Page 17 of Sweetheart

A quiet laugh.

"—have at least a B average—"

"Are you going to ask for his transcripts?"

"Probably not. But a girl's got to have standards, Bishop." Isniffed. I wouldn't be able to do this with someone whodidn't care about school or couldn't at least understand why I did. "He'll have to be more experienced than meromantically and—"

Sam chuckled, and whenI shot him a glare, he said, "Sorry. It's just…based on your list, I don't think that'll be too hard."

Instead of feeling embarrassed, I shrugged.

"It's true," I said. "I haven't done much. Inever had the time—which is the whole point of my list. I want to experience things the right way. Have all my romantic firsts be amazing."

Sam tilted his head."You know, you can't plan everything."

"I can try," I said.

He didn't respond, but I thought I caught a flash of amusement in the upturn of his lips.

"And finally, he can't be cruel—to people or animals. I don't think it'll be too hard. Justneed to find someone who checks all the boxes."

There had to be people at my high school who'd meet the minimum requirements.

Right?

"What do they get out of it?" he asked which completely threw me for a loop.

"Huh?"

"Your assistant. Whatdo they get for helping you?"

"I…didn't think of that," I murmured. Looking up at Sam, I said, "Do you think they'll want something?"

Samtilted his head from side to side. "Maybe, maybe not.I'm cynical by nature, so you shouldn't take what I say too seriously.But in my experience, people don't help other people just because."

As we drove past the charming woodenWelcome to Chariotsign, announcing our arrival into the city limits, I pointed at him and said, "Isn't that what you're doing?"

"There's an exception to every rule, Kent," he said.

He was right about that—but my mind was reeling.

How had I never considered this?

What could I possibly give someone to convince them tohelp me complete my list?In my mind, it had been easy. I'd just narrow down the possible candidates, ask one of them to assist, and then we'd get down to business. But that, I realized now, was a dream scenario.What would they ask in return?And what would I do if I had nothing to offer?

It was a lot to think about.

And the more I thought, the more despair I felt.

"Hey," Sam said gently, "don't worry about it. You'll figure it out."

"Yeah, but…maybe you're right," I said."Maybe it's too much, finding someone, all the items on my list."

He clucked his tongue. "You never used to give up so easily," he said, drawing my attention back to his face.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Exactly what I said." When I remained silent, Sam went on. "Weren't you the girl who learned sign language in two weeks so Anessa Langston wouldn't feel left out?"

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