Dancing with Molly Read Online Free Page B

by my own surprise, I guess.
    She told me that she felt bad when she bought tickets today because she had just assumed that she and I would either hang out the night of prom or go together, but then she and Kelly started their flirtation. (Yes, she calls it a “flirtation.” Classic Jess.) Then she started insisting that I get a ticket too and come with them.
    I was like, Absolutely not. For one thing I’m not entirely sold on prom as a concept, but there’s no way in hell I’m going as my friend’s third wheel along with her date—who also happens to be a gorgeous, tiny, Asian fashion victim who will undoubtedly wear something far hipper than anything I could ever put together.
    Thanks, but no thanks.
    The marching band meeting was pretty fun, actually. Lots of info about upcoming fund-raisers and packets of information on the dates of the trip next year along with sheets to have our parents sign and volunteer forms for the moms and dads who will help with organizing pledge-drive events. Pete was there with his dopey grin, sitting with the other percussionists.He waved at me when he saw me come in, and I thought about that hand sliding up and down my back while I tried to catch my breath sitting in the grass on Friday night.
    Dinner was a recap from Ashley about every single freaking word Reid said to her in the past two days. I wish Mom wouldn’t giggle like she’s Ashley’s best friend from sixth grade when she tells these stories. It just eggs Ashley on. I don’t get why Ashley wants to be best friends with Mom anyway. I mean, shouldn’t there be some sort of separation? If I had a boyfriend, or a hot date to prom, I’d keep all that shit to myself.

Wednesday, April 30
    One of the most embarrassing things that has ever happened to me in my life happened at school today, but somehow Jess made it better. I’ve always admired her not taking shit from anybody, but that went to an entirely new level today.
    It was a perfect-storm situation in the hallway right before lunch. Ashley came by my locker to get the car keys because she needed to get the display board for her science fair project out of the trunk. Reid was with her and apparently he always travels with his wingman Carson, so the three of them stopped at my locker as Jess was trying to convince me to come to prom with her and Kelly again.
    I was in the middle of refusing to crash her date. I had just finished saying, I don’t want to go if I don’t have a date and you do, when I saw Ashley pop into view, and heard Reid say, Dang. She’s got a date and you don’t? That’s harsh.
    I whirled around and saw Reid standing there with Carson. Carson frowned and said, Jesus Reid, rolling his eyes.
    My cheeks were on fire, and I wanted to throttle Ashley for bringing these guys around, and strangle Jess for continuing to talk about prom. No wonder that Carrie chick burned the building down in the Stephen King novel. I finally understand that story on a personal level.
    Reid wouldn’t shut up though. He was like, What? I’m just saying if the tanker truck here has a date you’d think a compact model like her could get one.
    Carson punched his friend in the shoulder and looked like he wanted to hit him a lot harder—possibly in the face. He growled, Shut the hell up, would you? Just lay off.
    Of course, then Jess got into the mix. She elbowed me back behind her protectively and started yelling at Carson, of all people. SHE ISN’T A HELPLESS PRINCESS. SHE DOESN’T NEED TO BE RESCUED BY YOU.
    At that point Reid snickered and Jess turned on him and yelled at him about being a sexist douchebag and how she wasgoing to put her foot so far up his ass that he’d never be able to throw a touchdown pass again.
    I handed Ashley the keys and she tried to smile at me and I just said, Nice. Good choice here. And she and Reid walked off toward the parking lot. Jess slammed her locker and