Page 28 of Almost Never

And then it hits me...

She wouldn’t.

I’ve told her countless times over the last couple of weeks that I’m not going to the Spring Formal this weekend. So, in an effort to twist my arm, she buys me a way too expensive dress in hopes of making it to where I can’t say no. I guess me turning down Teller wasn’t enough to convince her that I really am not interested in going.

“Now, I know what you’re thinking,” she starts before I can say anything. “But I talked to Alec, and we both really,reallywant you to go. And I got the dress on clearance so it can’t be returned.”

“So you buy me a birthday present to try to coerce me into doing something you know I don’t want to do.”

“Oh come on, Hope. Don’t be mad. We just really want you to go and I know you haven’t gotten a dress yet.”

“You’re right, I haven’t. Because I said I wasn’t going.”

“Look, it took me hours to find the perfect dress for you. Maybe my tactics are a little over the top, but deep down I know you want to go. You’re just worried you’ll be imposing...which you won’t be.” Her expression softens. “Just please say you’ll think about it.”

“Think about it?” I grunt. “You’ve all but backed me into a corner.”

I know that’s not entirely true. I know I could decline and say thank you for the dress and walk away. But I also know Lulu and getting her way is her specialty. Sometimes it’s easier to give in than to deal with her relentless badgering.

“Please just come with us. Alec said he’ll pick us both up. And I know you’re worried about being the third wheel but it’s not like we’ll be your only friends there. Everyone will be there. And I know you’ll have so much fun if you were to go.”

I really don’t know why this is so important to her. And as much as I don’t want to go and watch her parade Alec in my face all night, I also can’t deny how much I’d love to see him dressed up.

I feel myself starting to wane.

“Don’t get your hopes up, but I’ll think about it. But no promises,” I tell her, wagging my finger at her.

“Ahhh!” Both of her arms go around my neck. “I knew you’d love the dress.” She squeezes me so tight that I can hardly breathe.

So much for not getting her hopes up...

——

“Hope.” I pause fromcounting cookies behind the bakery counter and look up to see Alec standing in front of me.

“Hey,” I croak, surprised to see him here. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve heard so much about this place and based on what you’ve brought me, I’d say the hype is well deserved.” He gestures around the small bakery. “Thought it was about time I stopped by to see the place for myself.”

“Is that so?” I can’t help but smile. God, why does he have to be so darn cute?

“It is.” He nods. “Plus, I’m in the mood for something sweet. So tell me, what do you recommend?”

I look down at the glass casing, scanning the shelves.

“Well, the apple pie cupcakes are really good.”

“Not a huge fan of apples.” He crinkles his nose.

“Who doesn’t like apples?” I joke.

“When I was younger, my grandpa used to take me to this apple orchard. I’d pick the apples right off the tree and eat them. It was one of my favorite things to do. But then one time I bit into an apple to find a worm inside.”

“Gross.”

“Yeah. Gross.” He chuckles. “Anyway, it kind of scarred me. I haven’t been able to eat apples since.”

“Okay then, no apples.” I look back down. “Let’s see.” I tap my chin. “How do you feel about lemons?”

---