River takes his finger and hooks it under my chin. “Hey, will you do me a favor?”
“What?”
“Will you not say anything to Micah about us breaking up?”
I stare at him. “Why? You want me to pretend we’re still dating?”
River shrugs and leans back. “I just think it wouldn’t hurt to make him a little jealous.”
I gape at River. “Jealous? You think that could work?”
“I think it’s worth a try.”
I don’t believe it could work, but I nod anyway. “All right.”
I say goodbye to River and exit the car. I furiously wipe at my face, trying to get rid of the tears. This night didn’t go anything like I’d planned. If only my kiss at the top of the Farris wheel had been magical, I might have gotten over my crush on Micah.
But I think something in me is broken.
CHAPTER 19
MicahBarrett
Saturday, November 28
I lookout the front window again. No car. I’m waiting for River to bring Cricket home and feeling quite anxious. I got the email from her attorney. The contract is good. I can sign it without worry. All I want to do is celebrate with Cricket, but she’s out with River, and I want to stab something.
River’s rental car drives up and parks out front. I race to sit on the couch and grab my phone so it doesn’t look like I’m waiting for her. It takes another fifteen minutes before she comes in. I casually look up from my phone. “You’re home?”
“Yes.” She sighs and walks into the room. I imagine she’s walking on air, since she had another amazing date with Mr. Perfect.
“Is that a happy sigh?” I ask, not looking at her.
She sinks into the chair. “No.”
Surprised, I put my phone down on the couch beside me.That’s when I notice Cricket has tears in her eyes. “Why are you crying? Did something happen on your date? Did River hurt you?” Anger surges in me. He better not have hurt her.
She shakes her head. “No, nothing like that. River was a gentleman. It’s just… me.”
I study her sitting across the room. “You? What do you mean?”
Cricket sighs again and wipes at her cheeks. “There’s something wrong with me.”
A dread creeps into me. I’m going to pound that guy into the pavement. “What did River say to you? Why do you think something’s wrong with you?”
Her cheeks flush pink. “He didn’t say anything. It’s just… I can’t do something right.”
I’m so confused. “What are you talking about?”
She looks up at the ceiling and groans. “This is embarrassing.”
“Cricket, just tell me. What’s going on?”
She covers her face with her hands. “I think I’m a terrible kisser.”
I blink at her. “What?”
“You heard me.” Her voice is muffled behind her hands. “I’m bad at kissing. I think I suck at it.”
