Page 83 of Wallflower

A blush rose to my cheeks at that, and Dare rubbed a hand across his neck.

"They were having fun when I came out here," Mom put in.

"Were they?" he asked.

She nodded. "In fact, they were having so much fun they didn't even notice me at first."

Oh God.

"Really?" Dad's smile turned curious. "What were they doing? Playing a game or something."

"Or something," she said.

"Well, don't let us keep you from your party," Dad said still totally clueless.

"I was actually thinking maybe Viola should stay home."

My eyes shot to hers, but my father shrugged. "I don't see why. She's got her cell phone if she needs us. She knows curfew is at midnight. And Dare's her friend. He'll be there to watch her back. Right?"

"Right," Dare said. "I won't let anything bad happen to her."

Mom shook her head, biting her nail. "I'm not sure."

Dad kissed her forehead. "It's only a party."

"I know," she said. "But…"

Dare's phone went off in his pocket.

He pulled it out, read the text on the screen then looked up. "That was Tyson," he said. "He was just wondering where we are."

Mom met my eyes. "Have fun, Viola," she finally said. "And…just be safe."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, knowing how hard that had to be for her. I said my goodbyes and left with Dare. Once we had driven to Tyson's, however, I had an attack of conscience. Turning to Dare, I shook my head.

"Sorry, but I think I should go home," I said.

"But your Mom said…"

"I know." I took a deep breath. "I just remembered I have a lot of homework and studying to do."

Worst excuse ever.

Dare probably knew I was full of crap, but he didn't call me on it.

"Okay," he said. "No problem."

"Can you catch a lift with someone else?" I asked. "If not, just call when you're ready to leave and—"

Dare held up a hand. "You're sweet, Vi. But I can find a ride home."

Hopefully not with some other girl.

I couldn't stop the thought from coming, but I also couldn't stay.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

What a loaded question.

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