Page 87 of Enemies to Prom Dates
“Let me guess. You forgave Fitz for being—what was that you called him last week?—a total douchebag asshole, and now you two are back together. Chas will be thrilled. He’s been in a mood since being benched with a concussion. We have to set up a double date soon.”
“Yes, we’re officially, together-together now. So dating. The whole thing is on. But I need help.”
“With what?”
“How to do this. How to be the most popular guy at school’s girlfriend. Since Chas has always been that kind of guy, I figured you would know. I mean, do I have to start dressing nicer, maybe wear more makeup?” I bit my bottom lip. “I should probably stop raising my hand in class so much. Maybe play things a little more low key. Right?”
Star didn’t help things by bursting out laughing. That was until she realized I was serious.
“Beth, if you change one thing about you, I will personally take it upon myself to shame you. Like full on, ring the bell, shame, shame, shame you.”
“Star,” I huffed. “You know what this place is like. You know there will be an expectation for me to be like…well, more like you.”
She nodded. “Yeah, and my expectation is for you to tell those people to go to hell because you are not like me. You are way braver than I could ever be, and you prove that every day. Stop even thinking about conforming to the madness of this place and just be you.”
Fact check. “Our mother is literally pawning her jewelry every day so we can conform to the madness of this place.”
Star frowned. “I get it, Beth. This place isn’t easy. And it’s not going get any easier for you when everyone finds out we don’t have any money and that our father is most likely a crook. Which is why, more than ever, you have got to find out whoyouare and be that. Stake your flag in the ground and hold the line no matter what. If you do that, Fitz’s girlfriend or not, you’ll win.”
“You know I dislike you when you’re being more rational than I am.”
She beamed. “Sorry. Hey, tonight when I get home, we’re going to gossip about how Fitz kisses.”
Divinely.
“No, we are so not.” I started to leave but left her with this. “Please note, you’ve been no help to me.”
“So noted! I’ll have Chas text Fitz and we’ll schedule our double date. Fun!” she said cheerfully and practically skipped off like the Disney princess she was.
19
Friday Night
Fitz
“Yo, Fitz. Hold up.”
I was leaving the stadium and heading to my car when I heard Chas calling my name. “What’s up?”
“Great game tonight,” he offered.
“You know it should be you out there,” I said.
He knocked on his forehead with his knuckles. “Coach says one more week, but I think he’s hoping the doc sidelines me a little longer. You’re better than I am, and he knows it.”
“Nah. You’re QB One,” I said, knowing my role on the team. “I’m just the back up.”
“Right.” Chas frowned.
Then it occurred to me maybe he wasn’t okay with me taking his place. Even if it was temporarily. “Hey, you’re not, like…”
“Jealous? Resentful? Bitter?” he filled in.
“Yeah.”
Chas smiled. “I’m all those things, but I’m also practical. If you keep winning games for us, we might have a chance at a state title. So you keep winning now, then I’ll get to play in the championship game and steal all the glory from you in the final hour.”
I laughed. “Sounds like a plan.”
