Reunited

Chapter 17

{Song in video: Sleeping With Sirens - If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn}

The next few days of band practice were just as weird as the first time they practiced. Lainey and Nick would make more eye contact than usual, brush against each other's arm or hand, and tease or be more touchy than usual.

Before band practice today, Lainey decided to go to Shayla's house.

"Hey," Shayla said and smiled when she opened the door.

"Hey," Lainey said and smiled half-heartedly.

"Are you okay? You seem like something's troubling you." They walked up to Shayla's room. Her room was neat and clean, white walls and white covers on her bed, white Christmas looking lights around her room.

"I wouldn't say something is troubling me but..." She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts, "there has been something weird with me and Nick the past few days. I don't know what it is but it's like I feel awkward around him now and I have no idea why! Nick's my best friend, I've always felt comfortable around him but now there's these awkward silences and we stare at each other...ugh I don't know what it is. Maybe I'm over thinking it."

Shayla gave her a small smile. "It's okay Lainey and you're not overthinking it. I've noticed too."

Lainey's mouth dropped open. "You have?" She had a worried look on her face. "Do you think I did something to piss Nick off? No that wouldn't be right...he smiles at me and stuff. Plus Nick hardly gets mad..."

Shayla burst out laughing.

"Why are you laughing? This is serious stuff. I don't know what's happening!"

After she settled down, she said, "Okay let me ask you one thing...How do you feel like when this awkward thing is happening?"

"Uncomfortable, weird, and somewhat nervous, but I don't know why!"

"It's simple really." She paused before saying, "You like him."

She gave her a weird look. "Yeah he's my best friend, of course I like him." She crossed her arms.

"No I mean like like him."

She looked extremely confused. "What?"

"You heard what I said." She gave her a small smirk.

"You think I want him as my boyfriend?" Her eyes widened. "There's no way, right? I mean Nick has always been my best friend. We never viewed each other in that way. I don't think I like him like that but even if I did, I wouldn't tell him because that would ruin our friendship."

Shayla had to keep from rolling her eyes. "I still think you like him. Do you feel that weird feeling in your stomach?"

"Yeah but-"

"Those are butterflies in your stomach. I'm sorry to bring him up but do you remember how you first felt like when you first started liking and dating Brent?"

She made a disgusted face. "Yeah, don't remind me."

"Well is that the same feeling you have now?"

She thought about it for a moment and realized that it was. Her eyes widened but she decided to keep her face expression straight. "I'm not sure."

She gave her a look. "I know you know that you're sure."

"Ugh how can you read me so well?"

"Because I'm your best friend." She smirked.