Will's Story Read Online Free Page A

“Yeah, I know, shopping. Way more important.”
    And it’s like the universe is testing me or something because no sooner than I feel sort of snuggly inside, Amber Vaughn walks out of the cafeteria with the other new kid at our school this year, Kush’s cousin, Sean, and bam, my mind goes straight back to that afternoon. A slow-mo fantasy plays in my head where I’m on my feet and going to her and planting a not-for-school kiss on those full lips, and I have to shake my head to make it stop. Because, obviously, she hates me. And, not so obviously, but maybe she’s into that new kid. They’re pretty intense in conversation about something. And she’s smiling. And he’s doing that dude hands in his pockets, hair over his eyes, shy and studly thing.
    â€œAre you okay?” Amber Rose looks up. “You stoppedbreathing for a second.”
    I return my focus to the girl next to me. “Yeah, fine, just remembered I forgot my calc homework in the car.”
    That afternoon, I help Devon get ready. He’s a mess because he’s jonesing hard for Kush. And it doesn’t matter how many times I’m telling him that dude is straight, Devon does not want to believe it.
    â€œWhat do you think? Pepperoni or meat lovers? But he’s half Indian, maybe he’s a vegetarian.”
    â€œDoesn’t he eat lunch with y’all every day?”
    â€œRight. Not a vegetarian. Chips in a bowl or in a bag?”
    â€œYou are so gay.” I roll my eyes and grab the chip bag from his hand and plop it on the bar that separates the kitchen from the family room. “Bag is fine.”
    â€œSavage.” Devon gasps but doesn’t grab the bag back. “When’s Amber-o-zia getting here?”
    Devon is hilarious with his nicknames and with all the Ambers in our school it’s necessary. Amber-o-zia, like the frothy Jell-O salad, is what he calls Amber Rose. The nickname kind of fits her.
    â€œShe’s not. She’s shopping with her mom. Some big sale or something.”
    Devon freezes. “Please tell me you’re not staying home.”
    I sidle over to him and sling my arm around his neck.“Staying home. Plopping on the couch right between you and lover boy. Need to make sure there’s no funny stuff going on in here.”
    â€œIf you’re not lying I hate you right now.” A web of red splotches works its way up his neck. It’s completely easy to rile him up.
    I drop my arm and nudge him. “Kidding. Don’t worry, I’ll get out of your hair. Wouldn’t want to interrupt your boy time.”
    His phone chimes. When Devon finishes reading the text, he lets out an exasperated sigh.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?”
    â€œI haven’t told Plain and Small I’m not going to the football game and dance. She’s expecting to ride with us, but I was counting on Sean giving her a ride. Now he can’t come over.” Devon paces the kitchen then stops. “Crap, she’s going to hate me.”
    â€œShe’s not going to hate you, kid. She’s your bestie.” My brain ticks and clicks with possibility. If I can get her in my car, maybe I can convince her to go over the mountain to sing at Sizz’s. I doubt she’ll want to miss the dance, but if she’d be willing to miss the game, we could do it. There’ll be time. “And, hey, no worries.” I snag a handful of chips out of the bag. “I’ll give her a ride.”
    â€œReally? You’re the best.” Devon goes back to singinghis way around the kitchen and now I’m the one pacing. I’ve got to find the right way to play this. She can’t think I’m trying to hit on her. Or that I’m trying to be a douche to Amber Rose again.
    I’ll have to make it all about the music.

CHAPTER SIX
    What I thought I knew
    Where I thought I’d be
    It’s all a wash
    When you look at me
    When the doorbell rings,