Apologies don’t matter right now. She needs a friend, and I’m herbestfriend. I’ll make this right. Move over, Joe. She doesn’t need you, anyway.
“Everything’s fine, Sara. Stop crying. I’ve decided to forgive you for everything you’ve done.”
She gives me a watery smile. “Patrick?”
I raise my eyebrows as if to say,Um, yeah?
And then she throws her arms around me.
“You’re finally talking to me again! I’msosorry for being a total jerk—you have no idea what I’ve been through. I wanted to call you yesterday but I didn’t because I know how you can get, and then I freakingfailedmy calculus test because I suck sobad.”
She squeezes my torso tighter and—what is happening to me? All I can smell is the sweet scent of her peach shampoo and, for some reason, it makes my heart beat faster. My hands fold around her, passing along comfort before I realize we’re hugging in the middle of the classroom—something we’ve never done before—and push her away from me.
“Okay, okay. Calm down. I got it. I forgive you, okay? I just wanted to know why this guy”—I gesture at Joe—“is making you cry? Unless you were actually upset about me, which is totally cool—”
“Oh, no! She wasn’t—I didn’t—” Joe stammers. He collects himself when her head swivels toward him. “Sara, I was just about to suggest that you study at my place tonight. Do you think that would help?”
Sara lights up like a comet in the night sky. “Really? You’d do that for me?”
“Of course,” Joe insists. “Whatever it takes to get your dad’s permission to come to the festival.”
I’m so confused. What is happening?
“Wow, thank you so much. I’ll come tonight.”
Then Sara reaches out and shakes his hand in this oddly professional way. I think she’s just nervous.
But now I’m really confused. I thought Oliver was her tutor? Now Joe’s tutoring her? What happened in the time we weren’t talking? Surely Sara didn’t tell Oliver about the subway incident. If she did, itwouldexplain why she’s now avoiding him. Maybe he took it badly and told her he couldn’t tutor her anymore. Ugh, that little punk!
As Joe slides into his seat, turning away from us, Sara blinks up at me.
“I guess I have a lot to fill you in on.”
TWENTY-NINE
Sara
Dad’s still at the office by the time I get home, which is ideal. I don’t want him to know I’m going to Cute Neighbor Boy’s apartment across the hall for tutoring, because then I’d have to explain my pretest grade. And also? He’d probably insist on introducing himself to Joe, and I’m just not mentally prepared for that yet.
One day, though. Hopefully when Joe’s my official boyfriend.
A nervous flutter shifts in my belly. I’m going to Joe’s place! Well, it’s Oliver’s place too. I’m choosing to ignore that, though.
I’ve tugged half of my short hair into a nubby ponytail, letting my bangs fall around my face. It’s effortless in a casual way, I think, even though Ididput effort in. I’m not going over in my uniform, though. That’s just nerdy. But I’m also not going to dress like it’s a big date or something. How embarrassing if I show up in a dress and he’s in sweats!
I do, however, want to look pretty. Is that so wrong?
That’s why I end up wearing my favorite jeans and salmon-pink hoodie, which fits me nicely. And, sure, I put atinybit of mascara on my lashes. Maybe I also swiped ateenysmudge of gloss over my lips. Sue me!
As I’m knocking on Joe’s door across the hall, my heartbeat accelerates by the second. What if Oliver answers? Does he even know I’m coming over? Please,pleasedon’t let him answer the door. I can’t bear an awkward interaction with him right now.
The door opens. “Sara, hi!”
I glance up. It’s just Joe—phew.
Upon first assessment, I know I made the right wardrobe choice. Joe’s wearing a cozy cotton tunic and navy joggers. You know, the type of thing one usually wears around the house. His hair flops over his forehead when he grins.
“It’s so convenient you live right across the hall—come on in.”
