Losing Romeo by Cindi Madsen

like it was his turn.
    He looked out at the endless stretch of highway. “I don’t have anyone I care to talk to much anymore. There was a time when…But now I’d rather stay at home and not deal with people.”
    It wasn’t exactly true. He sometimes hated the hours of endless boredom.
    “Why?” she asked, not missing a beat.
    He was glad the scarred half of his face was away from her. He knew she’d seen it—it was impossible to miss—but she hadn’t asked about it. At least not asked him. Who knew what she’d heard about him already?
    “If it’s because…” Her eyebrows drew together, like she wasn’t sure if she should finish.
    He didn’t want her to say it, so he quickly said, “I don’t want to deal with the staring or whispers. Especially in Lowell, where all they do is gossip. It’s no one’s business.” It came out harsher than he’d meant it, his words loud in the cab of the truck.
    Rosaline’s eyes widened. Then she twisted away and stared out the window.
    Good job. Now she thinks you’re mean again. I should’ve never let her come. I knew a long drive with her was a bad idea.
    A moment ago she’d been rattling on and on about her friends and her parents. He wanted her to talk about something. Anything to fill the awkward silence now pressing in on them.
    “So, um, your friend. You said you don’t get to talk to her anymore. Do you wanna…?” Bryson dug his phone out of his pocket and extended it to her.
    Her eyes lit up. “Really? I’m dying to call her. Dafne watches the phone like a hawk and her computer’s password protected. Once in the middle of the night I snuck out and tried to get on it, but I couldn’t get through. I tried until the computer threatened me.”
    “Hmm. Password protection.” He gave her a pointed look. “I should look into that.”
    “I’d rather you didn’t. I might get desperate enough to break into your room again, risk of getting yelled at and all.” She took the phone from him and frowned at the screen. “I got so used to having my cell, I’m not sure I remember her number.”
    She bit her lip as she dialed, looking so cute it was ridiculous, then held the phone up to her ear. The first part of the call was mostly high-pitched excited noises.
    “At first it was awful, but now…” Rosaline glanced at him, a small smile curving her mouth. “Well, at least I finally have someone I can talk to once in a while. We’re sorta forced proximity bonding.”
    Warmth spread through his chest. If his talking to her helped her, he’d talk to her every day.
    “Yeah, the guy from the computer. His name’s Bryson, and he’s the nephew of Aunt Dafne’s boss.” There was a pause as she listened to whatever her friend was saying. “Girl, after what you told me, you know I’m not even thinking about that. What’s up with that situation anyway? Are he and Juliet still going strong?”
    Her smile faded and sadness flickered through her eyes.
    Oh, hell. She looks like she’s going to start crying, and I have no idea what to do if she does.
    “He writes her poetry, too? I shouldn’t be surprised, but still, how did I not see through it? How much of it was just an act?” She listened to whatever her friend was saying, then nodded. “I know, I know. And I know he’s a jerk. I just…I really liked him, Clara. I thought he was different. I thought—I mean, I’m here because of him.”
    Obviously she was talking about that Romeo guy her friend had been messaging her about. Nothing said I-don’t-consider-you-dateable-in-any-way like talking about another guy right in front of you.
    “I guess I have to take the blame, too. Seriously, I’ve got the shittiest taste in guys.” Rosaline rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll say some Hail Marys later.” She cast him a sidelong glance. “Okay, I’m being a bad riding companion so I gotta go.” Pause. “Love you, too. I’ll try to call when I can, but check your email and have your IM up and