"Why?" I asked.
"To make the lie more believable," Dare said.
I thought about it for a second then shook my head. "Yeah but, how is that realistic? My dad knows I'm not into sports. In fact, that's putting it lightly. I'd rather read, watch K-drama, heck wash my hair."
"Exactly." He finished off the treat I'd brought for him today (a granola bar and orange juice) then turned so he was facing me. "Coach knows you hate soccer—"
"I don't hate it," I cut in.
'"—and he knows you wouldn't willingly go to a DHS varsity game. Not unless you had a very good reason."
My brows lifted. "And what?" I said. "You're that reason?"
"Yeah," Dare said.
After a moment, I added, "But I've never gone to the games."
"That was before you were my girlfriend."
The words sent a ripple of warmth straight through me, and I cursed my heart for a fool.
"I'll consider it," I said.
Dare nodded. "Our first game is tomorrow," he said. "So, think fast."
I fidgeted, feeling his eyes on me.
Last night, I had brainstormed ways to up my game (no pun intended). I knew I had to do more after what happened yesterday to get through to my dad. But…was soccer really the answer? I wasn't so sure.
"Would it be so awful?" he asked. "Coming to my games, cheering our team on in the stands?"
Seeing him play and becoming even more infatuated, I added mentally.
But maybe it would be okay.
I didn't fall in love that easily after all. What I felt was probably just a mix of curiosity and fascination. Spending more time with Dare, might even be the perfect cure for that. And he did make a good point about it being something that would shock my father.
"I guess it wouldn't be so bad," I said. "But I'm still undecided."
Dare grinned. "I'm sure you'll make the right decision."
That was funny because I wasn't so sure there was a right or wrong with regard to attending the games.
Just a choice.
He didn't bring it up again. Not as we walked to the band room (Dare carried my cello like yesterday, though I told him it was unnecessary). Not during any of our classes together. He didn't search me out between classes or meet me at my locker, so I thought I was home free.
After school, I drove to the shelter, my mind still mulling it over.
One minute, I'd be sure I wasn't going.
I didn't think it would matter too much anyway. Dare had only asked because he thought it would help with convincing my dad about our fake relationship. But there were other ways, a ton of them, to accomplish that task.
However, I thought, remembering what he'd said in the car, Dare did have a valid point about it being a sure thing. There was no way Dad wouldn't notice my presence. Maybe not at first, but he'd see me and know something had changed. Plus, for whatever reason, Dare seemed to want me there.
Flutters began in my tummy again, but I forced them to stop.
A clear head, a bit of music, and some time with the animals, I decided. That was what I needed. When I arrived at the shelter, I let out a sigh of relief. It had been Paris's idea. Once she discovered, I played the cello she had asked me to come in and play for the animals. She'd found an article that said many of our four-legged friends appreciated music as much as humans did, maybe even more with their keen hearing. Every now and then (okay, about once a week) I played for the dogs and cats, and they seemed to love it.
I always tried to bring a variety, but for the most part, I stuck with soothing pieces. Sometimes I'd go for a more upbeat or serious song, but I always made sure I gave it my best.
Hermione and the others deserved no less than that.
When I sat down in a chair, setting up in the middle of the floor and pulled out my cello, several of the dogs started barking, the cats calling out with meows. I took it as applause and smiled to my audience.
"Thank you, thank you," I said with a slight bow. "It's my great pleasure to play for you all. Are there any requests?"
I heard Hermione's bark over the rest.
"I'll play something beautiful for you girl. No worries," I said.
Professor Snape growled at that, and I nodded.
"A piece with feeling, Professor? You got it."
And then I was off.
Sometimes music carried me away, and it did almost every time I played for the shelter. Maybe it was because I so desperately wanted to take them all away from here. Even if it was only for a few minutes. My strings released notes that were deep, resonant. It was the beauty of the cello, and why I had picked it instead of one of the higher-pitched instruments. The sounds were like wading into deep chocolate or a blanket on a cold night. All I wanted to do was warm the souls in this shelter, and I used the music to help me do it.
When I reached the end of my third piece, I let the bow rest at my side.
There was complete silence—but a good silence.
I smiled at Hermione as I met her eye and saw her tail wagging. I looked around and saw several others' tails thumping the ground—though noticeably not Professor Snape's.
"Please no applause," I said to the others. Then I gave Snape a look. "And don't worry, Professor Snape. I know that little scowl is just how you say you loved something."
To that, he huffed and turned his back.
