Page 83 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

“We know,” Rylee says. “And we never take it for granted. And when we’re old and gray, we’ll continue to have our book clubs.”

“Even on our deathbeds,” Zoey adds with a laugh. “We’ll be arguing and tearing plots apart until our last breaths.”

“Totally,” Mia agrees.

Mason and Kade glance at each other, then laugh. “Never get between the girls and their books,” Mason says. He bends forward to kiss Rylee’s cheek. “When we’re older and are crazy busy with life stuff, I’ll sacrifice for you so you can make time for book club.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet.” She glances to her right and left, then quickly pecks his lips.

“Same with me,” Kade tells Zoey with a smile.

Zoey returns the smile. “Thanks. You’re so sweet, too.” She turns to Rylee and Mia. “Whatever happens in life, we need to hold onto the club and each other. I wouldn’t be able to bear being apart from you guys.”

They nod in agreement.

“The Musketeer Trio forever,” Rylee says. “And Mason and Kade.”

“And whoever Mia ends up with,” Zoey adds.

This image flashes before my eyes. Mia walking hand in hand with a guy. Their backs face me, so I can’t see the guy’s face. And they’re both wearing hoodies, so I have no idea what color hair he has.

Weird. What the heck is that?

The bell rings, forcing me out of my thoughts. I follow Mia and the others to Mrs. Hastings’s class. She’s sitting at her desk, reading a book. She doesn’t seem to notice the class filling up with students even when the kids get very loud.

“Mrs. Hastings?” Rylee calls.

Her head snaps up and her cheeks redden. “I need to stop doing that,” she says with an awkward laugh. “Sorry, but you kids understand how amazing books are, so I hope you can forgive me.” She starts discussing the book we’re currently reading. I didn’t have a chance to finish it—it’s hard for me to focus on a book because my mind usually wanders to other things like games or movies or music—but I hope to finish it soon. Especially because Mrs. Hastings is assigning us an essay as well as a test.

This class and the few after it go by quickly and then it’s time for lunch. I let the crowd of kids escort me to the cafeteria, choose from a variety of food, and move toward Tiffany’s table. But I stop short at Mia’s table, where she and the others are talking about something funny WillowBot did this morning.

“Hey, everyone,” I say.

“WillowBot was asking about you this morning, Declan. Can you believe it?” Mia says with a laugh. “I’m telling you, guys, the dude charmed my robot.”

They all chuckle.

I innocently press my hand to my heart. “I did not. She just recognizes a beautiful specimen when she sees it.” I take an overdramatic bow.

Mia scoffs. “Nope. You charmed her.”

I laugh as I wave my hand. “Tell her I send my regards. And don’t work her too hard.”

“I would never. That robot lives to serve her queen.”

We all laugh again.

I’m about to say something, but a voice yells, “Declan!”

Tiffany stands at her table, gesturing for me to join her and the others. I kind of want to stay here. Just like I did yesterday. I like talking to Mia and her friends. I guess it’s because I feel like myself around them. When I’m with everyone else, I don’t know who I am. But when I’m with them, I know exactly who I am.

“Declan!”

I flinch.

Rylee gives me a sympathetic smile. “You’ve been summoned.”

As much as I wish I could remain here, I don’t want to be rude or upset my fans, so I wave at everyone at the table and make my way to Tiffany.

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