Page 108 of Let's Pretend I'm Okay

My cheeks burn, and I shift my weight. I figured I was just staring at her like a normal person, but apparently not.

Annie chuckles. “I didn’t mean to make you feel weird.”

“You didn’t.” She did.

“I don’t know if she’s told you yet, but she likes you.”

My heart leaps.

Annie continues, “I want you to spoil her. You’re her love story. She won’t have another, so make sure you make it a good one.” She props her elbow up on the arm rest and leans her head on her hand.

I look back at Margo, at the curve of her lashes, at her soft pink lips, at the silly expression she’s making, and I know Annie is right. Margo deserves to be spoiled. The problem is I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how to spoil a girl. I don’t know the first thing about romance.

“Will you help me?” I ask.

“Me?” Annie says, almost choking on her popcorn.

“You’re the one who watches rom-com movies and reads romance novels. Shouldn’t you know what to do?”

Her eyes widen. “That doesn’t make me an expert. Besides, you seem to be doing a decent job.”

“You know more than I do. You could tell me all the things I don’t have time to learn about Margo. Help me learn what she likes and what she hates.” Margo has that list, the list of things she wants to do for other people, but I want to help her live for herself too.

“Margo’s the one who’s good at planning things. Not me.”

“Says who?”

Annie opens her mouth to argue, but she’s left searching for words.

“You’re the one who said I need to spoil her. Aren’t you going to help me?”

Annie pinches the bridge of her nose.

“What are you doing?”

“Thinking.”

“Oh.”

Annie takes another bite of popcorn as she continues to think. “Margo is happiest when everyone around her is happy too. When we were little, every time I cried, she cried too even if she didn’t know why I was crying. If you really want to spoil her, be the best version of yourself. If you get upset, trynot to let her know, otherwise she’ll spend a bunch of time trying to fix whatever is bothering you.”

I wonder if this is what Annie is doing now. Maybe she’s pretending to be okay with Margo and me because she thinks that’ll make her sister happy.

I also wonder if I misunderstood Margo’s list. Adding to it isn’t enough. I need to help her cross off what’s already on it. Margo won’t be able to focus on herself while her family weighs on her mind.

I need to get a better look at her list.

“She also likes strawberries.”

I laugh. “That’s random.”

“Well, this conversation got a little heavy. I’m trying to lighten it up.” Annie smiles. “Take her on nice dates. Buy her flowers. Do all things a boyfriend is supposed to do.”

“What are all the things a boyfriend is supposed to do?”

Annie shakes her head. “I think you need to come over for a few more movie nights for research purposes.”

I laugh.

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