Page 50 of Anytime I Want

My phone buzzes with a text from Nathan, asking me where I am. I quickly type back that I’m with Chloe at her house.

Nathan

Good. See you later.

Julia

Good?

Nathan

Yep, good.

“Nathan is being weird.” I throw my phone on Chloe’s bed.

“Nathan is always weird.” Chloe flips a page in her magazine, not at all bothered.

I shake my head and slap my hands on my thighs, ready to get to work. “So, back to the planning. I need to ask Graham to the dance.”

“Yes, we have a deadline, but also, let’s take our time. Make it really good. But cheap. We don’t need to spend a ton of money on this.”

“Chlo. What’s up? I expected you to be full steam ahead on this. You’re being weird too. Maybe I should ask Josie for help.”

“No!” Chloe grabs my phone before I can reach it. “I am focused. Basically a camera. So, what should we do?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. Maybe I could just make him some cookies?”

“Yeah, let’s check online. We can do better than cookies.” Chloe picks up her phone right as a text comes in. A big smile spreads across her face, and she nods. “Yes,” she says to her phone before typing back.

“Yes, what? Who texted you?”

“Don’t worry about it. Now, let’s look up some good ideas for a dance ask. Then wanna hang out? Eat dinner and watch a movie?”

“How about eat dinner and study?”

Chloe’s lip curls in disgust. “I’ll allow it under duress.”

“Noted.” I send Mom a quick text to let her know my plans.

Mom

Sounds great, honey! Have fun. Take your time! Seriously. Don’t rush.

What is going on with everyone?

Chloe and I spend the next hour scrolling on Pinterest, laughing at all the puns. It’s a little tough to pick one for Graham because he doesn’t have a thing. Like, asking the captain of the basketball team with a sign that says “I think we’d have a ball together. Come to the dance with me?” makes a lot of sense. Butwhat do you make for a social butterfly that flirts with and teases everyone?

“Wait. Chloe. Graham is you but with less school spirit. He doesn't take things seriously and is super social. Loves teasing Nathan.”

“Loves you,” Chloe interjects with a smile. “While I am not a fan of this classification, Graham is pretty awesome, so I suppose I’ll accept it. What’s the point?”

“How would you want someone to ask you to the dance? That’s how I need to ask Graham.”

Chloe looks at me for a few seconds before deciding. “Honestly, I would just want someone to want to go with me. Do something that shows you know him, and I think that will be the money. But take your time. We have time.”

“Chloe, no, we don’t. Ginger is going to ask him. I told her we were dating and going together. I am sure she’ll ask him, like, tomorrow. I need to figure this out!” I’m basically wailing at this point.

“Okay, okay, while I am enjoying your newfound acceptance of the fact that you love Graham, this is ridiculous. Listen to me.” She grabs me by my shoulders. “Graham will not say yes to Ginger. He wants to go with you. He has a plan. But that’s all I’m saying.” she cuts me off before I can disagree again. “I’ve said too much.”

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