Page 88 of If We Say Goodbye

“I won’t make you go to the dance if you don’t want to.”

“No, no, no. See, this is your problem. You care too much about what other people want to do that you forget you matter too. If you want to go to the dance, then we’re going. It’s as simple as that.”

He breaks into a smile from ear to ear. “Do you even own a dress?”

I scowl. “You mean I really can’t wear sweats?”

He steps back and places his hands on my shoulders, looking me up and down. “Sure, why not start a new trend.”

I give him a look as I push his arm. “No.” My gaze darts away. “I’ve been known to dress up on a rare occasion. If I have to have a good reason to.”

His eyes sparkle with his smile. “And you have one?”

I rock my jaw. “Wow, you’re really fishing, aren’t you?”

“I never thought I’d hear you say that you like me. I’m having a hard time believing it’s true.” His hand wanders down my arm, finding my hand.

I fold my fingers into his. “Well, believe it. I don’t like a lot of people, but Caleb?”

“Yes?” he says, biting at his smile again.

I stare into his deep brown eyes, memorizing every line of his face because I’m convinced he has a face I never want to forget. “I like you.”

* * *

Sadie slamsher math book shut. The thud echoes through the library. “You did what?”

My eyes bug out, glancing toward the librarian on the other side of the room. “Hush.”

Sadie’s mouth gaps open. “You kissed Caleb?”

“You’re practically yelling,” I warn.

“You . . .” She cups her cheeks with both hands. “I mean you—I can’t believe—are you sure?”

“You’re right. I made the whole thing up.” I sit back in my chair and roll my eyes.

“So you,” she holds up one hand with pinched fingers, “kissed Caleb?” She taps it against her other hand.

I nod.

Her hand flies up to her mouth to cover her silent scream.

“And I told him I’d go to the winter formal with him.”

Her palm hits the table. “Stop. You did not.”

My mouth breaks into a cringey smile. “I did.”

She leans in. “Who are you, and what have you done with Becca?”

I shrug and start to fill my backpack since we’re done studying for the day.

“You need a ship name,” she says.

My jaw drops. “Sadie.”

“What? It’s true.” She smiles, freckles popping along her laugh lines.