"He's super nice," she said, licking more of her chocolate mint ice cream. She was still making excuses as to why she was now dating Ryan Leegan. 

I hadn't exploded on her, but I did lapse into silence. I wasn't going to reveal my feelings when I already so plainly knew hers. 

I had never had a boyfriend, unless you count once in fourth grade from a dare. Sarah had come to me one time, pulling me away from her big crowd that always seemed to find her. "Are you gay?" she had whispered. Tears welled up in her eyes when I had remained silent. "You can tell me anything, Mia. I'm your best friend. Aren't I?"

I had nodded. "Of course you are. I'm not gay," I lied.

That moment was never mentioned again.

Sarah took her feet off the table and sat up. "I mean, really nice. He's funny, too."

"I don't care," I said, standing up and grabbing my backpack. 

Her eyebrows knit together, but she didn't say anything. 

I tossed money on to our patio table and stepped off the sidewalk and into the road. It was warm today, but I wasn't fooled. I knew fall was around the corner and hoodie weather would be back. I preferred the cold. 

I heard footsteps behind me and knew Sarah was following. 

"Ryan's hot, too, you know." She gave a soft giggle. The footsteps stopped when we reached the other side of the road. I turned around. "Why are you mad?"

I smile. "I'm not mad. I just don't want you to get hurt." That lame excuse was all I had. 

At least she seemed to buy it. "I won't get hurt, Mia. You don't have to worry like that!" She laughed. 

I smiled and shrugged. "That's my job."

She giggled and looped her arm through mine as we made our way home.