117. Lips

Tanner retreated to his room, settling by the window that offered a direct line to the lively banter emanating from Avery's room across the hallway. A little guilt for eavesdropping mingled with his curiosity, but the rationalization that his acute hearing made it an inevitable consequence somewhat eased his conscience.

The topics of Avery and her friends' conversation veered into the territory of the schoolboys they attended school with.

"Okay, so," Greer began, leaning in, "can we talk about Gabe for a second? Like, how he's the sweetest? Offering to carry our books all the time?"

Tatum nodded eagerly, "Right? And have you seen Wyatt on the field? The way he winks at us after scoring...it's just too cute!"

Greer, not to be outdone, added, "What about Rex? He's so mysterious and quiet, but when you catch him looking at you, it's like, wow, what's he thinking?"

Avery sighed, "Totally get you. And Flint! His pranks are legendary. But did you notice how he's always trying to get Tatum's