Page 11 of Overtime

“It’s definitely a girl’s handwriting though.” I study the script. “It’s too flowy and easy to read. Boys’ handwriting is practically indecipherable. Maybe the lady at the flower shop wrote the message for him.”

“Agreed,” Alyssa responds. “And whoever sent the message probably isn’t in band or choir either. It’s too generic for someone who knows music.”

The three of us scan the room for any guys who might be acting suspicious. We obviously aren’t convinced of our own logic, but no one here fits our expectations.

“He’s totally not in band,” Jess concludes. “Let’s get outta here. I’ve got a hot date.”

We collect our things, then head out to meet our parents and the rest of our friends. A massive crowd mills around in the lobby. Students are posing for pictures and receiving flowers and hugs from friends and family, and everyone is just generally having a good time. The air is brimming with holiday excitement.

Jess goes off in search of her boyfriend as Alyssa and I scan the room for our families. I still haven’t spotted mine when Alyssa once again grabs my elbow and drags me…somewhere.

“Where are you taking me?”

She throws a wink at me. “To do some investigative work.”

I pull back—effectively halting her forward momentum—until she releases her hold and rounds on me, a confused expression dulling her features.

“Lys, I don’t want to know who they’re from.”

“Why not?”

Because I’m still not convinced it isn’t you. Or Jess. Or my mom and my grandparents. Because I’m entirely sure they’re not from the only person I want them to be from.

“If he wanted me to know, he’d tell me. Roses are only romantic if the giver isn’t a coward.” There. Maybe that’ll convince her to stop with the ruse.

“Maybe he isn’t a coward. Maybe he’s just shy and not sure how you’ll respond. You’re not exactly friendly with most guys.”

Well, that’s insulting. “That’s not true! I’m nice to everyone. Just because I don’t flirt with every guy at school doesn’t mean I’m a jerk!”

Alyssa takes a step closer to me and lowers her voice. “Evie, sweetie, you know I love you, right? And I only want what’s best for you, okay?” She casts a furtive glance at the people crowding around us and leans in even closer. “There’s talk at school that you’re gay and in the closet. People are starting to get the wrong impression.”

When I open my mouth, she defensively lifts her hands.

“I know, I know. It’s stupid and none of their business. But I hate that people are thinking the wrong thing about you. Maybe you could, I dunno, just show some interest in the opposite sex at least?”

I snap my mouth shut. Is this really my life right now? I’m not sure what stings worse. That there’s gossip going around about my sexuality or that Alyssa thinks I need to do something to prove the rumors wrong. Shouldn’t that be my choice? I don’t want to pretend to be a typical boy-crazy girl just to save my reputation. If I’m not into a guy, I’m not into him. Simple as that.

A big arm around my shoulders distracts me from my thoughts.

“Good job tonight. Got another bouquet, I see.”

I glance up to find Mike smiling down at me. He feels like safety and comfort, so my shoulders relax a fraction in his embrace.

“Thanks. Yeah.”

“Who are they from?” Jeremy steps up beside Alyssa, an excited gleam in his brown eyes. He slides an arm around his girlfriend’s waist and hands her a bouquet of lilies.

He’s so sweet. Lilies are Alyssa’s favorite flower.

“I, um, I don’t know.” My heart skips a beat, and whatever I was going to say next dies on my tongue as Rob’s tall figure comes into view beside Mike.

Of course, they’re together. They’re friends; I know this. They were sitting together at the concert. Seeing him here, standing around with all of us, just seems so unexpected somehow.

His hands are shoved deep inside his pockets, and his gaze remains fixed on the ground, reminiscent of the first time I met him. He’s so beautiful and shy it physically pains me to breathe the same air as him. I’m not worthy.

“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving after pounding on the drums for so long. Let’s go get something to eat.” Jeremy squeezes Alyssa’s waist and gives her a quick peck on the cheek.

“That’s a great idea.” Mike nods. “Lemme go grab Chelsie, and we’ll meet at the diner?”

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