Page 8 of Sweetheart

"I told you I'm good," he said.

"But how could you be?" I tilted my head. "You just broke up with the girl you've been dating for thepast three years."

Sam's lipstwitched. "Funny how you know that."

I lifted my chin, refusing to feel embarrassed. "Please. Everyone knows. Bam is couple goals."

"Really wish you'd stop saying that."

"Sorry," I said. "You know, several people have told me I'm a great listener. That includes my sister, dad, violin teacher, the kids in my mentoring program, and even peopleI just met at the grocery store."

"So, you interrogate people at the grocery store," he said. "Why doesn’t that surprise me?"

"Interrogate is a strong word."

"Is it though?"

"I just want to help."

"And you're dying of curiosity," he put in.

I was.

I really was.

"Well…of course," I admitted, "but that doesn't mean it won't help you too. You're going to have to field questions tomorrow anyway.There's a lot of spilled tea here, Bishop, and it's piping hot."

He chuckled at that. "What?"

"High school kids aren't known for minding their own business."

"Pot," he said, pointing at me, "meet kettle."

"Point taken.Still, might as well get your answers ready."

After a moment,Sam sighed. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

I nearly whooped in victory but held back.

"Everything," I said then cleared my throat, trying to tamp down my enthusiasm."Weshould be thorough, so you're not caught by surprise. It might also help you sortout your emotions."

He waited.

"Where did it happen?" I said.

"At a party," he said.

My ears perked."Oh yeah? How was it?"

Sam gave a shrug. "Standard. Your normal back-to-school throwdown, all the usual shenanigans."

Well.

That told me exactly nothing.

Shaking off the disappointment, Istill had to bite back a smile. Sam Bishop successfully worked the word shenanigans into conversation.Something about hearing it come from his unsmiling lips made me want to laugh.

"Hmmm," I said, "and who was there?"

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