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And the thought of putting someone else through that agonizing mystery seems cruel to me.
So, that leaves only two options.
A cold ball forms in my chest as Jolie’s voice becomes an indistinct buzz. I “Hmm” and nod as though I’m listening to her story about… a history assignment, maybe?
But the truth is, I’m racing headlong into a swirling vortex of indecision.
I want to ignore this problem, but I can’t.
I know I just need to make a choice and stick with it, but it’s not like I’m picking between a hamburger and a pizza here. This is huge! And no matter what I choose, I’m going to have regrets. I’m smart enough to recognize this.
“Well, I hope all your assignments go great and you can get back to having fun.” Jolie’s singsong voice makes me grin.
“Speaking of fun, how’s the prom planning going?”
She sighs. “Being on the committee is a nightmare. I wouldn’t have volunteered if I’d known Boss Bitch Bella was taking charge. Seriously, she thinks she’s the only person in the room with good ideas, and it’s driving me crazy.”
“Aw, sweetie. That sucks. Bella has always been bossy.”
“Yep. And everyone thinks that. We’ve started warning each other when BBB is coming. And the other day, we actually had a secret meeting without her to talk about our dresses. I know that’s not really a prom committee thing, but we were worried that if she was within earshot of any conversation like that, she’d tell us what we all had to wear.”
I let out a soft laugh and try to cut off her complaining with a question I know will excite her. “So, what kind of dress are you thinking?”
“You’re gonna love it,” she squeals, then starts describing this sequined number with spaghetti straps.
I listen as best I can… until my phone starts beeping with an incoming call.
I pull it away from my ear and check the number.
It’s Casey.
That’s weird. Why is he calling me?
My stomach pinches uncomfortably and I sit up, tucking my hair behind my ear.
“Hey, Jo-Jo,” I interrupt her.
“Yeah?”
“I’ve got a call coming in. Do you mind if I quickly take it?”
“Oh sure, just call me back whenever. I have to go now anyway. I’m getting the look from Mom, because I’m technically supposed to be writing an essay right now and not talking to you.”
“Hey, Cinnamon!” Aunt Camilia calls.
“Say hi to your mom for me,” I tell Jolie before sending kisses down the phone and hanging up.
“Hello?” I answer Casey’s call before it cuts off.
“Oh, you are there. I thought I was gonna have to leave a message, and I really hate that.”
I snicker, shaking my head. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just…”
My eyebrows slowly rise as I wait out his silence. He’s not giving me anything, and it’s making me nervous, so I go for a prompt. “Just what?”
“Uh… this is me just… calling you.” He clears his throat. “I’m calling you.”
