“What?”
He squints as he moves even closer. “You’re acting like no one has ever asked you before.”
I shrug. “Because they haven’t?” As soon as the words are out, I wish I could suck them back in. He’s asking me to the dance and now I’m blowing it. “I mean, of course people have asked me,” I lie. “I’m waiting for someone special, you know?”
He’s standing right in front of me now, blue eyes deep and beautiful, but so, so very mysterious. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes,” I blurt. “I mean, yeah, sure. I’ll go to the dance with you. I mean, I’m a little shocked, but sure.”
“Okay,” he says.
We just stand there. Friday. That’s two days away.Twodays. Oh my gosh.
“So I’ll see you,” he says before taking off down the hall, to the art room. I watch him go, my heart beating so hard it’s about to catapult right out of my chest. Ryan Rogers and me. Dancing in the fake moonlight of the school gym. Ryan and me with our arms wrapped around one another.
It’ll be magical. I know it.
As soon as I return to the cafeteria, Jenna and Jason bombard me with questions. “What did he want?” Jenna asks.
I can’t hide the smile splitting my face in half as I drop down in my seat. “He asked meto the dance!”
Jenna’s eyes widen. “No!”
“Yep. And I said yes.”
She squeals. Then her smile vanishes. “It’s a little weird, isn’t it? I mean, it came out of nowhere.”
I frown. “No, it didn’t. I mean, he probably wanted to ask me for a while but was too shy.”
She’s quiet as she thinks it over. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Jason locks his fingers through hers. “You’re a good friend to watch over Art, but I think she’s right. He was probably too shy to ask.”
“I guess.” She beams. “I’m so happy for you.”
I beam back. “Thanks. Looks like all my attempts to talk to him the past two weeks paid off. Hewaslistening to me after all. Wow. I’m going to the dance.”
Jenna leans forward, a crooked smile on her face. “You know what this means, Art? The hottest guy at school chose you over Brianne.”
I just stare at her, dumbfounded. Then I sink in my seat. “You’re right. Why would a guy like him ask me and not her? Ugh, it’s too good to be true.” I knock my head on the table. “He’ll probably change his mind.”
“Artemis, look at me,” Jason says.
I reluctantly lift my head.
“You’re an amazing, fun person,” he tells me. “If Ryan asked you, then he likes you, okay? Don’t mess this up because you’re worried about his intentions.”
“His intensions?”
He quickly shakes his head. “I mean that you’re worried he’ll break your heart. We don’t know the guy, but he seems decent enough.” His eyes soften. “Try to have a good time and not overthink this.”
“And forget Brianne,” Jenna adds. “She doesn’t exist.”
My eyes flick to her table, where she’s tossing her golden hair over her shoulder as she holds a court of admirers, most of them guys. Ugh. She’s so pretty. And I’m, well, me.
But my best friend and brother are right. If I keep freaking out that Ryan doesn’t like me, then I won’t enjoy our time together.
This may be the only dance I’ll ever attend. I need to make the most of it.
