“What? Why?”
“Oh, um, look! Mr. Day!”
Glancing at the door, I see that Mr. Day is, in fact, heading into the classroom. But when I glance at Tammy sidelong again, the apples of her cheeks turn pink. She nervously flips through her textbook, avoiding my gaze.
“Better get focused, right?”
“Right,” I agree, pressing back a smile.
Well, well, well. Maybe I’m jumping to conclusions, but . . . is Tammy into Patrick?
I suppose I’ll have to find out for myself.
THIRTY-FOUR
Patrick
Thankfully, gym is our last period of the day, because the last thing I want to do is sit in my own sweat through several more classes. Honestly, I don’t know anyone who wants to do that, especially when Coach Garcia makes us run the mile.
Which she’s decided we’re doing.
I don’t mind running, but today I’ve slowed to a jog because it’s chilly and I’m already hungry. Tammy’s keeping a decent pace as she sticks to my side. Ever since we spent all those lunch periods together when I was in a fight with Sara, Tammy’s been way more talkative. I’ve learned all about her favorite mochi donut spot, that she likes reading only fantasy books, and that she’s saving up to see her favorite K-pop group when they come to town in a few months. She’s easy to talk to, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t miss Sara when we weren’t speaking.
Right now, I’m glad Tammy’s not trying to make too much conversation, focused as she is on controlling her breath as she runs alongside me. Because honestly? I’ve been in my head about Rose’s proposal.
On the one hand, I want to protect Sara from heartbreak, especially if Joe isn’t interested in her. Even if heisinterested in her, Rose will make sure she’s the one who gets him in the end. Whenever she wants something, she goes after it and doesn’t back down.
I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t try to protect Sara, right?
But—ugh! I don’t want to get involved in Sara’s business, and this definitely falls into the meddling category. She’s an adult, isn’t she? Shouldn’t I let her lead her own life?
“Beep, beep!”
Sara Lin pulls up on my left, hiking her knees to her chest as she runs. “Move it, slowpoke. The King of England could run faster than you.”
I suppress an eye roll. “I’m tired, it’s cold, it’s windy, and I’m hungry.”
“Itispretty chilly out.” Tammy rubs her hands together. “Besides, he already did two laps. Didn’t you see him? He’s really fast.”
Sara doesn’t respond, because her attention lingers on the loud conversation happening behind us.
“Joe is so hot! Look at him run. Oh my gosh.”
“Bet he has a six-pack.”
“Totally. You can see it every time his shirt bounces when he runs.”
I tense, irritation crawling up my spine. Sara blinks her focus back to me, trying to pretend she wasn’t listening. Too late. We all heard.
“Uh, what were you going to tell me earlier?” she asks.
“Oh, uh—”
How do I warn her about Rose without sounding like I’m involved? Do I say,Hey, Sara, Rose wants Joe to be her boyfriend so she’s going to sabotage whatever’s going on between you. By the way, whatisgoing on between you?
If there was anything to share, Sara would have told me. Wouldn’t she? Why am I so obsessed with the thought of them spending time with each other? I have no trouble sharing Sara’s friendship with Tammy when we get together, but the thought of hanging out with her and Joe drives me bonkers. My jaw gets tense and tight, and this weird emotion stirs frustration and neediness in my stomach.
I’m not jealous, am I? I mean, I really don’t want Sara to get hurt by Rose, but is that all there is to it?
