Page 88 of The Forever After Bet

“He’s been doing it for me. She’s going to absolutely lose it when Ford finally tells her nothing will ever happen between them. I asked him not to do it until after the fundraiser was over. I was afraid she’d tell Mrs. Landry some crazy lie. I don’t think she’d believe her but it would’ve caused unneeded drama. He didn’t do it at the dance, because he didn’t want to ruin everyone’s night, especially his. He needs to ask her to a public place and tell her nothing will ever happen between them,” I say.

“But Bree has taken things way too far. She needs to be told that Ford doesn’t like her, for her own sanity,” Ty says.

“She’s definitely taken things too far,” I sigh. “She’s applying or has applied to Sutherland.”

“Didn’t we overhear that tidbit from Mellissa when we were hiding behind the vending machines?” Leah asks.

“Yeah, but I saw a teacher recommendation form with her name on it on Mrs. Landry’s desk,” I say.

“I’m not religious, but can we all pray that she doesn’t get it in?” Ty laughs.

“Even if she doesn’t get into Sutherland, there is still Oaky Community College and ISU’s outreach program.” I sigh. “She could easily still end up in Cascade.”

“Yuck.” Ty rolls his eyes.

“Yep.” I stand up. “Did you decide to stay?” I glance at Leah.

“Nah, Jack’s going to take me home,” she says.

“I don’t blame you. There’s something about sleeping in your own bed. I’ll come get my stuff tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry about it. I think everyone’s going to get together tomorrow and eat leftovers. I’m not sure what time I still need to double-check with my mom. I’ll text you and let you know.” Leah stands up, hugging me.

I turn, pointing my finger at Jack. “No sex in my car. Yucky gross.”

Jack rolls his eyes at me, and I stick my tongue out at him.

“Real mature, Clark.” Jack hollers as I walk upstairs.

When I get upstairs, Beth is in the kitchen cleaning up. I want to ignore her and go upstairs to bed, but I need to work on my relationship with her. This is an excellent opportunity.

“Can I help?” I ask, walking into the kitchen.

Beth gives me an overly friendly smile. “Sure. Would you put all the cookies in storage containers? Those on the end are for Ford when he goes home.”

“Oh, I he left. Jack and Ty said he wasn’t feeling well. He had a lot of drama at the dance. All the girls were fighting over who got to dance with him next. A girl in our class named Bree is kind of obsessed with him.” I ramble on as I put cookies away.

“Did you dance with Ford?” Beth asks, a hand on her hip.

“Nope.” I shrug.

“Are you finally over, Ford?” She asks.

Nope. “We’re friends. I have a guy who likes me, but I don’t like him. He’s stuck up and only a junior.”

“Oh, well, I’m glad you two can be friends.” Beth pats my back.

“Me too. It makes hanging out with our group of friends a lot easier.”

“Did June and Ty get back together? I found them making out in the bathroom next to the mudroom.”

Dang it. Those two should’ve been more careful.

“Yeah, they worked things out. They know they are going in different directions after school, but they want to be together now.”

“That’s nice.” She smiles at me, but I can tell it’s not sincere.

Beth sweeps the floor, and I clean off the counters and put the few dishes left in the sink in the dishwasher. She leaves without saying anything more to me. It’s going to take time to rebuild my relationship with her. I need to be patient.

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