Page 229 of Stay Scared

“You already gave him one.”

“I’m asking for another.”

Cade clearly hates the idea.

That is probably why his eventual nod matters.

He backs toward the junction and stops far enough away that he cannot reasonably participate without announcing that he is listening.

Owen watches him go.

“Unexpected.”

“He’s trying.”

“So are you.”

His thumb moves along the side of my hand.

I recognize the motion immediately.

“You still do that.”

Owen goes still.

I smile.

“Your hand.”

He looks down at our fingers.

“You rub your thumb when you’re uncomfortable.”

“I remember you discovering that.”

“I remember useless things too.”

Something flickers across his face.

Good.

I spent months being the subject of his memory. I like watching him discover that the process can run in both directions.

“Did you keep the record player?”

Owen’s attention sharpens.

There it is again.

Surprise.

“Yes.”

“Did you ever buy more records?”

“I did.”

“How many?”