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Alex hitched up the corner of hisa dimple "Anyone can dance, Scout You just need so to theerprints on the bone

"Yeah, dancing is easy," Joi said "We can show you how itʼs done Right, Alex?"

"Of course" He pulled out Joiʼs chair for her, like the gentleh he didnʼt have a care in the world However, to someone that had obsessively studied every aspect of his physical foro coed to embrace hiot around toyet Charlieʼs hand felt like a shackle onme alone at the table with Charlie Asco us I barely listened as he made cracks about Ashleyʼs skank-alicious attire and Jordanʼs atte the knot in my stomach

Charlie made several atte hi dance skills to the entire school

Instead, I watched Alex as he bounced around with Joi and Talley I thought he et refreshroup of Seniors that showed even less interest in dancing than I did After a couple of songs, he walked out the double doors

"Where are you going?" Charlie asked before I even realized I was on my feet

"Bathrooh the sea of bodies between h the lot I ran down the hall and caught up with hi?"

He ju Joi and John have reconciled, so there is no reason foraround"

"You donʼt have to leave"

"Yes, I do"

"Why?" I reached for him, but he stepped away

"For the saravel around with the toe of his shiny dress shoes

"Is it Charlie? Listen, I didnʼt knoas going to do this He just showed up in a tux with these stupid flowers and--"

"Scout, itʼs not your fault Itʼsto establish his dominance If I stay, Iʼll attack hiivearound Jase at school" Alex looked up, his steely gaze catching htly to rest on the necklace that lay against o home, too I donʼt want to be here if youʼre not"

"No, you should stay Have fun Explore your options"

"My options?"