Flat-Out Celeste by Jessica Park Read Free Book Online Page A

adorable.”
    He crossed his arms. “What exactly should we be talking about then? Just minor chit chat? The weather? I could say, ‘It’s cold and miserable here like it always is,’ and then she could say, ‘It’s sunny and fantastic here like it always is.’ Would that make you happy? Because it wouldn’t make me happy.”
    “I did not mean to upset you, Matthew.” Celeste did feel terrible now. She knew that Julie was a sore subject. Still, there was always the hope that they might recapture what they’d had together. She had very much liked Matt and Julie as a couple, and their separation still hit Celeste hard. “You could send her a picture of you in that T-shirt. It is very much what she calls ‘geeky.’”
    Matt glanced down at his shirt, and Celeste was pleased that he couldn’t stop himself from smiling.
    “See? She would find it amusing. Never trust an atom. They make up everything. It is quite funny. You two could engage in a friendly exchange.”
    “And then what? It’s done, Celeste. It’s been done for a long time.”
    “But I have concerns that you live alone and that you do not have a girlfriend. There has been no one since Julie, has there? Two years, Matthew. That is a long time.”
    He glared at her.
    Celeste missed Julie, too. Julie who had swooped into their lives when Celeste had been thirteen. Julie who had captured their hearts and taught them to save themselves from the paralyzing, dysfunctional grief that had taken hold after Finn was killed. The pain nearly destroyed the family, but Julie’s presence in their lives slowly undid many of the tight knots that kept them from moving forward. And in the process, Matt had fallen in love. Deeply in love. But now that was over.
    “You are a grown up now, Matthew.”
    “Oh my God, I’m a what?” Matt gasped and flailed his hands around. “How did this happen? When? It’s not fair!”
    Celeste rolled her eyes. “You are terribly funny. I know that I made an obvious statement, but I hate to see you age and not have a great romance in your life.”
    “You hate to see me age ? Are you aware that I’m not a hundred years old yet? I mean, soon, of course, but I have a little time left before I reach for my walker.”
    “I suppose you do. But the proverbial clock is ticking, and I say that as someone who has no affection for proverbial expressions.”
    “Celeste…” He sighed. “I don’t want to talk about this. Please.”
    “I apologize. I do. We can go back to discussing my collegiate future.”
    Two mugs of tea later, brother and sister returned to the cold. It was getting dark now, and the street lights and neon signs lit up the street. Celeste tucked her arm into Matt’s as they walked. “Matty?” she said softly.
    “Yeah?”
    “Thank you.”
    He looked as his feet as they walked. “Nothing to thank me for.”
    “That’s not true.” She leaned her head on his shoulder and squeezed his arm. “I suspect that to others, right now we may appear to be a romantically linked couple. But I enjoy looping my elbow with yours, so I do not mind.”
    “Don’t be gross,” he said with a laugh, “although this is the closest thing to a date that I’ve had in a while.”
    “At least you have had dates in your life. I have yet to experience even one.”
    “That will change, you know. I promise.”
    “No. I don’t believe it will. It feels clear that romance will not be a part of my life. I don’t hold that appeal.”
    “Celeste, stop it. Don’t worry about dating right now. As your brother, I’ll say that it grosses me out to admit this, but you’re a beautiful girl and must have guys all over you. I bet you’re just being picky. As you should. And, frankly, I don’t think you should date until you’re forty.”
    “No matter. I am fortunate to have such a solid, dynamic group of comrades. Truly. It really is special to be part of the so-called ‘in crowd.’” She flinched. This was a particularly hideous lie,