Who signed me up?The app said nominations were allowed. Someone had to put my name in. And the more I think about it, the more two people rise straight to the top of my suspect list.
Carlton. Or Meredith.
Carlton because he already hinted at doing so. He’s two-faced enough to do something messy like that and act innocent after. Meredith because Little Birdie exposing my crush on Carlton hurt her more than anyone, and maybe nominating me would be the perfect way to punish me without getting her hands dirty.
Or maybe they both did it. Maybe they talked about me together and agreed I’d make the perfect next Little Birdie—quiet, observant, easy to overlook.
The thought makes my stomach turn.
Dearest fledglings,
Did my eyes deceive me? No! Spotted on the terribly romantic swan boats this afternoon were not one couple, but two! Meredith Evans was there with Carlton Peters of course. Their love could endure the strongest of trials. And sitting in front of them were Ezra Davis and Rue Sullivan! Best of all? Rue and Ezra shared an adorable moment during which Meredith captured photos. We can’t wait to see them posted when it’s time.
Yours truly,
Little Birdie
I reread it once, heart pounding from leftover butterflies as I share the blast.
This is it…my second post.
I should be happy because it’s perfect: not harming anyone, uplifting Meredith and Carlton’s relationship, while simultaneously convincing everyone of mine and Ezra’s. But still, something inside me feels guilty. Icky.
At least after three months I’ll be done,I tell myself,and finally free to never spread gossip again.
My phone chimes with a text. It takes me a full minute to break away from my ceiling trance and pick it up.
Carlton
hey, can we talk?
Me
about what?
Carlton
I’m outside, can u meet me?
Dread crawls up the back of my neck.
No. What in the world is he doing here? He’s going to get me in trouble with Meredith.
And for one awful second, I wonder if he knows. If maybe he’s here because he signed me up and somehow found out I actually got chosen. Despite the negative emotions coursing through me regarding him, there’s still a tiny, minuscule curiosity at why he’d come over after I just saw him.
I sneak past my mom and Linda and slip right out the front door. If Mom notices, she says nothing, probably too entranced by the food storage container presentation she’s receiving.
As promised, Carlton is waiting on the porch. His gaze roves over me as I come outside, making me instantly self-conscious of my baggy green sweatpants and matching sweater. He’s stilldressed in his quality jeans and thick, wool jacket from earlier. The half-smile that lights up his face would usually make me swoon, but right now, all I can do is roll my eyes.
His grin falters. “Something wrong?” He nods toward my house, like it’s my mom upsetting me.
“You have no idea.”
The easy grin reappears. “Walk with me.”
“We literally just got done with the double date. What’s going on, C?”
“You act like I need a reason to come say hi.” He starts walking, so I follow beside him.
