I glare at him. “Now is not the time forI told you so.”
“This is the exact perfect time forI told you so. Never, ever has there been a time whenI told you sowas more needed. Because I literally saidDon’t take off-campus PE. It will be a disaster.” He holds his hands out toward me. “And see? Disaster.”
I throw my pen at him.
He dodges it easily; the grin persists. “What’s this got to do with truth or dare?”
I take a deep breath and say, “I need to go to Ellerbe Hills Country Club and find Coach Cantu and beg him to sign my form so I can turn it in but I can’t do that while Mom is tracking my every move since I also have to pick up the gift for Bailey’s party then be at her party by nine thirty in the morning so I need someone to switch phones andbe mein the morning and will you be that person? That’s the question I need you to answer.”
Charlie rolls his eyes. “This is the dumbest use of truth or dare I’ve ever seen. You should be ashamed.”
“Add that to the list, then,” I say. “I was hoping you’d go for dare.”
“I figured. Why don’t you find him after the party?” Charlie asks.
“There’s no way I will enjoy Bailey’s party if all I’m thinking about is if there’s a chance I really might not graduate. Plus, I need you to man my phone regardless of when I go so I don’t have twenty questions from Mom.” I don’t tell Charlie, but ever since I got the e-mail from Mr. Spencer, I feel like I have a black cloud hanging over me. This is supposed to be the best week of high school! Nothing but parties and fun and friends. I need this settled. I need to know this is not a problem.
Charlie leans closer to the table and I mirror his movement. “I should say no on principle since you’ve abused truth or dare.”
“I’m desperate.”
He rolls his eyes again, then sits back, pulling his plate in front of him so he can take another big bite. Forcing me to wait for his answer.
While he swallows, he gives mea look. “Will you admit I was right and golf turned out to be a total disaster?”
“Yes, if that’s what it takes for you to agree.”
Charlie keeps demolishing his sandwich, but I can tell I’ve got him. He dips his thumb in a stray blob of mustard on the plate. “I mean, how can I say no to this? But I know there’s more to it if you brought in truth or dare.”
“There’s really not. He’s going to sign it and it will be done and over.”
He shrugs. “Yeah, sure, I’ll be you.”
I jump up from my seat and rush around to his side of the table, throwing my arms around his neck. “Thank you! Thank you!”
“I have to answer texts from Aunt Lisa, huh?”
“Yes! That’s it! Answer like you’re me.” I don’t add that she texts a lot. He’ll figure that out.
The side door opens, and Wes and Sophie come in laughing, hand in hand. Sophie’s eyes land on mine. “Are you okay?” she asks.
Before I can open my mouth, Charlie answers. “Oh, she’s fine. Just freaking out because she may not graduate.”
So maybe Nonna isn’t the only bigmouth in the family.
Wes and Sophie drop down at the table with us.
“What do you mean?” Wes asks. “You’re like the runner-up!”
“Salutatorian,” I correct him.
He shakes his head. “Same thing.”
“So, if the valedictorian can’t perform their duties, does the crown pass to you?” Charlie asks.
I give them both the stink eye.
Sophie shoves Charlie for me, since she’s closer. “Catch us up, Olivia. What happened?”
