Page 86 of Okay, Cupid

Want to say no. I should say no. For my own safety.

Tết could be an amazing opportunity to push Huy and Alice together, though. Dancing, food, music, the energy of something monumental.

The Valentine’s Day dance is still the goal. But this could set the stage wonderfully.

“Yeah,” I tell him. “I’m still going.”

“Nice. It’s in the Sunset, so I can pick you up around five?”

“Sounds good,” I say, as he heads back to his seat.

• • •

By the time we make it to lunch, Huy’s cast is more black than green, with the boys from the soccer team finally getting their chance to make their mark. Neve even rushes over to snatch the Sharpie from Ricky, leaving me and Alice alone at the table.

“Excited for tomorrow?” she asks me.

“Yeah, it’s going to be … fun.”

“You don’t sound so enthused,” she says slyly, tapping her nails on the cafeteria table. “Could something be the matter?”

“What? No. Why would it be?” I sputter. “I’m just … still under the weather, that’s all.”

“Do you know what caused it?”

“No.”

“Mhmm …”

“Speaking of.” I switch the topic just so effortlessly. “What about the Valentine’s Day dance?”

“What about it?”

“Have you got your tickets?”

“No,” Alice scoffs. “I’m not going to that thing. Neve already has me helping make decorations with the art club after school today. There’s no way I’m wasting my Wednesday on that.”

“Really?” I glance over my shoulder at the soccer table. “There’s no one you want to ask?”

“Not really.” But when she looks up, I catch her staring at the soccer table. Just for a second.

I don’t know whether to press it or not. I should, but I can’t bring myself to.

Neve comes back, takes her seat next to Alice, and proclaims, “I got it!”

“What?” Alice asks.

“My name, on the cast. Had to avoid three different penises, but I managed to get it on there.”

“I hope you mean drawn penises …” I can’t help the look of disgust on my face.

“Please, unless a penis is attached to a beautifully bodacious babe, there’s no way I’m going near one of those. Too … weird looking.”

“I’m begging us to change the subject,” Alice pleads, covering her face.

“Aw, babe,” Neve coos, bringing Alice in. “Your fear of the penis is natural.”

“Please!”