Page 69 of Wallflower

"I really do have to go," Dare said. "Phase four was a bust, but no worries, Vi. We'll make him see the light."

"I'm not so sure," I said. "This is turning out to be harder than expected."

Dare pointed a finger at my face. "That's what she said."

"Ew," I said but laughed despite myself.

"It'll be alright, flower," he said. "You'll see. It's like soccer or the cello. We just have to keep playing until we master the proper technique."

"Using a sports and musical reference to drive your point home?" I cocked my head. "You should go into motivational speaking."

I'd been kind of serious, but Dare rolled his eyes.

"Speaking of, I've got a game coming up next week. You don't have to come or anything," he said. "But will I see you there?"

Thinking back, I remembered how his parents never made it to his games, and I knew it meant something to him that I'd come last week. Also, he'd asked the question with nonchalance, but I could tell it mattered. There was only one answer I could give.

"Of course," I said. "I can't wait to see you play again."

Dare smiled, and it was worth it. He was worth it.

"Besides," I added, "I have to see if you really are as good as they say or if that game was just a one off."

His eyes narrowed, but I could still see the happiness there.

"Challenge accepted," Dare said and started jogging backwards. He tossed me a wink. "Later, girlfriend."

It was like being blasted with cold water. I suddenly remembered the truth. The only reason he was hanging around, why we were talking at all, was because I'd blackmailed him into this. I thought about what had happened mere moments ago. React to him, he'd said. And wow, I'd done that and more. Goosebumps still lingered on my skin from his touch. Our relationship was fake, but my feelings were becoming all too real.

After Dare left, I went straight to the shelter, which helped clear my thoughts.

But it also allowed me to see the danger in letting this go any further. Revenge didn't seem to be working. Plus, was that really why I was doing this anymore?

More importantly, I thought, didn't Dare deserve better than some pretend girlfriend?

The answer was unequivocally yes.

And I knew what I had to do.

#

"I think we should break up."

My words caused Dare to choke on his Pop Tart, and I patted his back in concern.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, fine." He coughed once more then straightened. "But why would you say something like that?"

I took a deep breath. "Well, for one, this isn't working. My dad doesn't even believe his own eyes. He couldn't be happier with how his meddling worked out, and he's not at all concerned about us being a couple."

"But he just needs more time," Dare insisted.

"No," I said, "he thinks I'm hopeless, that I can't make friends on my own. And maybe, he's right."

A scoff. "What about Estelle?"

I shrugged. "Estelle is an awesome anomaly," I said. "She likes me despite how awkward and lame I am."

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