“And if you stop daydreaming about your brother’s best friend, maybe you’ll see that Ike has the hots for you.”
“Ew. Ike?” I asked.
“Yeah. Don’t you see him staring at you every day in science class? Even I can see it, Theresa.”
“But Ike is—Ike,” I said.
“Sure, he doesn’t wear a leather jacket, but he’s smart like you. And if you look past his baggy shirts, he’s got some muscles going on under there.”
“No, he doesn’t. Ike wears glasses and reads books.”
“Like you,” she said.
“But I don’t want someone like me. I want—”
“Grant?” she asked.
“Yeah. I want Grant. Even though I know, I can’t have him.”
“You do know that’s weird,” Jane said.
“Yeah, I know it’s weird. But it doesn’t stop me from thinking about it.”
“Trust me, I know,” she said. “You talk about it every time I come over.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I just want you to get your first kiss so we can talk and compare and do all of that fun stuff. But maybe you should be looking at someone who already likes you instead of someone who you can’t have.”
“Like Ike,” I said grimacing.
“Exactly,” she said with a smile. “He’s really not a bad guy. And he’s head over heels for you. I can see it. He’s always making googly eyes at you and watching you walk down the hallway. He’s got it bad. You could easily have your first kiss with him.”
“Yeah, I guess,” I said. “But—”
“But what, Theresa?”
“Do you think there’s a chance Grant might like me back?”
“Would it matter?” she asked.
“I think it would. I mean, it doesn’t make sense for me to have a crush on someone that doesn't like me back. But if he likes me, maybe it could be a one-time thing. Like with you and Chance.”
“Chance and I are not a one-time thing.”
“What?” I asked. “Did he ask you out?”
“Yes, he did. I’m going on my first date!”
I threw my arms around my best friend as we jumped up and down. I was so excited for her. She had been crushing on Chance Fuller for an entire year, and she was getting to go on a date with him.
But a part of me was jealous that she was getting her dream guy.
I wanted my dream guy, too.
“When? Where is he taking you? Do you know what you’re wearing?” I asked. “Please tell me I can help you pick out your outfit.”
“Of course, you can. Who else would?” Jane asked. “We’re going out this Saturday night if my parents let me.”