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I was not like the other girls.
Afterward, when I made my way to Mrs. Geigen’s classroom, I checked the text Topher sent. It was a goofy picture, taken at Mary’s diner. I recognized a couple of the employees in the background, as well as the retro black and white checked floor and red vinyl booths.
He was hunched over, eyes crossed, lips in a duck-like pucker with a straw wedged between his nose and his upper lip.
Jerkwad:On a scale from 1 to 10, how hot am I?
I pursed my lips. I wasn’t sure which was more annoying, his being playful—something I hadn’t expected—or the fact that despite the dumb look on his face, he still looked cute.
I debated ignoring him, but instead, I found myself grinning as I typed.
Me:In this pic? Like a 9 for sure.
Jerkwad:9?
Me:At least.
Jerkwad:That’s pretty good. And normally?
I rolled my eyes. Just what I expected. When you’re as beautiful as Topher Elliot, you like being reminded. He couldn’t be more predictable if he tried.
Me:Eh, like a 4.
Jerkwad:A 4?! You wound.
Me:Honesty is always the best policy.
Jerkwad:So, I look better as a cross-eyedQuasimodo, with duck lips. Noted.
Grinning, I started to put my phone back in my pocket when my phone chimed again.
I checked it, though I told myself I wouldn’t.
Jerkwad:Don’t I get a pic of you? Come on, send me your best.
My stomach sank to my knees. I should’ve known this was coming, and even if I evaded this time, there would be a next.
Thinking on my toes, I quickly sent a GIPHY of a witch with green skin and a long nose.
Jerkwad:HOT! 10 out of 10.
Jerkwad:Now,where’s the real pic.
I chewed on my lip a moment before I thought up a response.
Me:Good things come to those who wait . . .
Jerkwad:Dang, Abe Lincoln. Okay.
With a smile, I shoved my phone back in my pocket and shook my head.
Chapter 12
TOPHER
ItwasFridaynight,andIlaidawakeinbed,hairdampfromtheshower,muscleslikeJell-Ofrompractice.
I never stayed home on a Friday night. Ever. But after my tutor sessions with Ewe, my irritation with my friends, Ms. Stone, my texts with Julie, and my offer from Bucknell, I was spent.
