Amelia was back with two glasses brimming with something that looked like orange soda.
“Poppy, just a fruit juice for you,” she warned.
I felt guilty. I didn’t want them to fight because of me, but on the other hand I was only asking for some honesty.
“Look, June, I know it seems ridiculous to you, but last year was a tough year for my family, and yes, I was with him, but—” Amelia curled her lips, trying to figure out what to say.
“Then he cheated on her. He cheated on you, didn’t he?” Ari interrupted, coming to Amelia’s rescue.
They both nodded. Poppy looked down. They were lying. It made my stomach turn. I felt excluded.
“Is that all?” I asked, not hiding my frustration.
“No, well—” Poppy started, but Amelia cut her off curtly.
“Yeah, that’s all.”
A honk interrupted our conversation. The girls exchanged a look.
“Who is it?”
“It’s James’s car,” exclaimed Ari, looking out the window “Will’s at the door.”
“I can’t believe it. He came here for you, June!”
Ari’s hazelnut-colored eyes lit up. “How romantic.” She mock swooned.
“Who told him I’d be here?”
I looked around, befuddled, but nobody answered.
“Come here.” Amelia grabbed my arm as Poppy handed her some lipstick.
“Oh, no, no.”
“We know you already look great, but a little makeup won’t hurt. I’ll put this on you.” I didn’t know what shade it was until I looked in the mirror. A violent shade of purple covered my lips, making them look huge.
“What on earth?”
“Go, go! Don’t make him wait.” Ari pushed me.
For a minute I felt like a guinea pig in a lab experiment, but I ignored that feeling and went downstairs.
William was waiting for me at the door wearing a dark-colored shirt and a dazzling grin. I looked past his shoulders.
James Hunter was leaning against the black Mustang car door, turning on his vape pen. He had his hood up, which created a big shadow that covered his face.
“I came here to apologize for yesterday, June.” William stared at me intensely.
“No need to apologize, Will. Really.”
“Yes, there is. Last night was a disaster, and it was all my fault.”
“Uh.” I should’ve objected, but I didn’t.
“Give me another chance.”
“Say yes!”
