Page 88 of Wallflower
She nodded. "The thing I'm trying to say is…just make sure you're being honest. With Dare and most of all with yourself. Telling the truth can be hard, but it can also set you free."
I swallowed. "Okay, Mom. I'll try."
She gave me a big hug, and I held on extra tight.
"May the Force be with you, baby," she said.
"And may the odds be ever in your favor," I replied.
#
Monday was a school holiday. So, I knew already that I'd be spending most of my time at the shelter. What I didn't know was that Dare would be there, too.
"Hey," he said when I walked in. He'd been cleaning out a few of the cages, but when I entered, he stood. "How's it going, flower?"
"Good," I said, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice. "I didn't think I'd see you. Had actually started to think you might be avoiding me."
Dare laughed, but it sounded off. "Why would you think that?"
"Because we haven't spoken or texted since Saturday and the kiss."
"Ooh, good band name," he said. "Saturday and the Kiss. I like it."
"Dare," I said.
But he had a point. That would be a killer band name.
"I came because I like it here. And I thought you might come in," he added.
"Oh yeah?" I forced a scoff, though inside I was doing cartwheels of happiness. "I'm shocked. Didn't you get enough of me this weekend?"
"I could take that so many ways, flower," he said, his grin growing as I blushed. "But I won't because it's too easy." Dare gestured to my cello. "You're playing today?"
I looked at the instrument over my shoulder then back to him.
"Yeah, looks like it," I said.
"Great," he said. "I'll go ask Paris if she has any popcorn."
Her voice came from the front.
"I do," she called back. "I'll make some for all of us, D."
"Thanks, P, much appreciated," he said back.
I raised a brow. "P? You've given each other nicknames."
"It's always nice to be on good terms with the boss. Now, give me this." Dare took my cello from my shoulder. "And tell me what happened with Coach and your mom."
"In a second." I held up a finger, looking over to Hermione. "I need to go see my girl first."
She let out a happy bark as I reached in to pet her, even rolled over to get belly rubs.
"Hey Hermione," I cooed. "Did you miss me? I missed you so much."
She thumped her tail in response.
"Let me pet Professor Snape and the others, and I'll come back to you in a minute."
