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Chapter 20
Matt
I’m not surprised with how well Izzy reacted to the nomination ballot. I still feel bad that she’s considered the joke vote, but she’s taking it all in stride. She isn’t embarrassed because of it, and it makes me wish I had as much courage to be myself as she has.
Even though I want to talk to her more, to try and keep some form of communication open between us, I keep my distance after class ends. As I watch her walk away, I’m pleasantly surprised to see more people coming up to her, congratulating her on the prom court ballot. I have a feeling the joke is going to be on Sarah and Yvette this year.
As I walk over to my table during lunch, I look across the way. I see Izzy standing by her table, looking over at me before taking her seat. I exhale sharply, growing more annoyed with our tug-of-war over my secret fanboy life. I wouldn’t be so hung up on this if I didn’t like her. And the things she’s said, how she’s reacted when I’m close to her, I know she likes me. I have to figure out how to get around this secret nerd thing.
Like clockwork, as soon as I sit down at the table, Micah gives me his usual nod and leaves.
“Yeah, you’re welcome by the way!” I blurt out, scowling at him.
“Excuse me?” he snaps back.
Damn it. I grit my teeth because I don’t really want to explain everything that went down at the nominations meeting last week. If he’s uncomfortable around me now, how much more will he be if and when he finds out people think he was dumped because his ex-girlfriend is telling people he’s gay.
Everyone’s eyes lock on me. “Forget it.”
Micah lets out an annoyed grunt before walking away.
“Matt, he’s trying here.” Emma gives me a disappointed look.
I know she’s been friends with him throughout high school, and I remember the reason she told me he’s uncomfortable around me. I still don’t get why he’s okay hanging around Carter more than me.
“Dude?” Carter looks at me confused.
“Sorry, I know.” I wave them off. “It’s just something stupid at the nominations last week.”
“Matt!” Jen lets out a joyful squee. “Did you get the girls to nominate me? I can’t even begin to thank you.”
“No need to thank me, they did that all on their own. Yvette thinks you’re cool and apparently the Jennifer Lawrence of Woodbridge.”
“That’s amazing. You guys are going to vote for me, right?”
“Of course!” Emma’s pitch matches Jen’s as she hugs her.
“Yeah.” I laugh, looking over at Carter. “Sorry, Yvette brought in Sarah, and she was not having your name added to the list, even if the girls aren’t in charge of nominations for the guys.”
“It’s cool.” Carter takes a drink of his soda. “I was on homecoming court. You’re nominated again though. Going for two crowns this year?”
“Not if I can help it.” I roll my eyes.
“Sure sounds like Yvette wants you for her king.”
“Please don’t remind me.”
“So, I have a question,” Emma speaks up, looking over the list of nominations. “Who are the joke votes?”
“Well, the girls’ is Izzy Jacobs.” I stare down at the table, still feeling bad about it.
When no one says anything, I look back up to see Emma and Jen studying the list. Carter’s eyes find me and have a questioning look in them. He doesn’t have to say anything for me to know what he’s thinking.
“I wanted to try and get them to change the vote because they had a different girl picked out, but …” I trail off, looking over at the empty seat Micah left. “I already went to bat for someone and didn’t want to come off like …”
“Like what?” Carter says with a grin.
“Like she was my friend,” I say through clenched teeth.
