Page 30 of Sweetheart

"I have practice," Sam said.

"Oh, that's right," I said, "and I have student council."

"Lunch?" he asked.

"I usually hang out in the music room."

"Okay."

"We'll figure it out," I said as my second alarm went off. "See you later, Bishop."

He raised a brow as I backed away. "You know, the school has a warning bell."

I nodded. "Yeah, but my alarms are set for five minutes and fourminutes before that. Gives me extra warning."

"Always good to have a backup."

I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not, so I just nodded.

"Might change my mind after reading the plan," he called after me.

"No, you won't," I replied. "And if you do, I'll convince you to change it back."

As I waved and joggedaway, his chuckle followed me, but it didn't sound malicious. Sam wasn't laughing at my expense. Or at least, I didn't think so.

Change his mind?

Yeah, right.

Sam had just as much riding on this as me—maybe more.

He was going to love the plan.

But just in case…

I began composing another list in my mind.

#

The final notes of my violin sang as I opened my eyes and looked to my teacher and mentor, waiting for her feedback.

"So?" I asked."What did you think?"

"That was beautiful, Scarlett," she said. "Truly. Just gorgeous."

I frowned, sensing the 'but' before it even came.Theresa Vander Mere was honest to a fault. I'd been working with her, taking private lessonsand getting critiques,for years. Whenever she started out with excessive compliments, it was because she wanted to soften the final verdict.

"I love yourpassion. But—"

And there it was.

"—can you tell me who composed that piece?"

"I did," I said.

"Hmmm."

"Didn't you like it?"

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