Ellis yells at us from near the bluff. “You’re doing that crap already? Don’t tell me you’re already one of those couples that holes up by yourselves. Are you going to be in your tent the whole time?”

Couple.

Did Aiden say something to him, or is this just Ellis teasing us like usual? I don’t know if hearing that word should make my heart soar, or sink down into my stomach, but right now it’s doing a little of both. It feels like it may rip right through my chest in its commotion.

“Nah, man. I just don’t want to get stuck with that crap spot over there.” Aiden nods over to the spot left next to us, where Ellis and Jaz will have to put their tents.

So, we’re not a couple? God, maybe we should have had the talk. You’re leaving, Olivia. I have to remind myself it’s a moot point. I’m not going to wish for bad things for Aunt Sarah, and I’m not going to be around for a long-term relationship. I’m not getting too attached. It makes me a little sad that I won’t get to do boyfriend-girlfriend stuff with Aiden though. There won’t be a first Christmas, with overthought presents, or Valentine’s Day. I bet Aiden would give really thoughtful gifts—things that have meaning and significance, or something he made himself. But we won’t make it to Labor Day, let alone Christmas.

Unless.

Maybe I really can get Emma’s parents on board. Maybe if I offered to watch the twins whenever, and Aunt Sarah paid for all of my food, and I somehow got a car, so they didn’t have to worry about taking me places.

“Olivia?” Aiden pulls on the pole in my hand and I let go. “What are you thinking about?”

“Carpooling.”

He laughs, and threads the pole into the edge of the blue mesh. “Of course you are.”

I smile and tell him what he’s told me so many times. “I’m weird.”

“Yeah.” He adjusts the pole and the front of our tent takes shape. “Are you nervous about what I told you? Because it’s not like I’m never going to drive again.” He doesn’t sound as comfortable talking about this as he did at the ruins. “So you don’t have to worry about chauffeuring me around forever.”

“No, I was thinking about how I was going to get around senior year when I don’t have a car.” I pick up the next pole and hand it to him.

“I’ll drive you to school and stuff.”

“Yeah?” I probably shouldn’t be surprised by Aiden’s kindness, but I am.

“Sure. You have good taste in music, and you smell nice.” He smiles. “You’re welcome in my car anytime.”

I scrunch my nose up. “I definitely smell better than your car.”