Page 113 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

“Declan!”

A group of mostly girls wave frantically at me. Tiffany is in the center of the group, smiling as if we’re best friends or something. I told myself I’m not going to associate with someone like her anymore and that’s exactly what I’ll do.

I keep my thoughts occupied with Mia and what happened between us three days ago. So many days have passed, but it feels like it just happened yesterday. I could still feel how incredible it was to be wrapped in her arms.

My gaze roams the area and I spot Mia and her friends chatting like they do every morning. Today’s book club day and I wonder if they’re gushing about the book. I’d go over to join their conversation, but I’m kind of busy thinking about Friday.

“Declan.”

The group stands in front of me now, Tiffany at the center. She raises her eyebrows as she stares at me, maybe wondering why I’ve been ignoring her.

Does she honestly think I’d give her the time of day after what she said about the awesome Mia? Heck no.

Grinning, she wraps her fingers around my bicep. “Didn’t you hear me calling you?”

“No,” I tell her as I unlatch her fingers. “I’ve got to go.”

I slide away from her, heading to my locker. She follows me.

“Declan, what’s wrong?”

I stop and face her. The old me might have been hesitant to tell her exactly what I think of her because he didn’t want to ruin his image, but I’m not that Declan anymore.

“Tiffany, I told you to keep your distance from me, didn’t I?”

Her eyes widen. “Come on, Declan.”

“I was serious. Don’t talk to me.”

Her eyes narrow. “Why are you being such a jerk?”

I bend close. “Don’t make a scene,” I whisper. “It wouldn’t be good for either of us. Stay away from me.”

“It’s because of that loser, isn’t it?”

My insides sear, but I keep my cool. “Call her a loser one more time and you’ll regret it.”

Her eyes flame. “Are you threatening me?”

Tilting my head to the side, I push my fingers through my hair. “You might want to think twice before opening your mouth again, Tiffany.” I force a smile at the surrounding kids, who probably didn’t hear much of that because our voices were low. “See you all later.”

I turn around and make my way to my locker. I can feel them still staring at me—Tiffany glaring at my back—as I take my books out. Of course I’d never harm her, but hopefully she’ll leave Mia alone. Or at least stop calling her those names behind her back.

And hopefully she’ll stay away from me. I want to surround myself with good people. It’s important for me to keep my fans happy, but I don’t consider Tiffany a fan. My fans are kind and caring, respectful, not terrible people like her.

***

Since Chase is once again too stubborn or clueless to ask Tori out, Mia and I decide to start Attempt Two. We figured maybe having them meet in a public area like Mikey’s might have been too daunting for them. So we decide to bring them together in a different way.

Every day, Tori stays for about an hour in her office after play rehearsal. The plan is to get Chase over there and be alone with her. Hopefully, they’ll talk and maybe finally go out.

“Did you text him?” Mia asks me.

Rehearsal has been going on for quite some time now.

“Yeah, five minutes ago. I told him my car wasn’t working and asked if he could pick me up after rehearsal.”

I lied and told him practice will be done in twenty minutes, when really we only have five minutes left. The point is to get him in here when no one other than Tori is around.

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