Page 99 of Wallflower

"I would," I said. "I've never seen that dog get attached to anyone. Before you, he liked me best."

His eyes shined. "Oh yeah? So, I stole his affection? Sorry about that, flower."

"No problem," I said. "Just like people, animals have soulmates, too. I'm glad you found each other."

"Yeah," Dare said. "Me, too."

"Any plans for after graduation?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I've been offered full-ride scholarships from a few colleges."

"A few?" I repeated skeptically, and he laughed.

"Okay, a lot. I've had my eye on UNC for a while, but honestly, I don't care where I go as long as I can play soccer."

That made sense.

"What about you?" he said. "Are you going to be a vet or study cello?"

I smiled at his assumption. "Not sure if I want to be a veterinarian or open a rescue nonprofit. Something with animals for sure. I'll still play music for them, of course."

"Speaking of, any chance I can get a private performance?"

"Sorry, but I only play for four-legged creatures who don't judge," I said. "Oh yeah, and my family. They kind of force my cousins and me to perform a little recital every year when we get together."

Dare's eyes gleamed with interest. "And how do I get a ticket to that?"

"It's usually family only. We have a big one."

"What about boyfriends?" he asked. "Can they come?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Yeah…but I doubt we'll still be pretending in October, Dare."

He waited.

"If we are, I guess you could come."

He pointed a finger at me. "I'm going to hold you to that, flower."

Oh my heart. I decided to change the subject to hide how giddy his words made me.

"Alright since the forty-five minutes is nearly up," I said. "I go back to my first question. What is your real name?"

"Thought you might forget about that," Dare muttered.

"No way," I said. "And you better tell me because you promised."

Dare mumbled something under his breath.

"What was that?" I said. "Could you speak a little louder."

Dare shifted his glare to me. "Okay, but if you laugh, I'm never telling you anything again."

"I'll try my best," I said. "So, finish this sentence. Hello, my name is…?"

"Inigo Montoya, you killed my father—"

I cut him off with a look. "I love a goodPrincess Bridereference. But you're not getting off the hook that easily."

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