The tension stretches between us, strange and thick. Abruptly, Alex stands up.
"I was thinking I might shower while we're waiting for the pizza," he says. "You're welcome to use the guest bath if you'd like."
"Thanks," I say, both stunned by and a little grateful for the sudden end of our conversation.
Alex goes to his room, and a few minutes later, I hear the shower come on.
So much for pretending that everything's fine, I think. One minute we're the best of friends, and the next, everything gets weird again.
I should probably shower, too. The drive here took only a few hours, but I still have a bit of road trip stink on me. Before I clean up, though, I need to call my parents. I promised I'd check in when I got to New York safely.
I reach into my pocket for my phone, but there's no
