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He nods and puts his glasses back on. So that’s what was missing. No braces and no glasses make a difference on Austin.
“Have you ever thought about contacts?” I ask.
Austin nods. “Yeah, maybe.” He looks just over my head, avoiding my eyes. “Just think about it, okay?”
“Think about what?” I ask.
“Prom,” he says. Then he hurries down the hall.
Did Austin just ask me to prom, too? Can this day get any weirder?
I cut through the locker room, thankful that all the students are at lunch, and make my way to Dad’s office. I tap on his door.
“Come in,” he calls.
“Hey, Dad.”
He looks up. “Emma? Well, this is a nice surprise. I don’t think you’ve been in my office since you were in my driver’s ed class two years ago.”
I shuffle my feet toward his desk and sit down. “Because I got nominated as prom queen, I have to have a date for the prom.”
Dad nods. “Okay.”
“You didn’t…I mean…you know Jaron?”
“Of course I know Jaron, he’s one of my best players. He’s got several scouts after him, to play ball for their team next year.
“Well…did you…”
“Did I what, Emma?”
I look down at my hands and pull at my knuckles. They each pop in turn. “Did you tell him to ask me?” I’m scared to look up. Will Dad’s face be filled with pity? Yes, honey, I knew you could never get a date on your own. I asked my players if one of them would be willing.
I finally peek at Dad’s face and he’s smiling. Smiling? What does that mean?
“No,” he says, shaking his head. “Jaron asked you to prom, huh?” He leans back in his big chair and puts his large hands behind his head. His smile widens. “You and Jaron? Inever would have guessed it. He usually goes for those cute, little petite girls. Wow. Now that kid is going places.”
I stand, pushing the chair back. It’s really nice knowing both my parents don’t think I fit in. “Okay, well, lunch is almost over. I better get to my next class.”
“You’re a senior, Emma. Stop trying so hard to be perfect all the time and have some fun. Ditch class, be late once in a while.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I say. And he wonders why I never visit his office at school.
***
“Read this,” Stephanie says, shoving her phone in my face.
“I’m exhausted, Steph. It’s been a long day. Can we just go home?”
“No. Now.”
“What is it?” I ask. I shift my backpack onto my shoulders and take the device she’s waving in front of me.
“This is the reason all those boys were acting weird today. And why Jaron asked you to the dance, I think.”
“And Austin.”
“Austin asked you, too?”
