Page 50 of The Forever After Bet

“That’s what you do when you love someone. You pay attention.”

“So, how many innings are there in football again?” Ford asks, quirking a smile.

“I said it to get a rise out of you.” I laugh.

“Oh, it worked. I nearly choked on my cookie.”

We spend the rest of chemistry finishing our lab, doing the lab questions, talking, and laughing. I haven’t had this much fun doing schoolwork since the beginning of school. I feel lighter and happier than I have in a long while, and it’s a good feeling.

22. Sneaking Around

When the bell rings for lunch, Hannah and I are still finishing the lab worksheet. “Dang it. We still have three questions.” I huff. “I hate homework.”

“No worries. I’ll finish the last three questions, screenshot my answers, and send them to you. Do you have any plans for lunch?” Hannah asks as we pack up our stuff.

“Jack and Leah are headed to Ponchos for lunch. I’ll probably tag along.” I look at Hannah and shake my head and mouth. ‘No.’ “What about you?”

“I was supposed to meet June, but she texted and said she’s getting help with a song from Mr. Lyall, the musical theater teacher. So I’ll just eat lunch with Aubrey and Cameron in the cafeteria.” She smiles and winks at me.

“Sounds fun. I’ll see you in calc.” I heft my backpack over my shoulder.

“Yep. See you in calculus,” Hannah says, still packing up her stuff.

I don’t wait for her and walk out of the classroom, which is hard to do. I don’t like it. I ensure I have my wallet and phone, then shove my backpack in my locker. I take my time waiting for Hannah to come around the corner, but she never does. She must have headed straight there. When I turn down A hall, Hannah has her hand on the doorknob. She glances at me, blows me a kiss, and then opens the door. I watch as her eyes get big, and her mouth drops open. I jog down the hall and look in the closet.

“Whoa!” I back up a step. There’s another couple in the janitor’s closet.

“Yeah, Whoa!” Hannah says.

June and Ty are standing in the closet, their arms wrapped around each other.

“Hey, guys. What’s up?” Ty smiles.

“Yes, Ty, what is up?” Hannah smirks, arching an eyebrow.

“Hannah.” I laugh.

She looks at me. “What?” She shrugs.

June bursts out laughing. “That was hilarious.”

“I thought so.” Hannah laughs again. She points her finger at Ty and June. “Are you too back together?”

They look at each other like they don’t know what to say. “Maybe,” Ty finally says.

June bites her lip. She looks at Hannah and then back at Ty and nods. “Yes.”

Ty crushes his lips to hers, and they make out in front of us. Under different circumstances, I’d shut the door and let them be. Hannah makes an ahem noise, and our friends break apart.

“Sorry,” June breathes out of breath.

“Yeah, sorry.” Ty smiles, still looking at June.

I glance at Hannah, and her eyes are narrowed. “Have you two been sneaking around all week?”

“Uh-oh, I think we’re caught,” Ty says to June.

“How about we go eat lunch, and you two tell us what’s going on?” I suggest.

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