The Romeo Club

“I’m glad. You guys look so cute together.” At that moment, someone else came up to tell her congrats and she turned to talk to them.

C.C. caught my arm and pulled me into a hug. “I know I irritate the piss out of you sometimes, but I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve helped me with this year. I wouldn’t have any of this if it wasn’t for you.”

I returned the hug. “You’re welcome. But this was all you. I only gave you a nudge.”

He pulled back and grinned. “Yeah, I am pretty amazing. You should see the bedroom scene they cut from the play. It was too steamy.” He waggled his eyebrows at me.

I swatted his arm. “And there you go ruining it all.”

Right then, Trey and Portia joined us. C.C. released me and shook Trey’s hand. “By the way the TRC is going out to celebrate tonight. You have to come along.”

When I saw Trey stiffen, I frowned. “Actually, Kenadi and I already have plans. But thanks for the invite.”

C.C. followed my gaze then gave me a strange look. “Are you sure? I mean we can get a couple tables.”

“Yeah, you girls should come.” Portia glanced at Trey then at me and smiled. “It’ll be fun.”

What the heck was she up to? And why did she care if we went or not?

“No. It’s fine. Really. We’ve got so much to do tonight.” I grabbed Kenadi’s arm. “See you guys.”

“Bye.” Liza waved, before she wrapped an arm around C.C.’s waist.

When we got back to my house, Kenadi and I sat on my bed, painting our toenails.

“Any idea why Portia wanted us to go so bad?” I glanced at Ken.

“Maybe she just wants you and Trey to make up. She probably realizes how miserable he is without you in his life.”

“Yeah, right.” I snorted.

She grinned, putting another coat of polish on her nails. “So, it’s not too late for you to get a prom ticket,” she said. “Lots of girls go stag. Besides, you’ll be able to dance with more guys that way.”

“I’d rather just hang out here.”

“But I don’t want to go by myself. I’ll be bored and lonely.”

I rolled my eyes. “You won’t be alone. Your boyfriend will be there.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I’m sorry. I just can’t go.”

“But you’ll waste your dress.”

I laughed. “You just won’t give up will you?”

“No. I don’t want you to regret this.”

“I won’t. I promise. I’ll be fine. The new Dwarves of Iconia II comes out next week, which will give me plenty to do.” With my nails painted, I put the cap back on the bottle of Electric Blue Tears.

“Del, you can’t quit doing things just because one guy turns into a ginormous douche.”

“He’s not a douche—okay, so maybe he is a little. But you have to realize, I didn’t just lose a potential boyfriend or prom date. I-I lost a friend.” I swung my feet over the edge of my bed. “You saw him tonight. He won’t even talk to me.”

“He’ll realize how wrong he is.”

“But is he wrong?”

“Yes.”

She put her nail polish on my dresser then changed the subject to soccer and our district finals coming up next week. When she left, I climbed into bed and lay there, staring at the ceiling. You don’t need to go to prom. You’ll probably have more fun vegged out with your video game.

I tugged my blanket further up and tucked it under my chin. From somewhere outside, I heard sirens. Blue and red lights flashed through my window, creating a strange strobe light effect on my ceiling. I wondered what was going on? Next door, Jimbo started to howl like he’d lost his favorite bone. I covered my head with my pillow to drown him out. Tomorrow would be better. It had to be.

Chapter 32

Groggy, I rolled over on my back and stared at the clock. Geez, it was already noon. I stretched my arms above my head, and then crawled out from beneath a mound of blankets. With a yawn, I opened my dresser drawer and grabbed a pair of soccer shorts, a sweatshirt, and clean undergarments. I slid out of my pajamas and threw on my clean clothes. Next, I jerked on a pair of socks and shoved my feet into my soccer sandals.

I ran a brush through my hair then went downstairs. My parents had left a note on the table that they’d gone to brunch with my grandparents. And Drake had to work. Silence filled the house. There were no distractions. So my mind wandered to Trey and last night’s snub. Had he done that on purpose, or was it Portia who didn’t want him to hang out with me? Either way, it sucked.

My sandals squeaked on the hardwood floors as I went to the fridge and got the carton of orange juice out. I poured a cup then put the container back. With glass in hand, I sauntered onto the porch to the swing.

Underneath it, I found Jimbo curled up. He lifted his head when he saw me, his tail wagged.

“Hey boy, what’s wrong? What are you doing over here again?” I reached down and petted him. His sad eyes gazed into mine then over to his house.

I followed his glance and saw several cars parked in the Foster’s driveway and yard. Jimbo whimpered. “All right. I’ll bring you home.”

I set my cup down on the porch railing. “Come on, boy.”