

  We
finally come upon Moonstones, the store Eden works at. Some old hippie chick named Matilda owns it, and she’s a little strange, but Eden loves working for her. The store is small and packed full of trinkets and T-shirts and sweatshirts. There are already a bunch of customers milling around, and Abraham charges right inside, holding up the drink when he spots Eden behind the register ringing up a customer.

  “Look what I brought you, E.” He sounds triumphant, like he just killed for her or something. “Your favorite coffee.”

  She smiles at the customer as she hands over the change and then the bag. “Hope you enjoy,” she murmurs before turning her attention to us. “Hey, Abraham.”

  “Eden.” He sets the plastic cup on the counter in front of her and even bows. Sometimes, he’s ridiculous. “An iced vanilla latte just for you.”

  She eyes it warily before lifting her gaze to his. “Um, thanks?” Her gaze flicks to mine, and I remain standing behind Abraham, shrugging like I have no idea what’s going on. “What are you two doing today?”

  “Not much. Thought we’d come see you.” Abraham has taken over the entire conversation, like I’m not even here when I’m usually the one who does all the talking with Eden. Plus, he’s trying to turn on the charm. I’ve seen him do this countless times, but I think he’s only confusing her.

  “That’s…great.” She smiles and grabs the drink, examining it. “You didn’t put poison in this, did you?”

  Abraham laughs, but it’s overly loud and kind of fake sounding. “I wouldn’t try to poison you, E. I like you too much to want to kill you.”

  Eden’s eyes go wide, and she sends me a look. One that says, what the hell is going on?

  I shrug again because what can I say? I can’t tell her the truth in front of Abraham. He’d kill me.

  “There’s a customer up front. I’ll be right back.” She dashes off before we can say anything, and the moment she’s out of earshot, Abraham turns to me, his expression nervous.

  “You think I’m doing okay?”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “She doesn’t seem into me.”

  “Dude. You can’t expect her to do a 180 and be into you all of a sudden. Not after the two of you have fought all these years,” I remind him just as my phone buzzes. I glance at the screen to see I have a notification.

  Snapchat from Eden

  Turning away from Abraham, I open it to find a text from her.

  What the hell is up with Abraham and why is he acting so weird?

  I answer her immediately.

  I thought you had a customer.

  I lied. I’m hiding behind a rack of discounted T-shirts texting you. Tell me what’s up.

  Nothing’s up.

  You’re lying.

  No I’m not.

  Why’d he give me the coffee?

  I don’t know. He wanted to do something nice for you for once?

  Please. There’s something going on and you’re not telling me everything.

  Glancing up from my phone, I watch Abraham, but he’s staring at his phone, too. My phone buzzes again.

  What’s his motive? What does Abraham want from me?

  Nothing. Can’t a guy just give you coffee?

  Not Abraham. You know what’s going on so tell me!!!

  This girl knows me better than anyone else, and it freaking sucks.

  “Where’s Eden?” Abraham starts heading toward the front of the store. I send her a quick warning.

  Better move quick cos here he comes.

  Her head pops up, and she starts straightening the folded sweatshirts on a table. He approaches her from behind, and I can hear him chatting her up, though I have no idea what he’s saying. I hang back because that’s what friends do, right? I can be his wingman, but I don’t want to ruin his game.

  And right now, Abraham is running his game on Eden.

  Irritation flares as I watch them. The two of them…they don’t make sense. They would never make sense. I didn’t even think they liked each other that much, so I don’t understand what’s going on. It’s…

  Weird.

  He laughs. Then she joins in, but it sounds fake. I know her fake laugh. For some reason, relief seizes hold of me, and I can’t take it any longer. I’m gonna break this party up.

  “You ready to go?” I ask Abraham as I approach them.

  “I guess.” Abraham turns so he’s facing me and standing beside Eden. “We should probably let you get back to work.”

  “Yeah.” Eden doesn’t fight our leaving, and usually she’s begging me to stay because she’s bored or wants the company. Matilda doesn’t mind if I hang out here. She usually just puts me to work. One time she had me reorganize her stock room and bought me lunch plus paid me fifty bucks for my trouble. “Thanks again for the coffee.”

  “Anytime,” Abraham says, grabbing hold of her hand and pulling her in for a quick hug. “See you soon?”

  When he lets her go, she stumbles a little bit, like she might pitch over from shock. In all the years they’ve known each other, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them hug. Ever. “Um, sure.” Her gaze meets mine, and the look she sends me is murderous. “Talk to you later, Joshua.”

