In Some Other World, Maybe: A Novel by Shari Goldhagen Read Free Book Online

looking out for her? She tries to recall the last time the two of them did something together, decides she’ll go to his track meets in the spring and will drive him to school if she ever gets her license.
    “Well, I already know you’re a good guy.” Phoebe tries to sound sexy, to channel a little of Evie, wonders what Oliver’s expectations are about how far they’ll go tonight.
    “I’m glad you think so.”
    Before they can discuss Oliver’s merits in more detail, Dave, his own sodas and tub of popcorn in hand, comes over and tells them the movie is going to start soon.
    Back at their seats, a preview for Jurassic Park rolls. Evie and Reed start making out, and Nicole and Dave melt into cuddle positions. Evie’s question from the bathroom still bouncing around her head, Phoebe notes, with regret and relief, that two inches of air separate her leg from Oliver’s and their hands are occupied with soft drinks and snacks.
    The theater darkens further, and images of a violent plane crash fill the screen. Seated so close, Phoebe is instantly nauseated by the loud pops and whirls and jumpy camera work.
    Vomiting on Oliver would definitely answer the question of how far they’ll go tonight. Closing her eyes makes it a bit better; perhaps she can remain like this for the whole two hours.
    Breath on her shoulder makes her shudder. Oliver in her ear: “Let’s get outta here.”
    They hunch over, but still their backs cast shadows on the screen as they get up. A few people, probably her brother’s friends, boo at them.
    As they slink past, Nicole gives Phoebe the kind of challenging glance she usually reserves for Evie fights, and Phoebe mouths, “Headache.” Face softening, Nicole whispers, “Call me tomorrow.” Still kissing Reed, Evie pats Phoebe’s arm as she goes by; Phoebe squeezes back in confirmation. Chase catches her eye as they walk by his row, and he starts to climb out. Using their eyebrow communication, she lets him know it’s okay, that Oliver is a very nice guy. Giving her one last look, Chase nods, eyebrows that he’ll get a ride home with his friends.
    Phoebe and Oliver continue to the exit and find themselves in the courtyard of the outdoor mall, where leafless trees are strung with Christmas lights, and the air is crisp and not terribly cold for December in Chicago.
    “That was a little crazy, right?” Oliver says. “I hate the front row, too.”
    “Did you really want to see the movie?” Phoebe unconsciously twists her fingers and presses them to her chest.
    “Naw, I mean, I used to read the comic books, but it will be out on video in six months. We can rent it then.”
    “Just the two of us?” she asks.
    “That would be really, really awesome.” He laughs. “Do you wanna get ice cream or something?”
    “There’s a good bakery on Sheridan,” she says. She used to go there with Nicole and Evie back when this wasn’t her regular mall, when it was a place to go on weekends with friends who weren’t everyday friends. When Evie and Nicole had known and dismissed Oliver, never suspecting he was someone Phoebe might like. When her brother was too young to worry about whether or not she was dating good guys. When most of her life was a world and the western suburbs away. But this world is kind of cool, too. “Maybe I can treat you to a cookie?”
    Halfway to the car, he takes her hand.
    “I had a nose job,” Phoebe blurts. “Last summer before I transferred.”
    Oliver looks at her bewildered.
    “I didn’t want you to see a picture of me and think I lied about it. And I had it done because I wanted to, not because I broke it in an accident or anything.”
    “Oh.” He still seems perplexed. “I like your nose. I probably would have liked your old one. Your nose really isn’t the reason I asked you out.”
    Technically she kisses him first, but Oliver is quick to kiss back.

 
    2   we still don’t have a winner
    Phoebe is surprised Adam is registered to vote in California