I went upstairs to use the bathroom, taking a few minutes to fuss with my hair. I’d worn it down today instead of in its usual ponytail. I liked the thick waves and the color, but I hated blinking the strands out of my eyes or pulling them from my mouth, so it was easier to tie it back, especially with track. But now I liked the way it covered some of the harsh angles of my face. My nose was too big, and my eyes too wide apart, and of course I’d gotten a zit on my forehead again, just like a stupid beacon flashing a signal of my awkwardness. Still, I knew I wasn’t ugly. Just not beautiful or memorable.

The door stuck, so I banged it open with a crash, then stopped short.

“Hey.”

David leaned against the wall, obviously waiting for the bathroom. My ears grew hot so I gave a casual smile. “Hey. Sorry if I took too long.”

He smiled back and I wished I could make him smile like that more often. He lost his broody edge and it made him more approachable. “Nah, I was actually up here looking for you. Want to hang out a bit?”

My heart beat crazily in my chest. “Sure. Where?”

He pointed to one of the bedroom doors. “Here’s good.” He walked in and I took a deep breath and followed. Through the thin wall, I heard moans and banging and realized someone was screwing next door. I tried to play it cool, but my skin was burning and I hoped I didn’t look all flushed and red. So. Embarrassing.

David rolled his eyes at the crude sounds but didn’t seem bothered. “You really gonna come with us this summer?” he asked, taking out his vape pipe and lighting up.

I stiffened. Did he want me to? I couldn’t read his expression, so I shrugged. “Sure. Still trying to convince my mom, though. She’s afraid traveling the country in an RV isn’t a great idea.”

“Probably isn’t, but that’s why it’ll be epic. What if she says no?”

I hesitated. “Not sure. I may do it anyway.”

He smiled again, nodding like he approved. “Cool. You ever sing?”

“You mean like karaoke?”

“Anything. I’m looking to play guitar, but it’s helpful to have a decent singer. Freda’s awful.”

I laughed. “I could tell just from our car rides.”

On cue, a groan rose from the other room. Then a girl’s voice. “Yeah, baby, yeah!”

I ducked my head, trying to pretend I didn’t care, but he must’ve known because he grabbed his phone and began playing music to drown out the noises. “Better?”

I nodded. “Thanks.”

“So, would you consider singing with me if we get a gig?”

I considered, wondering if I could be brave enough to do that onstage in public. “What if I suck?”