I chuckled. Considering my sister was on the verge of becoming a hot new Toronto designer, it wasn’t that far-fetched. But still. I was hardly model material. Daniel, maybe, but not me. “My ‘dating Daniel’ plan is working a little too well, I think,” I said.
“Yeah,” Cass said. “Tales of your legendary new boyfriend are being spread far and wide, and your ex looks like he’s going to cry every time someone mentions you.”
I snorted ... and a snot bubble flew out of my nose. Wiping it on the tissue Aimee had given me, I shook my head. “I wish hewouldcry. And that someone would take a picture of him and post it on Whispers.”
“Have you found out who made that GamesLost Instagram comment yet?” Cass asked. “I asked around a bit and no one knows whose account it is.”
I shook my head. “It’s LostAxis. I just know it.” I sighed. “I’ll bet he’s someone from the guild. Hell, they could be the same person behind Earl’s Whispers, too. Seems a bit excessive to have two secret saboteurs in my life, doesn’t it?”
“Now you’re reaching, Samaya. I doubt LostAxis is Earl’s Whispers,” Cass said. “Cuz whoever’s behind Earl’s Whispers is out to get you. But the gamer person was your friend. I mean, yeah, they lied about what they looked like. But that wasn’t some giant plan to ruin you.”
I shrugged. “A lie is a lie. IknowI never told LostAxis my real name. If they’re commenting on my Instagram, then they know me personally, and never mentioned that to me. That’s a bigger lie than just lying about what they look like. They may not be Earl’s Whispers, but they could be the one sending tips to them. And those comments could be a threat.”
“And you think whoever it is, is an Earl’s student?” Cass asked.
I nodded. “I mean, probably? Most kids I know go to Earl’s.” I didn’t really know anyone that well who went to another school. Except Daniel.
“I agree. They probably go to Earl’s and are in the guild,” Aimee said. “And I think you should go to Hana’s to find out who they are. For sure they’ll confess when they see you brought the guy in the picture.”
I shook my head vigorously. “No! I burst into tears whenever I talk to Devin. I’ll make a fool of myself, and Hana will tell her aunt. I’ll losemy volunteer job, and then I won’t get any scholarships, and Daniel will see that I’m such a mess and he won’t want—”
“You’re catastrophizing, Samaya. Why would you lose a job because you cried?” Cass asked.
“And why do you care what Daniel thinks of you?” Aimee added. “He’s going to help you no matter what, because you’re helping him with calc.”
Aimee was right. It shouldn’t matter at all what Daniel thought of me. But it did matter. A lot.
“Look, if LostAxis goes to Earl’s and playedDragon Arena,” Aimee said, “they’ll be at Hana’s. Everyone will be at Hana’s. You have to bring Daniel.”
I bit my lip and shook my head. “He’s such a jock, though.”
Cass raised a brow. “Now you’re looking for excuses. I happen to know several great jocks. One in particular—”
“C’mon, Cass. A jock wouldn’t last an hour with our crew. Plus, I told everyone he was into math like me, and he actually hates math.” I knew I was making excuses here. Daniel got along with everyone—he’d be fine. But I was so nervous about taking him to this party.
“He can fake it. We’ll teach him to be nerdier. Come on, Samaya,” Aimee said, rubbing her hands together. “This is the perfect opportunity to show them all how happy you are. Remember, the best revenge is living well. And most importantly it’s makeover time! I can’t believe I get to do this, but we get to turn a jock into a nerd.”
I exhaled. “Okay. Fine.”
16
Let the Nerd Lessons Commence
When I got home after school, I called Daniel to give him the news. We were going to Hana’s after all, but I needed to give him a nerd-over first.
“Okay ...what?” he asked.
I sighed. “I know, I know. You need a nerd makeover. And lessons. My friends will help.”
“Nerd lessons,” he deadpanned.
This was ridiculous. “Yeah, you know, we’ll teach you more about the geeky stuff in case it comes up in conversations.” Geeky stuff would definitely come up in conversations.
“But I thought you didn’t want to go?”
“I don’t. But this is the best way to figure out who LostAxis is. I think he’s been commenting on my Insta and knows me IRL. We’re hoping if I show up with you, he’ll confess who he is. Anyway, you said you wanted to see Hana’s house. My friend Cass can pick you up and drive you home ... they have a car.”
“Friday night?” he asked.
