Mason just continues telling his story. “But anyway, I sat next to her on Monday, and the mean kids left her alone during lunch, so now I sit next to her every day.” He grins. “And she says I’m her hero for that. And because I give her those little oranges you send in my lunch.”
“The clementines?” Poppy flashes a proud smile.
Mason tosses his head back and laughs. “Is that what they’re called? No wonder she likes them.”
We all look at each other, confused.
Kent is the one who asks what we all want to know. “What’s so funny about clementines?”
“That’s her name. But people call her Minnie.” Mason looks from Poppy to Kent. “Will you buy more?”
“Just like your pickles.” Bluebonnet taps my thigh, which will now and forever send jolts of excitement through my entire body. “Do you not like clementines?”
“I love them. Lots. But I also like seeing her smile, so...” Mason crinkles his nose. “I give them to my friend.” He pulls his plate closer and starts eating again.
I know the feeling, kid.
Bluebonnet taps me again. “She’ll always remember that you do that.”
All the times I’ve deprived myself of pickles was worth it. But she doesn’t even know I like them because whenever she’s around, I give mine to her. Maybe one day I’ll fess up to the truth.
His mouth full of food, Mason smiles. “Hope so.”
Archer nudges a book across the table. “Saw you playing Minecraft the other day and thought you might like this.”
“A Minecraft book! Wow. This is so cool. Thanks, Archer.”
“I’ll read it with you whenever you want.”
Poppy glances at Kent, then turns to Archer. “That’s really sweet.”
He shrugs. “I sometimes wish people had given me interesting stuff to read when I was young. I might not have hated reading for so long. But seriously, any time y’all are going out or something, I’m happy to hang out with Mason.” He throws a sideways glance my way. “I figure you’re kind of busy these days.”
Poppy grins. “Are you busy Saturday night? Kent and I were thinking about going dancing.” She looks across the table at Bluebonnet. “Y’all should come too.”
Under the table, Bluebonnet grabs my hand. “Sounds fun, but I don’t know how to dance.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’ll teach you. We’ll have a good time.”
She nods. “Just let us know what time.”
I owe Kent big-time. Dancing is even better than going out for dinner or a movie. We have time together, and I get to have my arms around her.
Saturday can’t get here soon enough.
Chapter 19
Bluebonnet
Ihaven’t seen Paisley since her move, but she feels closer. And we talk more often. “You have to help me. What do I wear dancing?”
“Jeans and boots. Or a dress if you prefer. But you don’t wear dresses that often.”
“Maybe I should ask Poppy what she’s wearing. Then I can just do the same.”
“It’s not a big deal. Find something you’re comfortable in and wear that.”
“Do you think Parker would like it better if I wore a dress?”
