“Good to meet ya.”
I heard Jaeda snort as she made her way out of the room. Dani’s blue gaze followed her and she gave me a quizzical look. With a crinkle in my nose, I waved my hand, silently telling her to ignore my very unsubtle friend.
“Where’s your next class?”
“Um, I’m not sure. One sec.” She dug into her pocket, pulling out a rectangular piece of paper. I took it from her and quickly scanned her subjects. Sweet, we were in AP English together as well. I passed it back and pointed to the door.
“World History’s just down the hall from my Economics class. I’ll drop you on the way.”
“Thanks.” I spotted a flash of straight white teeth in her very brief smile, before leading her towards the door.
We worked our way through the bustling corridors without saying much. We didn’t really have a chance. Dani chalked up a few glances like all new students did. She took each one in her stride, gifting small smiles that weren’t unfriendly, but definitely had a stop looking at me vibe about them.
The corridor was starting to clear when I came to a pause outside her World History class.
“Thanks.” She gave me a smile that was friendly, making me grin back like a goofball. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
“Most definitely.” I tried to play it cool, giving her a little salute type wave and walked off without looking back. I desperately wanted to, and eventually couldn’t resist sneaking a final glance before turning the corner.
She was just turning into class, which meant she must have watched me leave.
It felt triumphant for some reason. Maybe Danielle Harrison found me intriguing too.
Chapter 2
LUCY
February 2009
“I can’t believe Patrick De Luca just talked to you.” Maria squealed as she grabbed Lucy’s arm.
Lucy grinned then bit her lip, feeling all gooey and excited as she watched Patrick walk away after congratulating her. He flicked his dark hair out of his eyes, his long strides looking confident and sexy.
Lucy blushed.
Everything about him was swoon worthy. His dark brown eyes, his mocha skin, the way his voice lilted with that slight Italian accent of his. It wasn’t strong, but his parents both spoke Italian so it was there.
Sigh. He spoke Italian!
Biting her lips together, Lucy grabbed Maria’s fingers, which were still gripping her forearm, and let out a little squeak.
“I know!” Maria started jumping. “And you’re gonna get to kiss him!”
The wind flew out of Lucy’s lungs, suddenly making her feel faint. The smile dropped from her lips and she scrambled for air, the euphoric feelings from her afternoon vanishing as reality kicked in.
“Breathe.” Maria rubbed her shoulder. “It’s okay.”
Lucy nodded, pulling shaking fingers through her blonde hair.
“Sweetie, you have nothing to be afraid of. It’s only a play.” Maria started dragging her towards the road. They checked both ways before crossing and making their way home from Palms Middle School. Maria lived about two blocks from Lucy. They always walked to her place first and then Lucy walked the rest of the way on her own. Today, she was actually glad for it. It would give her a chance to rein in all her zinging emotions. They were like a hoard of flies buzzing in her stomach, sending her from elation to pure terror.
“It’s the Spring Musical, Maria. Everyone’s going to be there.”
“Yes, to watch you, because you’re brilliant.”
“Really? You think so?” Lucy bit her lip.
“You just got the lead role, playing alongside Patrick De Luca. Hello? Practically every girl in the eighth grade wanted it.”
Lucy grinned; Maria was right. Seeing her name up on the board outside the drama room that afternoon had nearly made her faint. She got it. All her audition practice paid off and she would be starring in the spring musical. Not only did she get to sing her heart out and act, which was one of life’s greatest pleasures. She’d also get to give Patrick De Luca a quick peck on the lips. Unless Mrs. Blomfield took that part out, but Lucy had a pretty strong feeling she wouldn’t.
Nerves attacked once again, making her reach for Maria’s hand.
“Are you sure I can do this?”
Maria pulled them to a stop and adjusted the bag on her shoulder before looking Lucy right in the eye. “Lucy Tate. You are the most talented, amazing person I know. You deserve this role. Remember what Mrs. Blomfield said in your audition? You’re a natural. You could pretend to be anyone and people would believe you. You’re gonna be the star of the show and I’m so proud of you.”
Lucy blushed, her smile taking over her entire face.
“Your parents are going to go nuts. They’ll be so proud of you too.”
Warming at the thought of telling her two biggest supporters, Lucy threaded her arm through Maria’s and started them walking again.
“Will you practice lines with me?”
“Yes.” Maria nodded.
“Will you tell me not to spaz out and make sure my butt gets to rehearsal on time?”