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I laughed.

“Not funny,” RJ said as he put his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s go hang out with Uncle James and forget about everything you just saw.” He pulled me down the hall and away from the cafeteria.

But that scene with Olivia was going to haunt me forever.

It was official. Actually, it had been for a while now.

Jacob no longer loved me.

It was over.

I tried to focus on why on earth Axel was counting down to my 18th birthday.

Chapter 20 – Don’t You Dare

Thursday

“He’s not counting down until Valentine’s Day,” Sophie said as she closed her locker. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Parker too much.”

Sophie laughed. “Yeah, maybe. But come on. The Sadie Hawkins dance is next Saturday. If you don’t ask Axel soon, someone else will.”

That was true. But... “I already got rejected once this week. I’m not really up to being rejected again today.”

“But Axel is going to say yes. Because he’s in love with you and has been counting down until your 18th birthday for years for some reason.”

“RJ thinks he’s a serial killer,” I said.

“We all know that’s not true. He’s in love with you. Parker agrees with me.”

“You’re seriously hanging out with Axel’s sister too much.”

Sophie shrugged. “What can I say? I like how she puts RJ in his place. That girl is going places.”

I didn’t disagree. I looked down the hall at where Axel was standing by his locker.

“Do it,” Sophie said. “Do it, do it, do it,” she started chanting.

I slammed my locker closed. “I said I’d do it if we were sure he liked me. And we’re not. Has RJ figured out the beginning of the countdown yet?”

“No, he has some footage to look at or something.”

“What?”

“Just trust his process. And don’t even worry about the countdown. Axel is so into you. Parker and I agree. It’s two to one. So...go.”

“But...”

“He loves you, I know it, Scar.”

She was so sure. It made me feel a little more confident about the whole thing. But I had a terrible fear of being rejected so publicly again. “I think maybe it would be better if I asked him in bed.”

“Very provocative. But no, do it now so I can watch the start of your love story. Pretty please?” She gave me her most encouraging smile. “And look, stupid Jacob just walked away so Axel is all alone. Get in there before another girl swoops in! Operation Sadie Hawkins Dance is a go!”

She really did have a point. And the thought of staying home for the dance knowing Jacob was with Olivia was going to kill me. It would be so much better if I could show up with Axel. Because...it was Axel. Me and Axel. The way I’d always thought it was meant to be.

“Come on, the bell is about to ring in a few minutes. Go before you miss your chance.” Sophie gave me a little push in Axel’s direction.