Page 108 of Wallflower

I shook my head. "No, because I am, too."

Tyson nodded to himself. "Thanks for the talk, Vi. I enjoyed it."

"Me, too," I said and was surprised to find that it was true. I let out a real laugh. "Thanks for inviting me on this non-date."

"No problem," Ty said. "Hey, Vi, can I give you one more piece of advice?"

I waited for him to go on.

"It's actually something you said to me." He met my eyes and shrugged. "If you love someone, tell them. Maybe it really is that simple."

"Wise words," I said, though my voice felt weak.

"From a wise girl," he said back. "One who was brave enough to go after what she wanted. Maybe we should both listen to her."

I left shortly after that.

Of course, I headed straight for the shelter. It was my sanctuary and happy place. I could relax here. But for some reason, even being around the animals and talking to Hermione wasn't doing any good.

She looked up at me with soulful eyes as my tears started to fall.

"I just don't know what to do, girl," I said. "Ty's a decent guy, and I know what he said about Dare is true. But…Dare's the one who told me to go out with his friend in the first place. What do you think that means?"

Hermione licked my cheek and burrowed her head against my shoulder.

"It's just all so confusing."

I held her for a minute then leaned back.

"What should I do?"

Hermione didn't have the answers, but she did give me another lick to the nose which made me feel better. Despite what Tyson said, I knew it wasn't as simple as when I'd confessed to him. Ty had been a crush. But my feelings for Dare were so much more. I'd never felt this way, but I knew it in my bones.Thiswas love.

And Dare had already told me he didn't believe in it.

And then encouraged me to go on a date with his best friend.

Ugh.

Courage wasn't the problem, I decided. I was perfectly ready and willing to risk my own fragile heart. I'd already given it away to Dare anyway. Not that he knew that.

If I told him how I felt, he might never speak to me again. But if I didn't…I'd never know what could've been.

Hope was the thing I was afraid to lose.

But maybe it would be worth it.

CHAPTER 18

"So, how was your date with Ty?"

Those were the first words Dare said to me on our ride to school that morning.

"Didn't you hear it from him?" I asked.

Dare shifted in his seat. "The guy wouldn't tell me anything. Flat out refused. Jerk," he added under his breath.

"Hey, I thought he was your best friend," I said.

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