In Between the Lines

Chapter 7: Rules and Revelations

Hannah ran up to me and enveloped me in a hug before stepping back and sticking her hand out, not for me—but for Dez, who was still standing behind me.

"You must be Dez. I recognize you from the bookstore. I've heard a lot about you!"

He took her hand, though his smug gaze darted to me.

"Lewis told me you're on the team with him," Hannah went on. Dez's face fell just slightly, but he smiled at Hannah as he said, "Yeah, I am—and I've heard a lot about you, too." The most civilized I'd seen him all week.

"You have?" Hannah's answering grin was dazzling. But she didn't get to ask what, exactly, Dez had heard before Lewis approached from behind her, his arm sliding around her waist easily. And the way he looked at her—it was so different than the few times I'd seen him at school, always silent, always brooding and unsure. The difference the week made for them . . . I could see Hannah glowing just a bit brighter, too.

"Hey, Lyra. It's nice to finally meet you." Lewis's grin went a little too wide as he looked between me and Dez, as if he knew the exact conversation we were having before they got there. "I'll just apologize now for my however my friend here acts tonight. Someone's been a bit cranky since—"

"Shut it, Lew." Dez clenched his fists.

Lewis's smile didn't falter as he stepped towards his best friend and threw an arm around his shoulder. "Come on, Warren. Why don't you and I fetch these ladies something to drink?"

"Ooh, yes please!" Hannah squealed as I said, "No thanks."

The boys exchanged confused glances; only Hannah didn't seem to be surprised. I shook my head as I said to them, "I won't be drinking any alcohol tonight."

"But I'll have a beer." Hannah pressed a swift kiss to Lewis's cheek. "Thanks, handsome."

Lewis blushed and started to turn towards the house, but not before I added, "Lewis? Make sure the bottle's sealed when you bring it to Han, okay?"

He furrowed his brows—but he nodded as he turned and went inside. I expected Dez to go with him but he instead pulled me aside, away from Hannah, and said, "I'll get you a bottled water. Don't move until I get back, just stay here."

With that, he followed Lewis into the house. When I turned around, Hannah—sweet, wild, cheery Hannah—was glaring. At me.

"What was that about?" She crossed her arms.

"What?"

"Sealed? Lyra, you just implied that Lewis is the kind of person who would spike a drink! He's a nice guy! Why would you say that to him?"

"Oh—oh." My stomach fell. "I didn't mean it like that. It's just—he could be walking by and anyone could drop something in it. I didn't realize . . . " I bit my lip. "I'm sorry, Han. I didn't mean to offend him. Or you."

Hannah stared at me for a moment before she sighed and shook her head, linking her arm through mine. "I love you, Lyra, but you seriously need to loosen up. It's a party! We're supposed to have this thing called fun."

Right.

"Speaking of fun," I mused, "You and Lewis look pretty smitten."

And at the mention of his name, Hannah seemed to melt right on the spot, her green eyes glazing, cheeks blooming. "I know its only been a few days, but Lyra, he's so . . . god, I don't there's even a word for it."

"Words are pretty hard, huh?" I teased.

"He took me out for a late dinner on Wednesday night because he told me he couldn't wait until Friday to see me, and it turned out we had so much in common. I felt like it wasn't even real. At first I thought he was faking it—sort of like how guys agree with everything you say just to please you, you know? But then I started asking him questions about himself, and when he answered, I realized that he was being genuine and he was . . . he was just . . . just . . . "