Page 85 of Before We're More Than Friends
“T-Thanks.” My cheeks were on fire as I looked around the room at everyone grinning at me before facing Raina again.
“I might have to look out,” Raina said in a sultry voice as I walked over to her. “I have some fierce competition.”
My heart nearly broke my ribs from how hard it slammed against my chest. Was she flirting with me? Or was this part of her friendly banter? “Thank you.”
She rubbed my back for a few seconds, sending another bolt of electricity up my spine. “You should. I’m the reason you came here.”
My cheeks burned as I sat down. “You wish.” And I wished she was wrong.
“You two can wait in the living room while we make our decision,” Oliver said, pointing to the laundry room door. “Don’t pull a Mollie and Bella.”
“We’ll see,” Raina said before going into the laundry room, and I set down my guitar and followed her.
We sat on the couch in the living room, where Mollie and Bella played with their dolls. Mr. Landers, who sat in a chair with his Kindle, didn’t seem bothered by Barbie and Ken’s dramatic breakup.
“Who do you think is going to get picked?” Raina asked me as she watched the girls play.
“I don’t know,” I said. “Ryan isn’t a bad choice for a rebound.”
She giggled. “I’m still Team Ken. But seriously, who do you think won that sing-off?”
“I’m not sure.” Instead of focusing on the quality of my performance, I’d been too busy indirectly singing a song to the girl I shouldn’t be in love with. She was the only reason I was into music again in the first place.
Once she was gone, there would be nothing all over again.
“Well,” Raina said, staring at her lap. “Good luck.”
I scratched behind my neck, not looking at her. “You too.”
After six treacherous minutes of waiting, Oliver invited us back into the garage. I drew in a sharp breath, wanting to get this over with.
“We all talked it out before voting.” Oliver sat as he picked up a bowl that had five slips of paper in it. “You ready?”
“Sure,” Raina said. She gave me a smile before reaching for my hand, the same one that had the bandage on it. Gosh, the zap shooting from my hand to all over my body was not supposed to strike as hard as it did. “Good luck, again.”
“Thank you.” I swallowed, unable to look her in the eyes.
She seemed to get the wrong signal and let go of my hand. “Sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” I whispered, reaching for her hand again.
She smiled, her cheeks flushing as much as mine were right now.
“The first vote is for . . .” Oliver pulled the first slip of paper out of the bowl. “Raina.”
Everyone clapped, and Raina beamed.
Oliver picked up another slip of paper. “The second vote is for Dallas.”
Everyone clapped for me this time, and I smiled shyly, the heat in my cheeks refusing to subside.
“The third vote is also for Dallas.” Oliver picked up the next slip. “The fourth vote is for Raina.” He picked up the last slip, which was folded neatly. “Finally, the last vote is for . . .”
Hayden performed a drumroll.
I drew in another sharp breath, squeezing Raina’s hand.The results don’t matter. It doesn’t matter.
Oliver opened the last slip, and a grin broke out on his face. “Dallas!”
