Page 74 of A Perfect Fit

The theme of tonight’s event is magical wonderland, and I wonder what dress Isabelle will be wearing tonight. The last time I saw her at a formal event like this was spring formal. Eight years ago.

She danced with Oliver in a blue halter-neck dress, her arms looped around his neck. My muscles twitch as I recall the memory.

“Dude, you’ve been staring at Isabelle for the past five minutes,” Aaron said.

“I’m not staring,” I corrected. “I’m just thinking about how I’m going to beat her at tomorrow’s science test.”

Aaron shook his head. “One day, you’ll realize the truth.”

“There’s nothing to realize,” I grunted. “The simple truth is that Isabella and I can’t stand each other.”

Several minutes later, Isabelle walked past me, a scowl overtaking her face.

“You’re a terrible dancer, Isabella,” I said.

“You’re one to talk,” she retorted. “I haven’t even seen you on the dance floor.”

Before I could reply, Oliver walked over and placed an arm around her waist. “Come on, Izzy. Let’s go.”

I couldn’t stop staring at them as he led her away. I was definitely going to beat Isabelle at the science test tomorrow.

My phone dings with a new text, and I blink.

Fuck. Do I really have feelings for Isabelle? Is that why I always hated seeing her with Oliver back in high school?

I reach for my phone.

Victor

Hey, Jackson. Good luck tonight.

I hesitate for a moment before calling him. I always appreciate Victor’s advice, and I could use some of it right now.

Victor picks up quickly, his cheery voice ringing out. “Hey. What’s up?”

“Hey, Victor. Can I ask you something?”

“Absolutely.”

I plop down on the edge of the bed. “This might be a silly question, but how did you know you were falling for my sister?”

There’s a pause before he responds, “Well, we had our first date, and as cheesy as it sounds, I saw her, and it felt like time stopped. I still remember the exact outfit she wore, even though it was eleven years ago now. Anyway, I found out she’d just gotten a bad grade on a test she’d studied really hard for, and all I wanted to do was be there for her and cheer her up, not only that day, but every day. Like I’d do anything to see her smile and be happy. And I couldn’t stop thinking about her. She was on my mind all the time.”

“Wow,” I breathe. I’ve never doubted the love he has for my sister, but it still feels heartwarming to hear that from him. “That’s … incredible.”

Victor chuckles. “I assume you’re asking because of someone?”

“Yeah,” I admit, raking a hand through my hair. “There’s someone who’s been on my mind a lot.” I swallow. “Do you know Sparkes Magazine? She’s a huge fan, and I made it my life’s mission to track down a contact there, as hard as that was. I … I’ve never done something like that for a girl before. And I think I relate to what you were saying about wanting to do anything to see her happy. I think about her all the time, even when I don’t want to, but I don’t know if all that means anything more.”

“I think you’ve answered your own question, Jackson.”

I sigh. “Maybe.”

“She sounds really special to you,” Victor continues. “And I think that’s important. I’d say to be honest with your feelings, but also let things unfold as they’re meant to.”

“Will do. Thanks for the chat, Victor.”

“Anytime.”