Kip and Felix were watering the carrots in the garden, pitchers in hand.
Kip tilted his pitcher, letting the water trickle over the soil. "You're jealous that Nova prefers Jared's company, aren't you?"
Felix's cheeks flushed crimson. "I'm not jealous! Nova doesn't always have the best judgment when it comes to people. She can be… easily taken advantage of."
Kip flicked a droplet of water at him with a mischievous grin. "Come on, admit it—you're scared she'll fall for Jared."
"No," Felix said firmly, shaking his head. "He showed up to my movie date with Nova. I planned it, and he just… came. Uninvited!"
"Nova invited him," Kip said matter-of-factly.
Felix went quiet, staring down at the carrots. "Never said anything about wanting him there. Not a word."
Kip's voice softened. "She's been swamped with that new waitressing job."
"I'll plan something around her schedule," Felix interrupted, determination creeping back into his voice. He turned away, moving to water the mint plants growing in the wooden box.