Page 5 of The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad

Kyle joined us, and Colton eased away while I had a mini-panic attack. It wasn’t that I thought Kyle had overheard us. I just wouldn’t put it past Colton to out me to his twin, my bestie, and yes, the only guy I had ever loved.

“Who’s Sadie not in love with?” Kyle repeated, looking back and forth between the two of us.

“No one,” I said, begging Colton with my eyes. Kyle had no idea as far as I knew,none, and this would ruin our friendship. “I’m not in love with anyone.”

Colton stared me down a second longer then finally said, “You think you are. One day somebody’s going to prove you wrong.”

What the heck was that supposed to mean?

“You guys are acting really weird,” Kyle said as I gaped at his twin. “And hey, thanks for the backup, Colt. Billy’s an asshole.”

“No problem,” Colton said. The two clasped hands and did one of those one-armed guy hugs.

Before I could really take in what was said, my phone went off. It was an email. It wastheemail I’d been waiting on for a month. But as I read, face paling the farther I went, it was so not the response I’d hoped for.

“What’s up, Sadie?”

It was Kyle’s voice, but I couldn’t speak. I felt like the rug had just been snatched from underneath me.

“Ah, it can’t be that bad,” Colton said. Taking the phone from my numb fingers, he began reading out loud, “‘Dear Miss Day, We have received and viewed your video submission to be featured onDancer’s Edgemedia. Though we appreciate your efforts, there is something missing, an edge if you will, to be included on our channel. Your videos are too nice, your choreography somewhat dull, and your point of view lacks real life experience. For these reasons, we unfortunately will be unable to accept your work at this time…’ Shit.”

That last part wasn’t in the letter, but if I cursed, I’d agree with him.

“Don’t let it get to you, Sadie,” Kyle said.

“What a bunch of pretentious assholes,” Colton said.

“You can always try again.”

I shook my head, not in disagreement, but like someone coming out of a dream. Or returning from battle.

“Come on,” Kyle said. “This is like what, your third rejection?”

“Seventh,” I said.

Kyle winced.

“This is the seventh time they’ve rejected me, but it’s no big deal.” Rolling my shoulders back, I lifted my chin, tried to believe my own words. “Rejection is a normal part of life. There’s no way I’m giving up, but…it’s always the same. Too nice, lacks experience, no edge.”

“You’ve gotta admit they have a point,” Colton said. I looked up, and even if he was the bane of my existence, his look of pity spoke volumes. “Come on, Sadie, you’re like Miss Nice Girl.”

“Shut up, Colt.” Kyle shot him a glare. “She doesn’t need that right now.”

Colton cocked an eyebrow. “What she needs is the truth. I would’ve thought being her best friend you’d be honest enough to give her that.”

Turning, I asked Kyle, “You agree with him?”

“Not really,” Kyle muttered.

“Not really?”

“Well…youarenice, Sadie,” he said. “If what they want is an edgy, mean girl type, that’s not really you.”

“I’m not that nice,” I said finally coming to my own defense. “I’m kinda edgy.”

I mean, sure I was an honor roll student who stayed out of trouble--much to my parents’ delight. And yeah, the dances I’d sent in toDancer’s Edgewere mostly happy, fun pieces and not the dark and/or sexy stuff they usually featured. And okay, yes, I preferred weekends spent in my room binge watching TV, playing video games, or reading instead of partying. Besides my gay best friend, books were my first love. So sue me. That didn’t mean I wasn’t edgy…did it?

A second later, Colton, who was born without a filter, answered that one as only he could.

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