Page 99 of Wallflower
"I would," I said. "I've never seen that dog get attached to anyone. Before you, he liked me best."
His eyes shined. "Oh yeah? So, I stole his affection? Sorry about that, flower."
"No problem," I said. "Just like people, animals have soulmates, too. I'm glad you found each other."
"Yeah," Dare said. "Me, too."
"Any plans for after graduation?" I asked.
He shrugged. "I've been offered full-ride scholarships from a few colleges."
"A few?" I repeated skeptically, and he laughed.
"Okay, a lot. I've had my eye on UNC for a while, but honestly, I don't care where I go as long as I can play soccer."
That made sense.
"What about you?" he said. "Are you going to be a vet or study cello?"
I smiled at his assumption. "Not sure if I want to be a veterinarian or open a rescue nonprofit. Something with animals for sure. I'll still play music for them, of course."
"Speaking of, any chance I can get a private performance?"
"Sorry, but I only play for four-legged creatures who don't judge," I said. "Oh yeah, and my family. They kind of force my cousins and me to perform a little recital every year when we get together."
Dare's eyes gleamed with interest. "And how do I get a ticket to that?"
"It's usually family only. We have a big one."
"What about boyfriends?" he asked. "Can they come?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Yeah…but I doubt we'll still be pretending in October, Dare."
He waited.
"If we are, I guess you could come."
He pointed a finger at me. "I'm going to hold you to that, flower."
Oh my heart. I decided to change the subject to hide how giddy his words made me.
"Alright since the forty-five minutes is nearly up," I said. "I go back to my first question. What is your real name?"
"Thought you might forget about that," Dare muttered.
"No way," I said. "And you better tell me because you promised."
Dare mumbled something under his breath.
"What was that?" I said. "Could you speak a little louder."
Dare shifted his glare to me. "Okay, but if you laugh, I'm never telling you anything again."
"I'll try my best," I said. "So, finish this sentence. Hello, my name is…?"
"Inigo Montoya, you killed my father—"
I cut him off with a look. "I love a goodPrincess Bridereference. But you're not getting off the hook that easily."
