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She laughed. “Yep, exactly.”
The tears on my cheeks had evaporated, leaving behind dried tear stains that I wiped away. Talking with Fred had made me realize this wasn’t just about Gabriel. Even if I hated what had happened between us, there was more at stake. I’d set out to make a point. If I backed away now, it would all be for nothing. I had to show up at the tournament tomorrow morning, even if it hurt.
“Thanks for the pep talk,” I said, standing from the recliner.
“You’re welcome.” She followed suit and stood beside me. “Although, to tell you the truth, I was never good with the pep in high school. There’s a reason I didn’t make it on the cheerleading team. I think we can thank them for all my free time that led to my obsession with computers.”
I laughed, feeling the soft warm caress of hope once again. It seemed that one didn’t have to fit into the typical girly box to be successful later on in life. Fred seemed happy and confident about who she was. I wanted that. I didn’t want to feel insecure about not measuring up to the standards I’d made for myself. The standards that my friends had never expected me to meet. They loved me for me. Just like my family did. I didn’t need that pressure anymore.
“Thank you, Fred,” I said, backing away toward the door. Suddenly, I didn’t feel the need to be so alone anymore. “This really helped.”
“You’re welcome, kiddo.” She winked at me. “Good luck tomorrow. Whatever happens, I’m proud of you.”
I waved at her and then headed out the door with my phone powering back up in my hand. I didn’t even look at the slew of incoming messages as I opened up a group text and sent it out.
Me: It’s official: girl’s night at my house tonight.
In the morning, it’s battle time.
Nothing is going to stand in the way of my victory.
By the time I got to my car, I had a few replies.
Charlotte: Heck yes! I’m there!
Lexi: I’ll totally be your gaming cheerleader!
Whatever you need.
Charlotte: Glad to know you didn’t let today get to you.
Today had gotten to me—for a little while. But I was going to be strong. Stronger than Michael Corrigan ever imagined. Strong enough to face him tomorrow morning. And strong enough to face the boy I’d fallen for.
It wasn’t going to be easy...but maybe that was the point.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Are you sure I can’t put a little bit of gloss on your lips before we go in?”
Lexi glanced worriedly at me as I tugged my beanie tighter around my ears and marched toward the club doors. My crazy blonde curls were pulled back into a messy bun, a testament to how poorly I’d slept last night. Blame it on the pound of sugar I’d consumed with a greasy pizza or the thought of seeing Gabriel again, but I’d tossed and turned all night.
“No, I’ll pass on the gloss,” I said firmly. “I just want to get this thing over with. The sooner I see Gabriel, the faster I can focus on winning the tournament.”
She hesitated, gloss in hand, and then stashed it in her purse with disappointment written all over her face. She’d been trying to primp me all morning. I was pretty sure it was her way of showing she cared. Last night, during our third chick flick, she’d confessed that she felt responsible for the whole catfishing ordeal. As if it had been her idea. No, that blame lay with only me. I’d been the one to use Gabriel and I needed to take responsibility.
“Tell you what,” I said, softening my voice. “You can do whatever you want to me for the dance tonight. Go crazy.”
Lexi squealed so loud she almost made me take back the offer. But it was too late. The offer was out there, and she was going to take full advantage.
“Honestly, I’m so glad you’re still coming tonight.” Charlotte wrapped her arm around mine and somehow managed to keep u
p with my long strides. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
I nodded firmly. “I think talking to Fred has changed my view on those kinds of things. It’s probably going to be hard going without a date, but it’ll be worth it to spend time with you girls.”
Charlotte and Lexi both smiled radiantly at me as we stepped inside the club, driving home the point. So what if I’d lost my hot date? That didn’t mean I had to stop living. There would only be one Winter Ball of my junior career. I couldn’t let things pass me by, just because it got a little difficult. I was going to start putting myself out there. It would be worth it.
Just like facing Gabriel.
