9781250209153

I point at Danielle. “That’s what Irene thinks. She hates that part
because she thinks it’s a cop-out. That John Cusack, like, indulged in this
cheesy gesture because he wanted to wallow in his feels. She says he should
have made an effort to talk things out with Ione Skye instead.”
Thora and Daphne frown, pondering this perspective.
“She’s right,” Danielle says simply.
“I don’t want those hard conversations,” I admit. “I’d rather stand
outside her bedroom window and blast a love song.”
“That definitely sounds more romantic,” Daphne says, tapping her
fingers against her chin, “but which one would mean more to Irene?”
I know the answer in my bones. “Ugh. The tough conversation.”
“You’ve had hard conversations before,” Danielle says. “You and Irene
are always straight with each other. I mean, in a gay way.”
Thora snorts and kicks her foot against Danielle’s hip.
“You talk to her like you never talked to Tally,” Danielle continues.
“You’re … you know … you.”
I nod. “Yeah. And I wasn’t me when I was with Tally.”
“Right. Look, remember when people started turning out for our games
and I freaked out and you said I couldn’t have it both ways? Either I
stopped caring that we weren’t getting attention, or I learned how to play
with attention on me? You were right, so now I’m gonna return the favor.
This isn’t you. The fake dating scheme, the messing with Tally’s head, the
sneaking around Candlehawk? Not even close to the real Scottie. The real
you is authentic and genuine and grounded. She cares about people. Not the
idea of them, but the people themselves.”
We fall silent until Daphne turns to me. “No offense, but your best
friend is smarter than you.”
“Not offended.” I smile and reach for my phone. “Hey, did Charlotte
show anybody else the picture?”
“No,” Danielle answers. “I mean, everyone put the pieces together that
you were out with Tally and did something to upset Irene, so…”
“Yeah. Definitely sounds bad.” I cringe. “Does the whole school hate
me?”