Page 112 of Wallflower

"I was just there," I said, "but I came back because there's something I need to do."

He nodded but ran a hand along the back of his neck. "Alright, but can I see you in my office for a second? I was hoping we could talk."

"Okay," I said then turned to Estelle. "Thanks again."

"What are friends for," she said and smiled to my dad. "You guys have a good chat, and Viola, let me know how it goes with you-know-who."

I rolled my eyes but said, "Of course, I will. Cross your fingers for me, Estelle."

She laughed. "Oh, they are all crossed, girl. Don't you worry."

As we walked to his office, Dad glanced over at me. "Who was that? I didn't know you'd made a new friend."

"That's Estelle," I said.

"She seems nice," he remarked.

"She is, and she's been a very good friend to me."

He leaned back against his desk. "I'm so glad to hear that."

"What'd you want to discuss?" I asked.

Before he could say anything, there was a knock on the door.

"You wanted to see us, Coach."

It was a voice I knew all too well, and I closed my eyes a moment to soak it in.

"Dare, Ty," my dad said, and I could hear a hint of frustration there. "I'm having a conversation with my daughter. Can you two please wait outside?"

"Sure thing."

"No," I said and turned to see Dare and Ty standing in the doorway. "I actually have something to say to you."

Tyson crossed his arms as he grinned. "What's going on?" he said. "Did you decide to be brave?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I guess I did."

"Awesome. But let me go first, okay, Vi? This will only take a second."

I gestured for him to go ahead, and to my surprise, he placed a hand on Dare's shoulder.

"Dare, you're my best friend, and I love you," he said in a rush.

"I know, man." Dare patted him on the back. "I love you, too."

"No"—Tyson shook his head—"I'm in love with you. I have been for years. I was just afraid to say anything because I didn't want it to get weird between us."

I wasn't sure who was more shocked, me, my father, or Dare.

Usually confident and outspoken, it took him a second to find his voice.

"Uh, thanks, Ty," Dare said. "I had no idea you felt that way. I'm sorry if I led you on, but…"

Tyson waved all that off. "No, no, I get that it can't work between us. You're straight, and I'm…well, I don't really know. I've liked girls and guys, but that's beside the point. This isn't about labels."

"Okay," Dare said. "What is it about then?"

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