“I’m so sorry about this, Patrick. I feel partly responsible,” he says. “I hope it’s nothing serious. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
Patrick’s eyes jump to his. “Actually, there’s one thing. It’s really important.”
My brows furrow as I glance between them.
“What is it?” Joe asks.
“Declare I’m the fastest runner.” Patrick smirks, his mischievous side returning even though he still looks a little pale. “Wasn’t it a competition? And don’t sweat my fall, dude. That was my fault.”
“Oh! Okay! Yeah, you really did beat me, Patrick.” Joe barks out a good-natured laugh. “I’ve got to run—and Sara? I’ll see you at the festival tonight, right?”
As he asks this, he lays a hand on my shoulder.
Eee!First he touches my chin, now my shoulder? I don’t want to read into this too much, but is it possible he likes me back? And if he does, could it mean Joe might be my first kiss?
“Right,” I say, head spinning in the best way.
His smile widens. “You worked really hard for it. Let’s make sure we have fun.”
It feels as though my bones have transformed into maple syrup, because I’m melting into a puddle of goo before his radiant gaze.
He walks backward toward the door. “Take care, Patrick!” he says before he heads out, footsteps fading down the hall.
“Bye!” I shout, hoping he can still hear me, then spin on the heel of my foot to Patrick.
“Ahh, did you see that? He totally likes me, right?” I slide both hands over my cheeks, feeling the warmth growing there. “I have to go home and get ready!”
“You’re leaving?” Patrick blurts, panic building behind his eyes. “What if I trip and break my other arm?”
I giggle, because I assume he’s joking. He’s known for that, after all.
“Don’t be silly, that won’t happen.”
“But what if it does!” he insists, his tone serious now. “What if I break my legs too?”
“You’re being ridiculous. Besides, Tammy is here.” I sweep my arm toward her. “You’ll stay with him, right, Tammy?”
I wouldn’t call myself high maintenance, but Ididjust finish running a mile in gym, so I absolutely need a shower. Plus, I’ve got to have time to do my hair and makeup. Everything needs to be perfect for tonight. I won’t settle for less.
Tammy’s staring at Patrick’s bandaged wrist. Suddenly, she throws her arms around his neck. “You have such great arms and legs, Patrick! And amazing ocean-colored eyes—I can’t stop thinking about them—”
And then, as if realizing what’s she’s done, she launches off him and rushes to the door, clasping a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. That was—I mean—I—”
Without another word, she sprints out of the nurse’s office.
My eyes connect with Patrick’s, and he runs his good hand through his hair, brows pinched together. “That was kind of weird, right?”
A laugh escapes my lips. Oh my gosh, this all makes sense now!
“I’m pretty sure she has a crush on you,” I tell him.
“Huh.” He processes this information, and I can’t tell if he’s excited by this or not. Do I want that? For him to be excited? “Guess I found out who wrote me all those love letters, then.”
I tilt my head, my heart constricting at this news. “Love letters? What love letters?”
“Oh. Um. I found some anonymous love letters in my locker.” He gazes up at me through his eyelashes. “At first I thought they might have been from you, but that wouldn’t have made any sense, would it?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I force out a laugh, even though I’m not sure how I feel about this. Am I okay with Tammy liking Patrick? What if he likes her back? “And don’t worry, I won’t write you any more bad poetry. That ship sailed long ago—and it left without you!”
