Page 65 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Hey, everything okay?”

“What are you doing?” I asked Aaron.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” He looked sheepish. “I’m guessing it isn’t.”

“Nothing new. He wants me to attend some alumni mixer at Drexel.”

“But I thought you’d decided you weren’t going there?”

“It’s not that simple. If I don’t go, he’ll cut me off, and Mom will—” I stopped myself. Nothing good could come from this conversation.

“We should get back inside.”

“Yeah, okay.” Aaron agreed. “But you know you can always talk to me, right? I know I give you shit about girls, but I’m good with the serious stuff. Ask E.”

“It’s all good,” I said.

“I just want you to be happy.” He nudged me. “You need to follow your dreams, bro. And find yourself a good woman.”

I rolled my eyes. “Who says I haven’t?”

“What?” He gawked, his mouth hanging on the floor. “You met someone? Who, and why is this the first time I’m hearing about it? Did you hook up on that new app?”

“What, no! I’m joking, it was a joke.”

Me and my big fucking mouth.

“Bummer. At least, you’ll get some action Saturday.” He waggled his brows.

“I haven’t said yes yet.”

Didn’t plan on it either.

“Fuck that, you’re coming.”

“Aaron—”

“No, Kandon. Give me one reason you can’t come.”

Because I want your sister.

I stuffed the words down.

“Because I don’t want to lead her on.”

“It’s one date. You don’t have to profess your undying love for her.”

“Whatever. We should get back inside before someone rats us out to Coach.”

“Fine. But you are coming, even if I have to drag you there.”

Jesus. He wasn’t going to let it go.

Maybe he was right. It was one date. It didn’t mean anything.

So why did it feel like the ultimate betrayal?

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