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“I just—I may have said yes too quickly, Jason I’m sorry I don’t think…I don’t think it’d work”

“So, this isn’t a rain check, is it” His words implied a question, but his tone was a stateuess” He laughed, a forced bark “Shit, no It’s not This is kinda shady, Nell I was all excited”

“I’ about things…I mean, I’m flattered, and I was excited that you asked me, but—”

“This is about Kyle, isn’t it? You’re with him, on his phone, so of course this about hiht now, but—”

“It’s fine I get it I think we all knew this was co, so I shouldn’t be surprised I just wish you’d told me sooner”

“I’m sorry, Jason I don’t knohat else to say”

“Nothing to say It’s all good I’ll just…whatever See you in che up, and a flash of inspiration jolted through me “Jason, wait”

“What” His voice was dead, flat

“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but…Becca has had a crush on you since seventh grade I guarantee she’ll go out with you”

“Becca?” I could hear hi the idea “Wouldn’t that be weird? I mean, ould I say? She’d think she was uess that’s true, but not like that, you know?”

I thought about it “Just tell her the truth I backed out on you, last ht like to go with you instead of me”

“Think it’ll work? Really?” His voice took on a new life, excited once more “She is pretty hot”

“It’ll work Just call her” I rattled off her number, and he repeated it

“Thanks…I think But, Nell? Next tiive him a bit more notice, would you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Jason I didn’t break your heart We hadn’t even gone out yet But I a you up like this”