Page 110

I did not need to have this embarrassing conversation. Yes, I had been brutally rejected. Twice in a row. But third time was a charm. “Mhm, I’m fine.” I stepped past him. “Leo!”

Leo turned around to look at me. He smiled, even though I didn’t deserve one of his smiles after everything.

Something about being rejected so much somehow made my fears diminish. I ran over to him. “Leo, do you want to go to the Sadie Hawkins dance with me?”

“Is this some weird thing where you’re going to agree to go to the dance with me but actually go with Jacob?”

“I deserved that. But, no, Jacob is going with Olivia.”

“Really? The two of you are actually done? I heard that you broke up, but...” He shrugged. “I wasn’t sure what to believe.”

“I’m pretty sure he hates me. It’s done.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

“Trust me, it is. I’m a terrible girlfriend.”

“Well, I guess you did go on a date with me while you were dating him.” He smirked.

“Exactly? See? I’m the worst.”

“It is very unclear as it always is when talking to you, if you like me or not. You’re asking me to the dance, but telling me you’re a terrible girlfriend. So...”

“I’m just trying to be honest.”

“Is that what it is? Well, honestly, I find you refreshing. You know how I feel about you.”

“So is that a yes? Will you go to the dance with me?” Please don’t turn me down too. I wasn’t sure I could handle three nos in a row.

Leo smiled. “It’s a date.”

“Yes!”

He laughed.

“Thank you.” I leaned forward and hugged him.

He wrapped his arms around me. “You’re welcome. Although I think I’m kinda the winner here. Now I get to keep up my Leo the Rugged Thief persona.”

I laughed and pulled back. “This is going to be fun.”

“It really is.”

The bell rang.

“I gotta get to class,” I said. “But thank you. I won’t let you down.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Can’t wait.”

I laughed and hurried toward Mr. Halifax’s class. Sophie was standing in the middle of the hall waiting for me.

“What the actual F was that?” Sophie said. “Why would Axel want to go as friends with both of us? I don’t understand. What about the countdown?” She was staring behind me.

I turned around to see Axel push open the front doors of Empire High and walk out even though school was just about to start.

“I don’t know,” I said. “Do you think maybe he has a crush on you?”

“What? No. Ew. I only date older guys. Axel knows that. Something weird is going on. He looked so uncomfortable during that conversation.”