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Willow jumps to her feet. “Yes! I win!” She turns to me with a triumphant smile. “Who’s the monkey queen now?”
I smile at her. “Good job. I had a lot of fun.”
If I want to be honest with myself, I can’t remember having this much fun with my friends or Vanessa. And as I watch the bright smile on Willow’s face, I wonder if she had more fun with me than she thought she would.
Her hands go to her hair as she turns away from me. I clear my throat and avert my gaze.
The doorbell rings.
“Pizza!” Mia cheers.
“I’ll get it.” Willow leaves the room.
Mia looks at me and laughs. “Dude, I’ve never seen Willow smile like that. It’s like you cracked thisstudy, study, studymantra she’s got stuck in her brain.”
“Come to the kitchen!” Willow calls.
As soon as Mia and I walk in, the smell of pizza attacks my nose. We sit down at the table and dig in. It’s delicious.
Later, after Mia and I are done with tutoring, Willow walks me to the door.
“Thanks for everything,” she tells me. “I have a feeling Mia will buckle down and study now. I think you made math enjoyable for her.”
I shrug, smiling pleasantly. “Just doing my job.”
She watches me for a bit. “Right. I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Good night.”
I feel her still watching me as I walk toward my car, but when I turn around, she’s disappeared into her house.
Chapter Twelve
Willow
I wake up a little early Monday morning to put last-minute touches to my app, including the artwork Evie sent me last night. I can’t believe I actually finished it! I thought I’d have nothing to present to the students today, but it works great. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder.
I’m on such a high as I get ready for school and go downstairs for breakfast. Mom leaves early for work every morning because it’s an hour commute to the NASA office, so it’s usually Dad, Mia, and me.
But when I enter the kitchen, I find Mom frantically grabbing her bag and Dad helping her into her coat. “I can’t believe I’m late!”
“You can use me as an excuse,” Dad tells her with a grin. “I think your boss is a fan of mine.”
“You know I don’t like taking advantage of your fame. I’m the one who’s late and I’ll have to deal with the consequences.” She places her hand on his chest as she looks up at him. “But I’m sure I’ll be okay. I’m one of his best employees.” She stretches her neck to peck his lips. “Saranghae, Ji-Ho.”
He tangles his fingers in her red locks and holds her in place so she can’t run off. “I won’t see you the whole day. I need more than that.”
With an impatient groan, but while also hiding a smile, she wraps her hand around the back of his neck and lays a big, deep one on him. So intense that Dad staggers back a bit and whistles. “That’s what I’m talking about. Love you, Charlie.”
“That should last you the whole day. Now, I really need to run.” She dashes over to the table to kiss Mia, then me, calling, “Love you all! Have a great day,” before flying out the front door.
I sit at the table next to Mia, who’s happily munching on her waffles. Dad has gotten pretty good at making breakfast. But this morning? My head is in the clouds. I usually don’t get nervous about anything, but my heart has been racing since my eyes opened, and it hasn’t slowed down. I just can’t believe my app will be out there in the world.
“Willow?”
I blink and glance at Dad. “What?”
“I asked if you’d like eggs or waffles.”
