“No, seriously. It was always Dave who got the praise. Not that I’m complaining. He was better.”

“And I find that even harder to believe.” Finally, I take my hand away, setting it awkwardly in my lap, the warmth of his shoulder burned like a birthmark on my palm. “Well, I didn’t know Dave, I only know you, and if I’m being honest, you’re pretty awesome, Blake.”

No words leave his mouth, only a condescending snort.

“I’m serious. The way your parents treated you was wrong. You were in the right to stand up to them. You’re the captain of your lacrosse team. You’re smart. I think you’re doing pretty well for yourself.”

He sighs, pinching his nose, and looks up at the ceiling. His gaze lingers on the ceiling, and I see his mouth silently making words before he pulls his head back.

He’s cute when he’s thinking, I think. Focused and driven in a way that makes his brows furrow and valleys appear on his forehead. It’s adorable, really.

It’s comforting to see someone else do something that you do. It makes my shoulders relax; it focuses me. It makes me see him in a more human way. In this moment, he’s not Blake, the son of time travelers and one of the wealthiest families in Boston. He’s just Blake McIntyre, a teen like me who’s stumbling over his words.

Focus, Andre.

Finally, he turns to look at me.

“I want to teach you. Like, actually teach you. I want to give you real lessons as much as I can. I can’t travel like Mom can or like Dad used to be able to do, but unlike you, I’ve been around time travelers my whole life. I’ve learned from them. I’ve heard them talk about their mistakes and struggles. I know I can help you, if you still want me to and you’re willing to give me a chance.”

I hesitate before answering. Not because I don’t know what I want to say, but because I know I should think this over. Ever since getting drawn into the McIntyres’ lives, things have gotten more complicated, not easier. But I have a duty, to myself, to Blake, and to Dave to master this. To learn how I can really use this.

And if I do it right, I can go back and see Michael whenever I want. That’s a win-win to me.

I extend my hand to him to shake. “All right, let’s do it. Third time’s the charm, right?”

Blake grins a smile that shows his dimples and grabs my hand in his own, shaking it firmly.