The Romeo Club

“Rex has been snooping around a lot lately. He actually went in and talked to Mr. Braxon about tutoring me instead of you guys. And he keeps showing up, when he knows I’m supposed to be hanging out with the Nerd Herd. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”

“Maybe he’s jealous of our new stud status.” Trey moved, this time his arm brushing my shoulder.

I laughed. “Maybe. So, what did you need to talk to me about?”

“Oh, right.” His warm breath tickled my cheek as he leaned closer. “I talked to Portia again this morning. She actually sought me out.”

“That’s awesome,” I said.

“Except for the part where all we spoke about is dancing. I need more stuff to chat about. Something not dance related.”

“Okay, we can fix that.”

“So what did you want to talk to me for?” Trey said.

The scent of cleaning supplies burned my nose. Maybe the janitor closet wasn’t the best place to be carrying on a conversation.

“Well, Portia seems to be into you. I overheard her in gym class talking about how adorable you are.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope. If you keep doing what you’re doing, that girl will be eating out of your hand in no time.”

“Dude, you rock. You know that?”

I rolled my eyes. “Duh. I’ve been trying to tell you guys that for years.”

He chuckled. “So, do you think we’re safe to get out of here now?”

The warning bell sounded. “Yeah.”

I reached for the door handle and twisted. But it wouldn’t turn. I pushed my shoulder against the door. Again, it wouldn’t budge. “Um, we might have a slight problem.”

“Like?”

“Like we’re flipping locked in.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.” My voice squeaked as panic set in. God, what if no one heard us? What if we got stuck in here overnight?

“Here, let me try.” He moved around me. I heard him rattle the handle. “Shit.”

“We’re gonna be late for class.”

“Hate to tell you, but I think being late is the least of our worries.”

“Wait, I have my cell.” I fumbled in my pocket and pulled it out. The light blue glow shined like a beacon in the dark. With a sigh, I dialed my brother’s number. It rang then went right to voice mail. Damn. Now was so not the time for him to have a social life.

“Let me try C.C.’s number. His uncle’s the janitor here.” Trey grabbed my phone from me and put in his number. “C’mon, C.C. pick up,” he said. “Thank God you answered. Hey, I need you to do me a favor. Yes, I know class is about to start, but I’m locked in the janitor’s closet down by Mr. Duncan’s room.” Trey gave me a quick look. “Never mind how I got stuck in here, just let me out.”

After he hung up, he handed me the cell. “Is he coming?”

“If he knows what’s good for him.”

A minute later the doorknob turned and we stumbled into the hallway. C.C. grinned at us. “So, if I pay more can I get locked in the closet with you?”

My face burned. “I-it’s not like that … we were talking.”

C.C. tugged my hair. “Is that what the kids are calling it now days? Talking?”

“Do you want my Trig book to become a part of your butt? Because I can so make that happen.”

Trey smiled. “As much fun as getting locked in the closet with you was, I need to get to class.”

My heart skidded into my ribs like a car on ice. Which wasn’t the reaction I was looking for.

Chapter 13

With the closet fiasco behind me, I sat on the couch in my family room, waiting to get The Romeo Club meeting started. We were only missing one person. I fingered one of the plaid throw pillows, twisting the colored fringe around my finger.

When Kevin rushed in, I stood. “Okay, everyone’s here. So why don’t you go around and report back on your joining a club assignment.”

C.C. set his notebook down on the recliner next to him and cleared his throat. “I’m happy to say that I grew some balls today.”

Trey took his glasses off and cleaned the lenses on his T-shirt. “Oh, so you were a girl prior to today?”

“Ha-ha, real funny. What I’m trying to tell you is that I talked to Liza. And she asked if I wanted to help her on the Prom Committee. So I said yes.”

I didn’t know whether to cheer or cringe. C.C. planning one of the biggest moments of my life made me nervous. What if he got us some crazy theme, like, Zombie Apocalypse? And everyone had to wear shredded clothes or something? Or what if he convinced Liza to do a camouflage formal? Gah.

“That’s great,” I said. “Kevin?”

“I managed to get into Astronomy Club. They’ve got some cool telescopes up at the college observatory that we’ll get to use.” He tugged a blue beanie down over his ears. Seriously, how many beanies did he have?

“Perfect.” The Nerd Herd made me proud. They were actually taking my advice and going with it. “Trey?”

He gave me a sheepish look. “I didn’t get a chance to join anything yet. But, before you chastise me, I want everyone to know that Portia invited me over to watch the dancing show tomorrow night.”

“Oh. My. God. Seriously?” I squealed, hopping off the couch.

His mouth twitched. “Yeah. But pretending to like that show around her is gonna be hard as hell.”

My eyes met his. “Then maybe she’s not the right girl for you.”