“Wow,” I said at last. “You look amazing.”
The sales lady grinned at us. “You two will be quite the pair on prom night. And that pink, it works for you.”
“Wait, we’re not … ”
“I’ll take it,” Trey interrupted.
“Great. Why don’t you change, then bring everything to the counter and I’ll ring you up.”
When she left us, he turned to me. “So, be honest. Do you like it?”
What’s not to like? “It’s perfect. Trust me. Portia will probably want to jump your bones when she sees you.”
He grinned. “You’re as bad as the guys.”
“Because the Nerd Herd corrupted me.”
“Yeah, right.” He went back into the changing room. “So,” he called through the door. “I thought I’d treat you to pizza for helping me today.”
Pizza meant spending more time with him. Which also meant we’d be alone. No Portia. No Nerd Herd. Just us. “Sure. I’m starving.”
Once he paid for the tux, we walked back to his car to drop off the purchase, and then went into the restaurant. The scent of bread sticks and pizza made my mouth water as we sat waiting for our order. We chatted about Dwarves of Iconia for several minutes and discussed possible ways to take out the ice dragon on the final level.
Sitting across from him in the booth, I fumbled with my napkin. Every minute I spent with him, I realized how much I liked him. How much we had in common. Trey might be one of my best friends, but I imagined we could be so much more than that. If he’d give me the chance.
You have to come clean. And now is as good a time as any. Please don’t let this be a mistake.
I took a sip of pop. Here goes nothing. And everything. “So, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Sure.” His foot bumped mine under the table.
My heart raced and I cleared my throat. “I know this is gonna seem kind of sudden and maybe even crazy. But the thing is, I really li … ”
“Oh, my God, Trey. Hi.” Portia waved from the entrance.
Son of a B. Of course, she had to interrupt now. Right when I finally got the courage up. My eyes narrowed as she hurried to our table.
“Hey, I wondered if you’d have time to stop by.” Trey smiled.
She slid into the booth next to him. Not even asking if it was okay. Geez. She leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips. “So, how did shopping go?”
“Great. You’ll love the bowtie and vest we picked out.” He nodded at me.
Portia glanced at me, her lips turned up in a permanent too happy smile. It was like she had unicorns and sunshine and butterflies coming out of her butt or something. “Thanks so much for helping him. I wanted to come along, but my mom scheduled manicures today.” She held up her pink, blossom colored nails.
“No problem,” I said, forcing what I hoped was a non-life threatening grin.
“So, how are you doing since the break up?”
Um—okay, she might be dating my friend, but that didn’t mean I wanted to share my entire personal life with her. “I’m doing okay. Thanks.” I took another swig from my drink.
“Rex’s been bummed since you broke up. He’s such a nice guy. And I told him you had valid reasons for wanting to end things. It wasn’t like you cheated or anything.”
I sputtered, nearly choking on my drink. But it kind of was. I grabbed a napkin to wipe off my mouth and caught Trey’s eye. His brow furrowed, and I shifted my glance to my wrist and pretended to check the time. When I looked back up again, Portia had Trey in her embrace.
“Shoot, I’m gonna have to head out. Just remembered I have to meet Kenadi to help her pick out shoes.”
Trey pulled out of Portia’s hug. “But I drove you here. And we haven’t eaten yet.”
My fingers snagged my purse handle as I stood. “It’s fine. But I really have to run if I’m gonna catch her in time.”
Without a backward glance, I rushed from the restaurant. I whipped my cell out of my pocket and dialed Kenadi. After several rings, it went straight to voicemail. Crap. I forgot. Tonight was date night with Mikah, which meant she wouldn’t answer.
Next, I tried Drake’s number. But his went to voicemail too. Damn it. I so didn’t want to call my parents. Then I’d have to answer Mom’s questions. I could always go back and tell Trey that I got the day wrong and I didn’t have to meet Kenadi until tomorrow. But there was no way I wanted to sit through anymore Portia PDA. My only other option? Public transportation. AKA, the stinky ass bus.
I waited at the stop outside the mall. The gray sky matched my somber mood. Overhead, thunder rumbled, shaking the ground beneath me. Oh hell. I tugged the hood of my sweatshirt over my head, right as a fat raindrop hit the side of my face.
The bus rolled up to the curb and I stood back to let the passengers get off. When the last of them emerged, I climbed the steps and dropped money into the slot. I found a spot about half-way back, away from everyone else. With a sigh, I plopped down on the fake leather seat. My hood hid my face, which I was happy for as tears streamed down my cheeks. I rested my head against the fogged up window and watched flashes of lightning emblazon the storm darkened sky.
Trey really liked her, or so it seemed. Maybe it was time to let him go.
But what about the kiss? The way he looked at me that night, like I was the only girl in the world. The only person who mattered. Whatever spark I’d felt, he’d felt it too.
Thirty minutes later, I climbed off the bus, two blocks from home. Trees bent beneath the gusts of wind. Water squished in my tennis shoes as I stepped in another puddle. Rain pelted the side of my face and I wrapped my arms tighter to my body. I regretted not grabbing a coat or jacket today, not that it would’ve helped much. My teeth chattered as I watched the steamy puffs of my breath billow in front of me. At last, I rounded the corner and saw the most glorious thing ever. Home. I picked up the pace, trying to dodge the slimy worms wiggling on the sidewalk. When I got to my driveway, I spotted Jimbo sprawled out on his porch all wet. He glanced up at me, his eyes sad. Why was he acting so weird lately?
“Come here, Jimbo,” I called.
His tail wagged, thumping against the side of the house. He climbed to his feet and trotted over to me. I petted Jimbo’s head, scratching behind his ears.
He licked my hand, staring up at me.
“Don’t worry boy, I’ll sit with you for a little bit.” After the day I had, I needed to focus on something other than my own problems. So I sat on my porch, with Jimbo curled up on the swing with me. I wasn’t sure if we called a truce or not, but right now, for whatever reason, he needed me, just as much as I needed him. Tears swam in my eyes, and the dog laid his head on my lap as if he understood exactly what I was going through.
We sat together until Mr. Foster pulled in next door. Then Jimbo went his way, and I went mine.
Chapter 28
My fingers trembled as I tugged my cami over my head, then a cute light blue cardigan on top of that. I brushed my hair, trying to figure out how I wanted to style it today. Maybe a barrette? Or a braid? Gah. Why am I so worried about what I look like? Okay, so the truth was, I planned to talk to Trey. I needed to tell him how I felt. Even if he rejected me, at least I’d know I tried.