Page 55 of Bookish Boys Don't Date Social Girls
“It sounds like there is so much history between you two.” Ava cocks her head. “What did he mean by you switched to ebooks?”
“You know about my “making myself available” concept. I was actually buying a new book every couple of days because I was reading so much. But I haven’t been there for a while now. At first, it was because I didn’t want to see him after he admitted he didn’t think we’d make a good couple because I was so experienced.”
Bek rolls her eyes. “I think you are over dramatizing what happened, Sam.”
Maybe I am. I shrug. “That was shortly before all of this happened.” I point to my shirt. “As a matter of fact, it helped to fuel it.” I take a deep breath to calm my ire. There’s no use getting worked up over it again. Especially since I’ve addressed it publicly. “Anyway, it seems clear to me that bookish boys don’t date social girls. I don’t need no stinking boys, anyway. It’s been a long, weird summer. In the end, I’m glad it came to a head. Now, I have other things to concentrate on. I do miss readingthough.”
“I’m sorry you felt you had to hide that from us,” Bek says. She brightens and leans forward in her chair. “Ooo! I have a great book for you. I literally grinned through the entire book. I’ll bring it tomorrow.”
“Cool! Thanks.”
The bell rings. We all head separate ways for our next class. As I leave the lunchroom, I see Brent watching me from across the cafeteria with a contemplative look on his face. Not seeing him makes me sad. I really enjoyed our little chats at the bookstore. He’s very easy to get along with. I tip my chin up as I stride down the hall. Like I told my friends, my weird summer was for the best. I love my new self. And someday, I’m sure I’ll find someone else who can love the new me, too.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Labor Day weekendis packed full of extra homework, a dress fitting, a barbeque at Ava’s brother’s apartment complex, and the street fair. Now that we are back in school, I’m having a hard time getting online to search for #NoMoreShame videos and entries. But I’ve started getting up an hour earlier every day—no easy task—and I dedicate that time to my online search. Then it struck me that I can also carve out time to read at the end of each day, so I crawl into bed a little earlier each night and spend time reading every day as well. I don’t get as much of either task done as I did before, but I feel better about doing a little every day instead of none for days on end.
Because Brent and Chris are friends, I’d hoped to see Brent at Joel’s barbeque. No such luck. My heart stopped beating a mile a minute with anticipation about an hour after I got there and realized he wasn’t coming. It was awkward seeing Chris after what Brent told me about him, but hopefully I managed to act normal enough that he doesn’t realize I know he actually likes me.
Using one of our brochures as a fan against the heat, I wave it faster, hoping to cool my flushed skin a little. I shiftmy tired butt on the uncomfortable folding chair. After three hours of sitting in this booth at the street fair, I’m regretting my promise to stay all day. Lincoln, who just finished his shift and has been replaced by Ines and Gayle, tried to warn me that these things are grueling and boring as all get out and they make for a long day, but I thought he was just trying to take some pressure off me so I wouldn’t feel obligated to stay. Note to self, when the perpetually happy guy says it sucks, listen to him!
The street fair is made up of vendor booths selling a variety of things from food to art to chair massages. I’ve always loved visiting the annual event and am bummed to be stuck behind a table. If we do this again next year, maybe we can use some of those volunteers that have expressed interest in helping in the organization.
A girl walks by with a waffle cone dripping melted ice cream down the side. My stomach growls loud enough for Gayle to hear.
“You should go get something to eat,” she says. “Ines and I can handle things while it’s still slow. Walk around a little, too.”
I look over at Ines who’s completing the sale of a tote to a younger girl. I think the girl is sharing her own shame story. Ines is very focused on what she’s saying. It’s inspiring how many people have shared stories today or stopped by to thank us for watching their video. I feel like we are really making a difference for the people in our community. The more I do this, the more I realize how important it is for people to feel seen and heard.
Regardless of all the good feelings, the temptation to escape is too much to pass up. With a nod to Gayle, I grab my purse and bolt.
I stop to get a dumpling and stroll from booth to booth while I eat. AfterI’ve finished my food, I get a frozen lemonade and continue strolling. I find a tiny silver fairy charm on a delicate silver chain that I buy for Bek because it reminds me of her. I stop to browse the hand-painted scarfs, the novelty socks, and the t-shirts. A few people ask me about my own shirt, and I’m happy to point them in the direction of our booth and let them know that the proceeds will be donated to Shame-Less.
A huge booth stretches across the street from curb to curb, indicating the end of the street fair. Inside the booth is shelf upon shelf of books. I smile when I see a banner announcing the booth is indeed Beckett’s Book Shop. I immediately head into the tent. I wave at Callie who is helping an old man at the far end of the booth. Then, I spy Brent holding a stack of books in one arm and wandering around shelving them.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for a book for a friend.”
Brent turns, a pleasant expression on his face. When he sees me, his smile expands with pure happiness. “Sam! What a nice surprise.”
His eyes scan the tent behind me.
“Is it really?” I ask. “Haven’t you seen other kids from school? Or am I the only student who stopped in who doesn’t read?”
“Didn’t read,” Brent corrects with an arched brow. My pulse stutters. “Yes, I’ve seen a few. I’m surprised you’re alone, actually.”
“I’m working a booth too.” I point to my shirt. When his gaze automatically drops to follow my finger, I realize I might want to stop pointing my boobs out to people. “But I’m on break. I found a sweet little gift for Bek already and thought maybe I could get another book for Ava.”
“Yeah sure.” He turns and gestures for me to follow. “I was hoping you’d come in. I have something for you.”
I frown. What on earth could he have for me? As we headtoward what looks like the register, I glance around the tent. “It’s like a complete bookstore in here.”
Brent speaks over his shoulder. “It was a lot of work. Took us all day yesterday to set up. We had to hire a security guard to watch the tent overnight.”
“What if it had rained?”
Brent walks behind a table and reaches underneath. A tablecloth blocks my view of what he’s getting. “We have sides on the tent we can lower if it rains or gets too windy.”
“Fancy.”
