Page 10 of When Ellie Falls in Love

“But you’re going to prom with him?”

“He asked,” Sadie shrugged. “And he’s cute, right?”

Charlie laughed, but it sounded forced. Like she didn’t know what to say. “I mean, I guess. He has that Zac Efron,High School Musicalhair. I just didn’t think he was your type.”

Sadie sat up straighter in her seat. “What does that mean?”

“You know what I mean.” Charlie put the car in park at a spot in front of Straight to Ale. “You’ve always shown interest in girls, and for a while, we thought you and Penny were going to be a thing. You just haven’t ever shown interest in boys. It’s an adjustment.”

“Sexuality is fluid,” she stated flatly.

“I know that.” Sighing, Charlie turned off the engine and put a hand on Sadie’s knee. “I’m sorry for assuming. If you’re happy, I’m happy for you. And your mom will be too. In fact, we can go dress shopping this weekend if you want.”

“Maybe.”

Getting out of the car, Sadie pulled her jacket tighter around her waist as they walked inside. Delaney waved at them from a table, and they made their way over to her.

And right by the Mackenzies having dinner.

More specifically, right by Ellie.

Their eyes locked as they both smiled. Sadie wasn’t sure if she was imagining things, but she could have sworn her eyes lit up when she saw her.

You’re delusional.

“Hey!” Charlie waved at the Mackenzies as they stopped at the table to say hello. Charlie chatted with Isla and Vera for a moment while Sadie nervously waited by her side. She tried hard not to look at Ellie.

And failed.

Ellie smiled up at her. “How was practice?”

“It was good. Thanks.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah.” Sadie racked her brain for something—anything—to say that would carry on their abysmal conversation.

But she had nothing.

Well, nothing that wouldn’t embarrass her. She wanted to congratulate Ellie again on getting the role, but that could open up the conversation to everyone finding out she’d eavesdropped on Ellie earlier. And there was no way Sadie was going to ask Ellie if she was going to prom. Sadie was sure she was. The theater kids always went together, it seemed.

And if she wanted to ask me to go, she would have.

Sadie’s thoughts startled her, and she tried to figure out where that thought came from. She had never thought about Ellie asking her to prom, nor would she ever have expected that. Heck, they hadn’t said more than a handful of words to each other in weeks. So why was she thinking about it?

She needed to get away from Ellie so she could think straight.

Poking Charlie’s arm, she said, “We should let them eat.”

“Oh, yes. Sorry. Have a good dinner, you all.”

“You, too.”

Leaving the Mackenzies, Charlie and Sadie joined Delaney at their table. Sadie sat beside Delaney in the booth, knowing she’d have to tell her about Trevor before Charliemadeher tell her.

“Guess what?” Sadie tried to fake as much enthusiasm as she could. She was determined to make the best of the situation.

“What?”

---