Page 70 (1/2)

A muscle flickered in his jaw

She’d stood him up It was a first unless you counted the ti hiirl visiting froo over and ask her to dance, and after that he’d taken his life in his hands and asked her if she wanted to go to the ht Yes, she’d said, that would be fun, except she’d never shown up in front of the Prairie Theater and he’d waited and paced and waited soone from puzzled to embarrassed to out and out humiliated…

He wasn’t fifteen anymore; he wasn’t embarrassed or humiliated or puzzled He was just pissed because he’d only asked her out because of his obligation to Jonas Hell, even if she showed up now, full of apologies, he’d tell her—

“Hi”

She was co so T-shirt and white jeans; her hair was loose and swinging against her shoulders, and he felt like he’d been sucker-punched His anger drained away and he sift he’d purchased at the shop in the lobby He’d planned on flowers until he saw the little teddy bear holding a silk rose in its paw

Perfect, he’d thought, and froht

“Hi,” he said “You look beautiful”

She took the bear and stared at it For one crazyto cry

“Oh,” she said softly, “he’s wonderful Thank you I never dreained…” She blushed, and it occurred to hi wo I love my bear”

“He needs a name”

“Of course he does,” she said, and laughed “And I’ll give hiet to know him” She hesitated “Gray I know I’m terribly late I tried to call you…”

“That’s okay I’ain?”

“No I—I just—”

“You don’t have to explain” Gray took her hand and wove his fingers through hers Her skin was cool and at first he thought she was going to pull away Then, very slowly, he felt her relax “You’re here now That’s what matters”

“Actually, I just came to tell you that—that—”