They don't talk about it, but Xtina & Coby's relationship changed dramatically after the 'incident' on the beach. Coby's developed a keen interest in reading Xtina's Sandman comic collection, and since she won't lend them out to anyone, he must read them in her room. So he spends a lot of time, sitting by her while she paints. And when they aren't thus engaged, they are still often in each other's company: neither one goes so far as the corner store without inviting the other to come along. If they had mutual friends, those friends would not fail to notice how close they have become in the past few days & would surely be asking all kinds of personal questions, but since they haven't any friends in common, they are left alone to carry on their unusual friendship.

But though they spend more & more time in each other's company, though they find excuses to touch each other, they don't talk about the kiss, they never make romantic gestures.

Eleanor calls Xtina & invites her to a BBQ party at the house, "Listen, Xtina...Gavin will no doubt be there with his new girlfriend...we want for you to come, but, you know..." Eleanor tells her, not exactly saying it out loud, but Xtina understands. And it's not like Xtina would make a scene or start something with the new girl, she wouldn't want to look like a pathetic fool to her friends...but it is going to be very painful, she thinks, to see Gavin again, especially if he's going to be overly romantic with his new girlfriend. "It's okay, Eleanor," she says, "I can deal with it: I have to if I'm still going to be able to visit you at all, right? And I can bring a friend, can't I?" Eleanor sighs with audible relief, "Yes, Xtina, please, bring anyone you want...it's going to be pretty small, we could use a few more people..." So, Xtina immediately seeks out Coby, working out by the pool.

Coby hops right up as soon as Xtina approaches, asking "'Sup, Ti?" "Some friends of mine are having a party Saturday, in Echo Park, I was hoping you could come with me," Xtina asks. Coby immediately says yes, but Xtina feels she needs to tell him, "Coby, this party...it's at my ex-boyfriend's house, he'll probably be there with his new girl....," she says, nearly choking: she still can't quite talk about Gavin's new girl. Coby's blue-green eyes lower their heavy lids & he steps a little closer to her, his voice dropping, "Are you sure you're ready for that, Ti?" Xtina shakes her head, "That's why I need you with me, Coby."

When Xtina & Coby show up, the BBQ has already begun, and Gavin is indeed with his new girl. He's so absorbed in her he doesn't even notice that guests are arriving, he doesn't stop conversing with her to greet Xtina or meet Coby. Xtina is not herself overly concerned about etiquette, and since she knows most of the residents of this house fairly well, she feels at home enough not to care, but Coby is new here & she's a bit embarrassed on his account.

Of course, Coby doesn't care that much about etiquette either & has no problem helping himself & sitting right down, if no one will invite him to.

NEXT