Page 53 of Becoming Cinderella

Penn doesn’t smile. In fact, she looks more confused.

“Did you hear me? Jared likes you!”

“I heard you, just…” she shakes her head while she tries to process the words. “What?”

“Yeah. So, uh.” I sit back, hoping she isn’t about to get mad at me for withholding this information. “He might have told me a while ago. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I was hoping he’d change his mind and like me instead.” I’m fully aware how selfish it sounds. “I didn’t know how you felt!”

“I didn’t want you to know. I like Jared, but I love you and I know how much you liked him.”

I lean over and give her a hug, amazed by her selflessness. “I don’t deserve you.” And I don’t. She has been looking out for my happiness while I’ve been so focused on only my own. “I’m sorry I’ve been the worst best friend.”

But I am going to make it up to her.

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” I push myself off her bed.

“What? Now?”

“Yes, I have something I have to do,” I answer as I quickly make my way out of her house.

I get in my car and head straight to Threads, knowing Jared is working and will be closing up soon.

I pull in next to his car, keeping my eye on the store as I wait for Jared to come out. I tap my steering wheel in anticipation, feeling my anxiety start to build up in my chest.

Why am I so nervous?

I finally spot that familiar blonde mop of hair and quickly open my car door.

“Hey,” I nearly jump out of my car which seems to startle Jared, causing him to take a couple of steps back in surprise.

“Carter, hey?” He looks around confused. “What are you doing here?”

“Ask Penn.” I walk around the front of Jared’s car to get to him. “Ask her to Homecoming.”

His green eyes light up and I’m relieved to see they don’t hold the same magnetic hold they once did.

“Really? You talked to her?”

“I did, so you should ask her to the dance.”

Jared’s smile splits his face and I can’t help my own smile.

“This is awesome. Thank you, Carter!”

I don’t deserve his appreciation because this conversation should have happened weeks ago.

“Just ask her soon, okay?”

I head back to my car and it feels a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I never thought I would be standing here telling Jared to ask Penn to the dance, but knowing it’s what they both want makes it what I want too. Besides, it’s no longer his smile that makes my breath catch.

“By the way, Carter? Someone was in the store earlier asking about you.”

“About me?” I tilt my head at him.

“Yeah. They were asking questions about Liam too.”

Oh. This can’t be good.

“Don’t worry, Anna kicked them out when it became obvious they were just here to ask questions about you two and not shop.”

---