Page 102 of Bookworm

"Duh."

Viola loved playing the cello almost as much as she loved working at the shelter. Plus, she was a heck of a lot better at it than I was at violin. I hadno worries at all that she'd be ready for our performance.

When she pulled me into a hug, she lowered her voice then said, "Lotte, seriously. Bo Stryker?"

"Yeah," I said.

"I didn't even know he could smile."

"He can, and it's beautiful."

"I'll take your word on that," she laughed then pulled back. "You two seem really good together. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks," I said with a smile. "I'm happy for you too."

Dare and Bo tapped fists.

"See you soon," Dare said.

"Yeah," Bo said. "Hoping we beat you again like last year."

"I was sick last year," Dare called back, even as Viola pulled him away.

"Sure, you were."

"Come on, Dare," Viola said with a sigh.

"Flower, I was just talking to the man," he said back.

"Well, I want you to talk to me."

"Can't argue with that."

Once they were gone, Scarlett tapped me on the shoulder. "I'm going to go say hi to some friends. You two have fun." And before I could protest, she'd disappeared as well. Bo gazed down at me.

"You came," he said.

I turned to face himand tilted my head. "I said I would."

"You cheered for me," he said next.

"And?" I replied. "So did everyone else."

Bo studied my face. "But you were louder."

That startled a laugh out of me, the sound ringing in the space between us. Bo was still frowning, but it seemed softer somehow. Or…maybe the way he was looking at me was softer.

"I can tone it down next time," I promised, but he shook his head.

"I liked it," he said.

Oh.

Trying to lighten the mood, I said, "I wouldn't have expected it.You and Dare, being friends."

"Not exactly friends," he said.

"He's like the you of Durham High."

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