Page 5 of Becoming Cinderella

He noticeably perks up at this but doesn’t say anything.

My phone buzzes in my bag and I pull it out to see Jared’s name on the screen. I decline the call and put my phone back in my bag.

“It’s my coworker.” I explain, even though Jared is much more than a coworker.

“You really like him, don’t you?”

I look at Liam, confused. Where did that come from? I mean I just declined his call.

The corners of his mouth turn up. “It was pretty obvious back there.”

I groan and put my head in my hands. Oh right, he overheard our conversation.

He reaches over and tugs my hands away from my face. “Please, don’t be embarrassed. I basically just forced a perfectly lovely girl into hiding with me. If anyone should be embarrassed, it’s me.”

“I guess that is pretty embarrassing.” I try not to smile as I joke around with him.

“So, what’s the story there?”

“Oh, you know, girl likes boy for five years. Girl thinks boy is finally into her but instead he tells her he’s fallen for her best friend.”

Liam winces. “Ouch. What are you going to do?”

“What can I do? He’s not interested in me. No matter how much I wish he were.”

“You’re going to just keel over and give up? I thought you really liked this guy?”

I don’t say anything. Even though I know Jared doesn’t reciprocate my feelings right now, there’s still hope brewing that he could. Maybe if I wait another five years…. Ugh! What is wrong with me?

“Carter the dancer.” He says to himself.

My phone starts buzzing again and I ignore it, but they just call back.

“Maybe it’s that boy again and he’s jealous you just ran off with another guy?” Liam says when I pull it out and sure enough, it’s Jared’s name on my screen.

“I’m sure that’s exactly it,” I deadpan, knowing based on his recent confession, it’s definitely not.

This makes him smile. “Go ahead and answer it, I’m going to call my security team to come get me.”

I hesitate a moment, but he pulls out his phone so I accept the call. “Hi, I’m sorry I bailed. I should be back soon.”

“Are you okay? Those girls went flying after you guys.” Jared says genuinely concerned, which sucks because I’ll never be able to get over him if he keeps being sweet like this.

“Yeah, we’re okay. I’m sorry.” I stare out into the empty studio, trying not to pay attention to the fact Liam is watching me with his own phone to his ear. I promise Jared I’m fine and that I’ll head back to the store when the coast is clear before I hang up.

“What’s the verdict?” Liam asks as I tuck my phone into my bag. “Is he jealous?”

I have to work to not roll my eyes. I’m not sure I should roll my eyes at Liam Taylor. “No, he was just making sure I was okay.”

“You keep your feelings for him pretty guarded, don’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?” I thought I was good at keeping them a secret, but if Liam, someone I just met, can read right through me than surely Jared has too. I don’t wait for his answer. “Not that it matters, since he’s in love with Penn.”

“You know what you should do? Go back in the store and give him a compliment. Most guys remember genuine compliments. Give him one and pay attention to his reaction. I bet he will light up.”

“So what will that do?” I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly feeling defensive. “I compliment him and he’s mine? It’s not like I’ve never complimented him.”

Liam closes his eyes for a moment, I’m sure silently praying for patience. “I’m sure you have. But,” he drags out like it should be obvious to me. “Not only will it mean something to him, but you’ll be able to tell right away if he’s somewhat interested in you. Have you ever received a compliment from someone you didn’t like? You just brushed it off, right? If he doesn’t seem even a little bit flattered you’ll know he’s absolutely not interested and it’s time to move on. If you get a positive reaction then you’ll know you can keep fighting.”

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