Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 100612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
“Can you believe Callahan kept harping on about how much mascot costumes cost, as if anyone cares?” Harper lets out a soft, ladylike snort. “Please, how much could it possibly have been? He was making it seem like it cost ten grand.”
Of course, she has to be on my side—she drove my getaway car.
“Yeah. He’s pretty humiliated.” I pause. “Considering the seniors pull this prank every year, you’d think he’d be way cooler about it.”
Harper laughs, a sound that’s both infectious and comforting.
“You’re right. But maybe next year the senior prank should be something a little less conspicuous and more creative. The mascot thing is getting old.”
Why do I feel a strange sense of camaraderie with her?
I shrug. “Yeah, maybe.”
Harper smiles. “And I know you feel bad about Maddie rejecting you, but just remember—we’ve all had crushes on people who didn’t like us back.”
Does she mean herself? “Oh yeah? Like who?”
She grins. “That’s a secret I’ll never tell.”
Chapter 10
Harper
Yesterday was fun.
Easton looked like he was enjoying himself.
He stayed until it got dark.
He didn’t complain once.
He laughed at least a dozen times—not that I was counting.
Not only that, my mom didn’t come outside once to check on us, which means she trusts me having a boy at the house. Wait. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Now it’s Sunday morning, and I’ve just gotten out of bed. I pull open my closet and stare inside before shoving a section aside and gazing again at the frothy pink confection hanging there, also known as my prom dress.
I run my fingers down the long, puffy skirt, reaching for it so I can see the front. Take it and hang it on the hook behind my door, nibbling my lower lip.
On my bed, my phone buzzes. I turn to see a new text flash on the screen.
Macy: Hey, what are you doing?
Should I be honest or should I lie?
Me: I was contemplating whether or not to try on my prom dress, LOL. Is that weird???
Macy: No! DO IT!!!! I wore mine around the house yesterday. Mom says I’m getting bang for her buck when I wear it at random times bwahahahaha.
Me: True. But you know I’m still hoping someone will ask me.
Macy: YOU can ask someone, you know—you don’t have to wait for a guy to do it.
My stomach churns, guilt settling in the pit of my stomach. Not only am I **whispers** forcing a boy to be my date, but my best friend doesn’t even know! I haven’t said a peep about the situation. Not that I don’t trust her, but…no one should be bragging about their ill-gotten prom companion, least of all me!
Me: I know, but…
Macy: YOU SHOULD ASK SOMEONE.
Me: Who? Who would I ask?
Seriously. I’m curious who she would suggest—as if asking a random guy were easy.
It’s true that plenty of girls go to dances with guys as friends, but I hoped my date would be someone I had a crush on. Someone who gave me butterflies! Someone who thinks I’m pretty! Someone like…
I give my dress a second glance as I flop down onto the bed, texting Macy flat on my back, staring at the ceiling. I can’t bear to look at the sparkly confection—it’s a horrible reminder of what a troll I am!
How could I do this to Easton?
Don’t get a case of remorse, now, Harper. He’s not miserable; he’s having fun…
Right, but it’s still extortion.
Extortion? Please, you’re in high school. That can’t be a thing. Besides, he’s a thief. It’s no worse than that.
Macy: What about Brendan Schmitz? He’s tall and isn’t he in your gym class?
Me: I’m not asking a guy out because he’s tall. That is not a personality trait. I want to have a good time and laugh a lot.
Macy: Being tall SHOULD be a requirement LOL.
Me: Ha ha.
But speaking of guys and dates—I need Easton to speed up the process of his promposal. It’s been two days since our deal and still no official ask. But…
How do I bring up the subject to him without seeming pushy?
What’s a good way to tell a guy to pick up the pace? Shit or get off the pot?
I may be a born leader, but I’m certainly not cut out for uncertainty.
Macy: I can ask my cousin to take you. Truman, remember him? He goes to Parker Lane but I can ask him. He owes me a favor because I didn’t rat him out to our grandma when he got a stain on her couch.
Me: You’re a hero. And thank you but no.
Macy: Are you sure? I know you think he’s cute.
Me: Yes, Truman is cute. But that doesn’t mean I want him taking me, especially as a favor. That’s embarrassing.
Me: The last thing I need is you telling everyone he’s your cousin—they’d think it’s a pity date.