Page 75 of The Forever After Bet

“She’s a senior, right? She played one of the main nuns in The Sound of Music?”

“Yep. She’s like my drama bestie. We’re always hanging out in class or when we had rehearsal. I talk to her about Tyler all the time.”

“She’s jealous.” I give June a sympathetic smile.

“It’s just a note. It doesn’t mean anything.” Leah pats June’s back.

“I guess. It still makes me feel bad. I thought she was my friend,” June huffs.

“Tomorrow, during drama, tell her about all the plans you have with Ty for the weekend.” Aubrey shrugs. “If you want to be spiteful.”

“Knock, knock,” Scottie says as he knocks on the door.

“What’s up, Super Scottie?” I sing-song.

“Mom said to tell you dinner is ready.”

“Oh, does she have enough for everybody?”

“Yeah, she got two family orders from Café Sabora.”

“Uh—yeah, we’ll be down in a few.” I hold my fist out for him, and he bumps it. He glances at Leah, who holds her fist out, and he bumps it, then runs out of the room.

“He does that every time. Is he scared of me?” Leah asks.

I laugh. “No, he has a crush on you. When we go downstairs, his little cheeks will be bright red.”

“Oh, he’s so adorable,” Leah gushes.

We all take turns using the bathroom and washing our hands, then head downstairs. When we enter the kitchen, Jack, Ty, and Ford are sitting at the kitchen table, devouring chips and salsa. This is going to be interesting. I’m not sure what I should do. Ignore Ford or be friendly to him. I’ll let him take the lead.

“It’s about time. We were about to starve to death,” Ty says, then crunches on a corn chip.

“You’re so dramatic sometimes, Ty,” I say, rolling my eyes at him.

“I made the boys wait until you and the girls dished your food. So, take all you want now. I can’t guarantee any will be left after the guys dish up.”

“Thanks, Mom. That was nice of you.” I smile. I wrap my arm around June’s. She turns to me, and I give her a slight nod.

“Hannah, can I talk to you for a second?” June asks.

“Sure.” I take June’s hand and practically drag her into the living room.

June takes both my hands. “What’s wrong?”

“I need you to—”

Beth rushes up to us. “Oh, my goodness, I completely forgot.” She pulls June into a hug, patting her back. “I’m so sorry. Hannah said you were coming over, but it completely slipped my mind when I called Jack and told him I’d ordered Café Sabora for everyone.”

Poor June stares at my mom, completely confused.

“You and the girls can take your food to Hannah’s room, so you don’t have to be around him.”

“Mom, they’ve stayed friends. She and Ty are on good terms. I don’t think it will be a big deal.”

June looks at me, still lost and not understanding the conversation. “You and Ty broke up, but you’ve stayed friends.” I smile, trying to get June to understand.

“Oh, yes. Yes, me and Ty are friends. We broke up but stayed friends.” June says, patting Beth’s hand. “We’re in such different places and don’t mesh well as a couple, but we’re good friends.”

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