Page 16 of Bookworm

Here's how everything went down.

It happened between first and second period.After a deep breath, I approached Trevor at his locker and tapped him on the shoulder.He'd turned to me in surprise.

"Hi, Trevor," I said.

"Hi," he said slowly. "Do you need something, Charlotte?"

"Um well…"

"I've gotta run to make it to physics."

"Ooh, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

I shook my head. "I just meant…physics. Yuck, ugh, kill me now. Am I right?"

As I chuckled, he looked at me like I was crazy, and I suddenly remembered that back in the day Trevor was a member of the science club. Heck for all I knew, he still was.He was probably the club president.Awesome start, Charlotte. Insult thesubjectthe guy you're hitting on loves most. Blech.

"Not that physics is the worst thing ever," I hurried on."I can definitely think of at least…seven other thingsI dislike more."

"Me too," Trevor said, shutting his locker and turning to face me. "Like a million other things, including small talk, social situations, and parties."

I smiled thinking it was a joke.

By the serious look on Trevor's face, it wasn't.

"So, what's up? Like I said, Ishould get going."

"Oh it's nothing," I said, attempting not to fidget.Just ask him if he wants to hang out."Again sorry about the physics thing. It just isn't my best subject,so—"

Trevor sighed. "Listen, if you need a tutor, Imight be able work you into my schedule."

"That's not what—"

"No promises though," he cut in."Like you, a lot of students have trouble with science and math.Girls mostly, which is typical."

"I'm actually awesome at math and every other science besides physics," I said, but he wasn't listening.

"My time is valuable," Trevor went on, looking down at his watch. "I'm on track to be valedictorian.Because of my intellectual prowess, I'm in very high demand."

"I'm sure you are," I murmured.

"You can find my rates online." As the bell rang, hehanded me a business card andsaid, "Gotta go. See you around, Charlotte."

"Bye," I said to his retreating form.He was long gone, but of course that was when I finally found my voice."I don't like parties much either, and I'm sure I couldn't afford you even if I did need a tutor.Also, the comment about girls being bad a mathandscience? Completely false anda tad misogynistic."

With a sigh, I crossed him off the list.

Oh well, I thought, shaking it off. That was only my first attempt. It was bound to get better, right?

Onto the next.

CHAPTER 4

Number two on my suitor list was Chester Copperfield.

He'd always been so stylish, open, and cool. Much more approachable than Trevor, that's for sure. When I walked up to him between classes, the guy's eyes lit up.

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