9781250209153

7
Irene picks me up at 7:22 on Monday morning. I know the exact minute
because she calls three times in a row while I’m blow-drying my hair.
“I’m coming!” I bark into the phone.
She clucks her tongue and hangs up without a word.
When I step into the driveway, there’s an unforeseen complication.
Thora is standing beneath the carport, keys in hand, glowering at Irene’s
car.
“Uh … good morning,” I say to Thora.
“Is it?” Her eyes narrow. “Mom told me I need to give you a ride
because your car’s still at Sledd Brothers, but it looks like Regina George
got the same memo.”
Irene stares between us through the windshield of her car. She looks
impatient.
“I thought I’d told Mom I had a ride.” I swing my backpack over my
shoulder, trying to look like I’m in a hurry. “Sorry about that, but don’t
worry, I’m all set!”
I step away toward Irene’s car, but Thora grabs me by the arm.
“Do you wanna explain why your nemesis is giving you a ride?”
“Um, it’s kind of complicated, I’ll tell you tonight—”
She holds my arm tighter and waits.
I’m not sure how to explain this to her. I knew I’d have to convince my
family more than anyone that Irene and I are dating, but I thought I’d have a
few more days to prepare for it. And Thora is the last person I want to start
with. She’s way too shrewd for this shit.
“There’s been an … unexpected love development.”