“Tabitha Jones.”
“Should I know who that is?”
My nose crinkles as I think about how Tabitha and her friends strut through the halls at school. “She’s one of the Miss Perfects.”
Aunt Maddy stifles another laugh, this time less effectively. “Miss Perfect?”
“You know. Those girls who think their crap doesn’t stink. Shiny hair, makeup, and loads of attitude.”
“Well, you’ve got attitude to boot.”
I grumble, hunching over the popcorn bowl. “Not like other girls.”
“Why would you want to be like other girls? You should feel proud that you stand out.”
“Aunt Maddy, I don’t want to stand out.” I huff, plonking the bowl on the bed beside me. “I wanna fit in.”
“Well, maybe if Kai and Tabitha became an item, you can get to know her, too?”
I chew my lip, thinking about the comments the Miss Perfects have made about me. “Yeah. Maybe.”
“Don’t feel so down, baby,” Maddy says, rubbing the space between my shoulder blades. “I’ve got your studying problem figured out.”
I crook an eyebrow as I wait for more. “How so?”
“Milo has agreed to tutor you.”
“Eww.“ I groan. “No way.”
Maddy nudges me. “Be grateful. You’re the one who got yourself into this mess.”
“Why would he agree to tutor me?”
“Maybe because he’s a nice person.”
I smirk. “Maybe because he’s such a big nerd, and can’t get enough of his own homework, he needs to take on mine as well.”
“Stop being such a brat. Don’t go thinking Milo will do your homework for you. He’s helping teach you how to do it.”
“I don’t need him to teach me.”
“Obviously you do. Now, hand me the popcorn. I could do with a rom-com fix, too.”
I pass the bowl. “Everything not perfect with Mr. Stuffy?”
“Stop calling him that. David and I are doing great. It’s just been a long week and I need to chill out.”
“I can’t believe you asked Milo to tutor me. That’s low.”
“He’s smart and you need help.” Maddy digs into the popcorn bowl. “So, was there much lead up to Kai and Tabitha’s kiss?”
“No.” I gasp as if reliving the shock. “I’ve never seen them interact before. It’s like he’s been texting her without ever saying anything.”
Aunt Maddy gestures to the screen. “Kinda like he doesn’t know you watch rom-coms every night.”
“Hardly the same thing. My secret taste in movies is nothing compared to a secret crush.”
“I’m sure he was just nervous. You two will talk all about it at school tomorrow.”
