Page 21 of Bookworm

"What was that?" she asked.

"I said"—I lifted my face—"I studied before today."

Scarlett's eyes narrowed. "You studied? What does that even mean?"

With a huff of exasperation, I threw up my hands. "What do you think, Scar? I did some research. I read every article I could find on 'how to talk to guys', 'how to flirt', 'flirting with your crush', 'how be less awkward', 'connecting with your crush', 'attracting a mate', 'the mating habits of teenage boys'—"

She smothered a laugh as I looked at her. "You actually searched the mating habits of teenage boys?" she asked.

"Yes, and?" I demanded.

"Nothing," she said. "Bet that search turned up some interesting results."

"It did actually"—I winced—"and I will forever be scarred by some of the disturbing images. Again though, not the point."

Scarlett took a moment then got her giggling under control.

"Scar, I really prepped for this," I said. "But when it came time, everything went right out of my brain. Even with all of my second-hand romantic training via books…nothing helped. I was still a disaster."

My sister shook her head. "You weren’t, Lotte. You were brave, and that counts for something."

I forced a smile. "Tell that to Harrison. He looked pretty freaked out to discover that I'd been trying to flirt with him."

"Ah boo," she said, waving that away. "There are still more names. Who's next on the list?"

I didn't have to look. "Leif George."

"He's on the football team, right?"

"Yep."

"Don't you hate football players on principle?" she asked.

"I kind of do—but Leif is different," I said. "Once in the hall,I dropped my books,and he stopped to help pick them up. Granted he was the one who ran into me. But still."

"That was nice, I guess."

"It was." I smiled for real this time. "But he's absent today, so I can't talk to him."

"You look really happy about that," she remarked.

I hummed. "It's been a long day of flirting. I'm tired now and need a nap."

Scarlett laughed. "So, Leif is next."

"He is," I confirmed.

"And then my pick," she said, clapping her hands with a grin. "Bo is obviously the clear winner, but I hope all goes well with the other guy."

"It would take a miracle for it to go anything but horribly," I said then took a deep breath. "But happiness is a choice. I will not let this get me down."

"Yeah, don't," Scarlett said. "They're just guys."

I nodded.

"And if everything goes south, at least you tried. That's more than most people."

"Thanks for the positive," I said brightly.

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