Page 64 of Popular Boys Don't Fall For Geeky Girls

“Oh my gosh!” Lily says. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two were a real couple. The way he held you and looked at you…” She swoons.

I give her a face. “It’s called pretending, Lily.”

“That didn’t look like pretend at all,” she counters. “Are yousurethere’s nothing going on between you guys?”

I scowl. “Of course not.”

She pouts.

I work on my locker combination. “Kids were whispering about me and my appearance and he wanted to set them straight. But I didn’t let him.”

Chloe’s eyes widen. “Really? That was kind of him.”

Ava pokes me in the shoulder with her finger. “Mia would be impressed with your acting skills because you guys really do look like the real deal.”

I shrug. “This will all be over in three weeks. Then we’ll go our separate ways and everything will be back to normal. Have you guys had any problems with the app?”

“Not me,” Xavier says. “It’s actually fun documenting all my activities on my phone. I can’t wait to be matched with my Cupid Lily.” He bends close to quickly peck Lily’s lips before VP Rivera could catch them.

“The app better match you guys,” I say as I fetch my books.

“It will,” Aidan assures me. “I can feel its magical powers.”

We talk about other things, and I feel eyes on me. I figure it’s kids staring, but when I look around the hallway, I find Colt watching me as he chats with his friends. When our eyes meet, he smiles warmly and waves. I wave back.

The bell rings and we head for Ally’s class. As we pass more students, I hear them talking crap about me again. But like before, I don’t let their words get to me.

I’m not an idiot. I know Colt would never date me for real. And I wouldn’t date him. So all those kids saying those words? It’s a waste of their time and energy.

“Willow?” Ally says.

I blink and realize I’m standing outside the classroom. My friends have all found their seats.

“Sorry,” I say as I walk in.

She places her hand on my shoulder. “Is everything okay?”

“Yep.”

The kids are using my app, I have amazing friends, a loving family. What’s not to be okay?

***

“Can I sit here?”

I look up from my lunch table and find Colt standing there with a tray. I glance at his table. His friends and the other popular kids are watching us.

“You can sit with them,” I tell him.

“That’s okay.” He bends close. “I think we should sit together if we want to prove we’re really dating. And I know you wouldn’t feel comfortable at my table.”

“That’s very considerate of you, but will you be comfortable here?”

He scans my friends with a smile. “Of course I will. You guys are great.”

“Okay. Sure you can join us.”

“Thanks.”

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