“You’re not, like, seeing anyone, are you?” Josie asked, squinting into the sun.

Andrea glanced over. She knew where this was going, and she didn’t want to say she was dreading it, but …

“... no.”

Josie smiled. “Do you want to go out sometime then?”

“Oh, I’m … I’m flattered, really,” Andrea said gently. “But I’m not really dating,”

Josie furrowed her eyebrows, smile slipping. “But you said you weren’t seeing anybody else.”

“I’m not. I just … I’m not in a good spot to be starting any relationships.”

Josie stared at her, and Andrea squirmed. It was like Josie was digging through her mind, trying to find the personal thought that would explain it.

“It’s Lizzie, right?” Josie decided after a minute. “It’s always Lizzie. Honestly, I don’t know why I’m surprised.” Josie curled her lip back. “She always does this. My whole life, anytime I’ve ever liked anyone, she goes for them. And she always wins.” Josie hung her head, a tear shining in the corner of her eye. “I don’t know why I was so stupid to think you were different.”

“No, I -” Andrea stepped forward, but she didn’t touch Josie. “You’re not stupid.” Josie didn’t look like she believed her. “And you know what?” Andrea squinted softly at her. “I will go on that date with you.”

Josie shook her head. “I don’t want a pity date.”

“No pity, just a date.” 

Andrea smiled, and Josie returned the gesture. She looked so genuinely happy, Andrea couldn’t break her heart like that. 

“You’re going to love being my girlfriend,” Josie started. “I care so much, it’s a problem, and I’m always the caretaker. I’m so selfless, you’ll probably get annoyed with me.”

Andrea furrowed her eyebrows. “How could anyone be annoyed with that?”

“You’d be surprised,” Josie babbled away, still grinning like a child. “It drives Lizzie crazy.”