  She only says my full name when she’s annoyed with me, so great. I hustle out of the store, and Abraham follows after me, launching into a rambling speech the moment we’re outside.

  “I think that was the right move, buying her coffee. She looked happy I brought her one, right? Don’t you think? I need to score points, and I think that got me some major points from Eden. She smiled at me. And she hugged me.” He’s full on grinning now. “That’s a positive sign, don’t you think?”

  He’s the one who hugged her, but I don’t point that out. “Sure,” I say easily, smiling at a pretty girl as we walk by. She smiles back, flipping her long, dark blond hair over her shoulder as she passes. Tourist. She’s wearing a California T-shirt. No one from here actually wears a shirt that says California across it. We know where we’re from.

  “I’m glad we stopped by and saw her. Now you need to take me to breakfast.” Abraham flicks his chin.

  “I just fed you breakfast,” I remind him.

  “Yeah, but I’m hungry again. Let’s grab doughnuts.” He points at the nearby bakery across the street. “Or maybe cinnamon rolls. They have the best cinnamon rolls ever. When does Eden work again? Should I bring her a coffee and a cinnamon roll next time?”

  He keeps repeating himself. And if he brought her one of those giant cinnamon rolls the bakery is famous for, she might get pissed because she’ll think he’s trying to fatten her up.

  “You really think there’ll be a next time with Eden?” I ask with a wince.

  And that was the wrong thing to say.

  “Hey.” Abraham comes to a stop, and I do too, the both of us ignoring the people as they push past us. “I told you I like her, and you seemed cool with it, but I don’t know. Do you have a problem with me and Eden, or what? Because if you do, you need to tell me now.”

  My best friend is challenging me right here in the middle of the sidewalk. I can’t freaking believe it. “I don’t have a problem with it. You can date whoever you want.”

  “Including Eden?” His voice rises like he’s ready to fight.

  “Including Eden.” My voice, on the other hand, cracks when I say her name. Like I actually might have a problem with the two of them…together.

  I don’t know how to feel about that.

  …

  Eden

  “Okay, spill.” I curl up in bed, pulling the covers tight around me, my phone propped against a pillow. Josh FaceTimed me a few minutes ago to talk about our plans tomorrow, and since his earlier visit at the store with Abraham has been bugging me all day, I decide to get right to the point. “Why did Abraham want to come with you to see me this morning?”

  “Did you like your vanilla latte?” Josh’s expression is pure innocence.

  I’m not falling for it.

  “Yes, I did. Thank you for gett
ing that for me.”

  “I didn’t get—”

  “Don’t bother lying. I know you’re the one who ordered it, paid for it, and brought it to me. So thanks.” Josh knows my favorite coffee place—and it’s not Starbucks. He knows how I like to order my vanilla lattes at the Java Hutt—skinny and with an extra shot of espresso. That drink tasted like perfection, which means Josh had a hand in ordering it, not Abraham.

  “He said he’d pay me back.”

  “Well, good for Abraham.” I make an irritated noise. “What’s going on with him, anyway?”

  Josh sighs and runs a hand through his hair, destroying it completely. “I’m not allowed to tell you.”

  Unbelievable. I’m loyal to Josh to a fault. I tell him everything. “If Molly was crushing on you, I’d tell you.” Abraham acted so weird I’m almost afraid that’s what Josh is going to tell me.

  His jaw falls open. “Molly has a crush on me?”

  “No, you egomaniac. I said if Molly had a crush on you, I’d tell you.” I pause for effect, hoping he’ll cave, but he remains quiet. The jerk. “Please don’t say Abraham likes me.”

  “Okay then. Abraham doesn’t like you.”

  He’s lying. For some weird reason Abraham does like me. I don’t understand why the sudden change. “He’s always hated me.”

  “More like you’ve always hated him.”

  “The feeling was mutual and you know it. Ugh.” I roll my face into the pillow and contemplate screaming. But it’s kind of late, and even though the sound would be muffled, the walls are thin in my house and my parents might hear me. I shift away from the pillow so I can stare at my phone’s screen. “I find this really hard to believe.”

  “What, that he likes you? Do you really have that big of a problem with Abraham? He’s pretty chill. He’s smart, he’s funny, he’s athletic.” The look on his face almost tells me it pains him to talk about Abraham like this.

  So why is he?

  “Sounds like you’re the one with a crush on him.” I immediately regret what I said. I sound like a bratty four-year-old.

  “Sadly, he’s not my type. Though speaking of my type…” Josh grins and rubs his hands together. I know where he’s going with this. “Did you pick out the girls on the list for me yet?”