Rumor Has It (Rumor Has It #1)(46)

She stares at me, her hot cheeks still uncooled. “Carter, you don’t know what I see you as?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Really?”

Maybe she does like me. She bites her lip and looks like she’s going to add something. Then the bell rings. A coy smile covers her lips, while I throw a tirade of expletives in my head at the bell.

"Saved by the bell, huh?" I curl a lip.

She lingers by the art room door a little longer, and I think the moment is still with us. Then her eyes widen as she looks around. "Shoot, you're late."

“It’s okay.”

"Go!" She pushes me away playfully. I can't resist grabbing her arms, holding on to her just a second longer than I need to before I head off to class.

I’m not sure when or even if she’s going to text me, but with the art show only a day away, I’m hoping she does.

The two games we needed to win have turned into one. We lost to Beckman, and that should've knocked us out of contention to make the playoffs. But both University High and Corona del Mar High both lost in upset games. They should've wiped the floor with their opponents, but somehow didn't. That means our next divisional game is it. All or nothing.

We’ll be playing the same day that Emma has her art show. As important as the game is, my plan with Emma is the most important thing because it’s not a game. I’m doing my best to try and win her over and hoping everything plays out right. But a lot hinges on if she ends up asking him to come to the art show. And what her reaction will be to my answer.





Chapter 32





Emma





I stare at my phone for at least thirty minutes, trying to figure out what I want to do. If someone said at the beginning of senior year that I'd be debating on whether to invite a mystery guy to an art show or if I should pursue something with Carter Dixon—a something that seems to have appeared out of nowhere—I'd have called them crazy. I'd have laughed in their face, hysterically, and said they were deranged. But here I am, deliberating that exact scenario.

Did Carter really say he thought I was awesome? That I'm amazing? I don't know what exactly he's basing that off of. I've known him throughout high school, but we barely talked. How does he act like he knows me so well? And why do I honestly believe him? When he said I don't see him that way, I was glad he couldn't read my mind because I was staring at that dimple again, thinking how cute it looked. How cute he looked. Is that why I’ve stared at his lips more lately?

After school, I'm still trying to decide what to do. It's not like I can text Carter and invite him to the art show, because I don't have his number, plus he has a game. I think it's an important one too if I remember from the school announcements. So that leaves Baller. Jeez, I still think that's a stupid name. And we haven't talked much. If I do ask him to meet again, what will he say? There's only one way to find out.

Emerald22: Hey

Emerald22: U still around? :)





I’m surprised by how fast he responds.

BigBaller27: Yep. Sorry, I’ve just been busy

Emerald22: Lots of school work?

BigBaller27: Something like that





I stare at my phone. What does that mean? If it's school work, wouldn't he just say that? Maybe he has a job? But why wouldn't he tell me that? Plus, he never mentioned having a job before. A sudden disapproval hits me.

BigBaller27: What’s up?

Emerald22: So…





I grip my phone tightly, letting out a long breath.

Emerald22: U know how I’m in art?

BigBaller27: Yeah

Emerald22: Well, tomorrow night we have an art show. I have three paintings that are going to be shown

BigBaller27: That’s awesome! :D

Emerald22: Yeah. Well…

Emerald22: If u still want to meet, I was wondering if you wanted to go?





Gritting my teeth, I stare at the screen. This is it; if he says yes and doesn't show up, then I'm over it. Why waste my time on someone who stands me up twice? But what if he says yes and does show up? Suddenly, I'm not sure what I want. Thinking about him saying yes and finally meeting him, I abruptly think of Carter. I like talking to him. And it seems like he likes me. No, he does like me. He told me so. I let out an unsure groan, not knowing what has happened to my life these last few weeks.

BigBaller27: Oh man, I'd love to! I really would, but I can't. I'm so sorry. I've been dying to meet u and was waiting for you to bring it up because I wasn't sure how badly I screwed up





I let out a sigh of relief. He can’t make it. But wait, don’t I want him to make it? Don’t I want to meet him?

Emerald22: Ok, no biggie. Just thought I’d ask

BigBaller27: I'm serious. I want to meet u! If I could make it to the art show, I would :(





He does seem to be honest, and I'm not just reading into the frowny face emoji. My nerves a little more settled, I decide to put all the pressure on him.

Emerald22: Okay then. When u think of a time we should meet, u let me know





There. Now I'm not going to worry about it. If he wants to meet, then he'll have to bring it up. He'll have to pick a day and place. A strange calm takes over me. I'm not worried about meeting him, or if I ever do. He stood me up once, and now he's turned me down, even if he did say he wanted to go but can't.