Page 86 of Sweetheart

The answer was as obvious as it was unsettling.

Thankfully, the scary-hot big brother gave us the signal, and a second later,we got down to business. Music I understood. It was easy in a way. All you had to do wasplay the notes on the page, follow them to the letter, add your own flair and performfrom the heart. Tapping into my emotions had never been a problem. As our music filled the space, I knew this party was in for a treat. Playing in public wasn't my sister's favorite thing, but that was because she hadn't accepted how awesome she was. And Charlotte was awesomein so many ways. Freya was the most natural and a total beastmusically-speaking—I was convinced she was born with a violin in her hand. Aurora was the most surprising because, as introverted as she was in social situations, she played without any reservations. Viola made her cello sing like nothing I'd ever heard before, shaping the notes, pulling them from the depths of her soul. And I…well, I loved composing, but I also lovedperforming, especially with my girls.

Our set consisted of classical and contemporary music.

A few tea party standards.

More than a few pop songs—which the kids seemed to love the most.

And a couple of my original pieces.

We played some of our best music at that birthday. My mind usually shut off, and I could justlose myself. But my sister's eyes kept coming to rest on me between songs.I have so many questions, they said. I tried to convey thatI do toobut wasn't sure she got the message. Thetruth was…the longer I was with Sam the more I wanted to stay with him.

And that wouldn't do.

Initially, my goal was to complete my list before graduation.

But maybe I should accelerate the timeline.

It made so much sense. I was a little disappointed I didn't think of it sooner. I nearly missed a key change because I was so excited about my new plan. Freya shot me a confused look, but I just played on.Romance was like a flower. It needed time to growand thrive. But what would happen if you cut that period short?The idea took root in my mind and would not let go.

Get my list done as quickly as possible.

Knock out the romantic things as if they were…well, exactly what they were. Items on a list. No sentimentality. No mushiness. Just business—as it was always meant to be.

Considering everything, it was the best course of action.

Less time with Sam, less time to fall for him. Right?

Hopefully my fake boyfriend would agree.

CHAPTER 13

"Sorry, I'm going to need you to repeat that," Sam said.

I rolled my eyes, trying not to notice how well he filled out his soccer jersey. "I know you heard me."

"One more time. Please."

If he hadn't said please, I might've called off the whole thing.

But he did, so…

"Will you go on a date with me, Bishop?" I asked.

He stared at me, then after a moment, his lips lifted into a slow smile. "Okay."

I exhaled.

"But I get to plan the date," he said.

Jerking back, I shot him a confused look. "Is that really necessary? Planning is one of my greatest strengths. Justask PrincipalRochelle. She basically handed over all the planning for the Back-to-School Festival to me because she says I'm so capable."

"And I'm sure you are,Kent." Sam patted my shoulder. "When it comes to school functions,fundraising, funnel cakes, and family-approved activities, I trust you completely."

"Congrats on fitting all those F's into one sentence," I said."Why do I sense a 'but'?"

He shrugged, running a hand through his dark hair, the messing up of which did absolutely nothing to detract from his appeal. "But I know more about dating."

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