Before I can even process what’s happening, my mom is out of her seat and Olivia is approaching her. There’s an exchange of names, an offered handshake that’s turned down for a hug, and before Olivia has even sat down Mom has retrieved an extra plate and silverware. “What a nice surprise.” Mom smiles at me, like I’m the one who popped in for dinner. She turns to Olivia, who’s sitting next to her. “Aiden didn’t tell me you were coming.”

I’m about to tell her I didn’t know when Olivia beats me to it. “He didn’t know. I had a last-minute change of plans.” Olivia looks right at me. “I wanted to be sure to make it to dinner before I left.”

“I’m so glad you made it.” Mom says before holding a giant spoonful of rice out to Olivia. “Where are you headed?”

Olivia holds her plate out to be filled. She pokes the pile of rice and mushrooms and chicken with her fork. “Arizona.” Her voice sounds sad but also resigned. “My aunt got a job, so I’ll be there senior year.”

“Oh.” Mom sounds deflated. Something we have in common. “Well, that’s too bad.” She sticks a forkful of green beans in her mouth.

“Yeah.” Olivia jabs at her beans. “I was hoping to snag Aiden before I left, maybe I can steal him after dinner?”

“We don’t need him for anything,” my mother says, a little too eager.

“You’re sure you don’t need me to do dishes or take out the trash, or something?” My mom laughs, but Olivia’s smile slips for just a second.

My mother dismisses my sarcasm with a wave of her fork.

OLIVIA

When we’re done eating, Aiden’s mom hugs me, and he walks to the door with me following behind.

I close the door behind us and join Aiden on the little porch that wraps around his house.

He shoves his hands down into his pockets. “What are you doing here, Olivia?”

“Eating chicken?” I say, with a smile that’s taking a lot of effort because of the way Aiden is looking at me right now. He doesn’t want me here. “Really good chicken.”

“Why are you here?” Aiden repeats it, like maybe I didn’t hear him the first time.

I push through, smiling. Fake it ’til you make it, that’s what they say. And until Aiden forgives me, I’m just going to pretend that he isn’t looking at me like he wishes it were anyone else on his porch right now. “I suck. I know I do.” I can feel my smile wavering. “But I think maybe I deserve one more chance. Maybe we deserve it?”

I don’t wait for him to respond. I push forward, my voice nervous and fast. “Meet me at River Depot in an hour?”