The Songs in Our Hearts: A Young Adult Romance(26)

“What game?” Micah chimed in, and stuffed his mouth with chips. Samantha looked as pleased as a kitten with a fresh dish of warm milk—or a cat that had just trapped the largest mouse.

“Well, I thought we could play Never Have I Ever or Bloody Mary. You all choose.”

“Aren’t we a little old for ghost story games?” Jennifer quipped, looking annoyed. Samantha shrugged, delicately biting into her pizza.

“I’m just naming suggestions. I thought it could be fun.”

“I’d rather play Never Have I Ever.” Micah’s lips quirked. “Or we could play Would You Rather. That’s pretty fun, too.”

“That, let’s do that,” Samantha said, snapping her fingers. “That’s perfect.” She put her plate down beside her and brushed her hair over her shoulder.

I glared at Micah for the suggestion, still chewing my slice of pizza. Maybe if my mouth is full, they’ll skip over me.

“So, who wants to start?” Samantha asked.

I looked down at my plate. This was good pizza. Maybe I should just grab the box.

“Fine, I will.” She sounded a little irritated. “Jenny, would you rather fly in an airplane or cruise on a ship?”

Jennifer looked at Samantha as if she had to be joking.

“Uh…? I guess a plane?” Jennifer answered as she cleared her throat and gestured towards Daan.

“Daan, would you rather go to college for art and be poor, or be rich for the rest of your life but lose your ability to paint?” Jennifer asked, taking a sip from her cup.

Daan took a bite of pizza, shaking his head. “I should have known. Probably go to art school and be poor. I wouldn’t want to give up something I’m passionate about.”

Jennifer nodded as if pleased with the answer while Daan scanned the room. He chose another girl from our English class, who in turn continued the cycle, until it fell back on Samantha again. She caught my gaze as I stood to get a second helping of pizza.

“So, Charlie,” Samantha purred. “No one has picked you yet.”

“I’m just eating,” I said hastily, putting the slice onto my plate. “Does anyone else want more?” Everyone shook their heads no.

“Charlie, would you rather keep Micah as your project partner, or be partnered with the infamous Dane Wesley, instead?” Her grin was horrible. “You remember Dane, don’t you?”

I glared at her as I came back to sit down. Was she proud of herself for setting me up to believe Dane had wanted to go out on a date with me?

“I guess it would depend on which one you’re not interested in at the moment,” I snapped.

A hiss emerged from our peers. I didn’t even know where my comment came from, but I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. I could feel heat spread over my face as I bit the inside of my cheek.

“Don’t be silly,” she teased playfully. “Fine, fine. Let me try again.”

“I don’t think it works like that,” I retorted, but Samantha ignored me.

“Would you rather have another chance to go out with Dane Wesley, or go out with Micah?” So, this was her plan. She wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone, including Micah.

“That’s not really fair to ask,” Micah interrupted. My eyes widened in surprise as I jerked my chin in his direction. By Samantha’s reaction, she hadn’t expected his interference either.

“Jesus, fine.” Samantha rolled her eyes and brushed her hair over her shoulder again. “Charlie, would you rather eat another slice of that pizza and get fat, or go on a date with Micah?”

I took another bite, ignoring the sensation of being full. How many slices had I had already? Three? Four?

“You just want me to say Micah,” I said between chews, “but I’d choose pizza.”

No regrets. I felt nothing as I swallowed my bite.

Micah chuckle beside me. “I’d act surprised, but I’m not. Clearly, I can’t compete with pizza.” He elbowed my arm.

Samantha turned her gaze to Micah and gave him a smug smirk. “Micah, would you rather—?”

“Isn’t Charlie supposed to ask me something?” Micah asked.

Samantha shrugged lazily. “She’s eating, obviously. What does it matter? Would you rather…kiss Charlie or me?”

“Uh...what?” Micah raised his eyebrows.

Samantha began to repeat herself. “Would you rather kiss—?”

“I mean, I heard what you said. Why are you asking me that kind of question? Isn’t that kid your boyfriend?” Micah gestured to Daan, who was watching the entire scene unfold.

“It’s just a question. It’s really simple.” She feigned innocence. “It’s not like it means anything. Unless…it does?”

“No, it doesn’t. I mean…” He glanced from her to me and back to her. I could tell he was just as uncomfortable as I was. This project session had been a horrible idea. I wanted to apologize to him. I should have warned him, but how could I have explained this?

“I’d kiss Charlie,” Micah said as he slid his palms against his jeans. “Back to you, Sam. Would you rather be a big fat bitch or a snotty ass bitch?”

I almost choked on slice number four.

“Excuse me?” she squealed.