Page 46 of The Forever After Bet

“I’ve missed your big words.”

I tip my head back, laughing. “Resurrect isn’t that big of a word.”

“No, but the way you used it was.”

“You look nice and spiffy today. I like the vest.” I run my fingers along the inside edge.

“Thanks. It came with my suit, but I’ve never worn it. like your white warmups. The white makes the red letters pop.”

“Thank you. We just got them in at the beginning of the week. We were lucky. I’d freeze if I had to run around in my cheer skirt all day.” I play with a button on Ford’s wool coat. “Is this a good idea? You and me walking into school at the same time.”

“Exes can be friends. I think if people see us as friends now that when we finally walk through the halls as a couple again, it won’t be a big deal. Kids will be like I saw that coming.”

“You’ve been using your brain again.” I smile, tapping his forehead.

“I know it’s rare, but when I do, I come up with some great ideas.” Ford laughs.

“Would you two hurry? If I stand here any longer, my man parts are going to freeze and fall off.” Ty chatters.

I tip my head back, laughing. “We definitely don’t want that.”

I get out of the car and grab my backpack. I walk between Ty and Jack. Ford walks at the end next to Ty. Kids glance at us, but I think it’s normal for the guys. They’ve always been popular, and now they are kind of famous. They’re all going to play football together at ESU.

“Hi, Jack.” An underclassman girl waves at him.

“Hey.” Jack nods to the girl. She and her two friends smile and giggle to each other.

I tap Jack on the shoulder. He scrunches his forehead looking at me. “Hey,” I say, trying to mimic him. I slap him on the arm. “How’d I do?”

He scowls at me.

“It was spot on, Clark.” Ty laughs.

“Right? I thought it was pretty good. I can do Ford better.”

“Let’s see it.” Ty nods. We stop in front of my and Ford’s lockers. Even Jack stops to see my impression.

“Okay.” I clear my throat and shake out my shoulders. I tip my chin up and quirk a half smile. “Hey,” I say with a slight nod.

Ty slaps his knee, laughing. “Oh, my gosh. That was so good it was scary.”

Jack tips his head. “Not bad, but you need to work on mine.” He walks down the hall to his locker.

I turn to Ford. “Whatcha think?”

“I think you’ve spent a lot of time watching me.” He leans in close. “If you want me back, Clark, all you have to do is ask.”

I wrap my hand around his tie and lean in, standing on my tiptoes. “I think you know the answer to that.”

“Does that mean you’ll meet me in a certain closet during lunch?”

I take a step back and let go of his tie. I trace my tongue along my lower lip, then bite it. “Just try to stop me.”

Ford and I fall back into the friend zone life like we never left it.

In English, Mrs. Hammond yammers on again with more poems. Thankfully, today is the last day of this section. I like poetry, but I’d rather read a book or work on my thesis. Ford drops a note on my desk in the middle of class. I don’t even have to look at it to know what it says. Wanna make a bet?

I scribble out his note and write my own. Truth or Dare? I turn, pretending to get something out of my backpack, and slip it on his desk.

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