Page 105 of Wallflower

But Ty sounded so confident…

"Just think about it," he said. "Okay, Vi?"

I didn't even get a chance to nod before the bell rang, and Ty sprinted off in the other direction. What the heck was that? Did Tyson, Dare's best friend, my ex-crush, and possible future swimwear model, really just ask me out? Was this some kind of joke?

There was no way I could accept Ty's offer. Not with the way I felt about Dare.

But…why had he told Tyson about us at all?

There were so many questions I didn't have the answers to. But I hoped once I talked to Dare it would clear everything up. I didn't want to start anything between him and Tyson. But fake or not, going after your best friend's girl was a no-no. I didn't think Dare would be too happy about it.

#

"I think you should go," Dare said.

I blinked at him in surprise. I'd just explained everything, how Ty had surprised me in the halls and asked me out, and this was his response?

"What?" I laughed because seriously, this had to be a joke. "Are you messing with me?"

"No." He crossed his arms. "Ty's a good guy. He's actually one of the best I know, definitely better than me. You used to like him, remember?"

The frown that took over my face couldn't be contained. "I liked the idea of him," I retorted. "I didn't even know Ty then."

Dare shrugged. "Still. I think you should go and see how you are together. He may be exactly what you want."

"But…I'm with you."

Tears were building behind my eyes, but I pushed them back down. I didn't know why I felt like crying. This was all fake, I reminded myself. A way to get revenge. It was never going to last. I just hadn't expected it to end so soon.

Dare seemed to read my mind.

"We were only supposed to pretend," he said, his eyes locked on my own. "That's all this was. Right, flower?"

I nodded but couldn't respond.

"I spoke with Coach, and believe me, he's pissed. He reamed me out, told me to stay away from you—though I think he's mostly mad at himself. Your revenge idea was a success, Vi. You got what you wanted."

But did I really?

Dare frowned. "I thought you would be happier."

"Oh no, I'm good," I said.

"It looks like you're about to cry," he said. "Is something wrong, flower?"

Yes, everything. This whole thing is wrong, and I feel like such a fool.

"Happy tears," I said. What was one more lie, right? "I'm just so happy."

Dare nodded. "Give Tyson a chance. You'll like him."

Not as much as I like you, I thought.

"I need to leave," I said. "But talk to you later?"

"Sure. Bye, flower."

The rest of the day went by in a haze. I couldn't have told you what was said in any of my classes. Thank goodness, none of my teachers called on me. There was a quiz I was pretty sure I failed—which never happened, by the way. But my concentration was shot.

---