"Me, too," I said and was surprised to find that it was true. I let out a real laugh. "Thanks for inviting me on this non-date."
"No problem," Ty said. "Hey, Vi, can I give you one more piece of advice?"
I waited for him to go on.
"It's actually something you said to me." He met my eyes and shrugged. "If you love someone, tell them. Maybe it really is that simple."
"Wise words," I said, though my voice felt weak.
"From a wise girl," he said back. "One who was brave enough to go after what she wanted. Maybe we should both listen to her."
I left shortly after that.
Of course, I headed straight for the shelter. It was my sanctuary and happy place. I could relax here. But for some reason, even being around the animals and talking to Hermione wasn't doing any good.
She looked up at me with soulful eyes as my tears started to fall.
"I just don't know what to do, girl," I said. "Ty's a decent guy, and I know what he said about Dare is true. But…Dare's the one who told me to go out with his friend in the first place. What do you think that means?"
Hermione licked my cheek and burrowed her head against my shoulder.
"It's just all so confusing."
I held her for a minute then leaned back.
"What should I do?"
Hermione didn't have the answers, but she did give me another lick to the nose which made me feel better. Despite what Tyson said, I knew it wasn't as simple as when I'd confessed to him. Ty had been a crush. But my feelings for Dare were so much more. I'd never felt this way, but I knew it in my bones. This was love.
And Dare had already told me he didn't believe in it.
And then encouraged me to go on a date with his best friend.
Ugh.
Courage wasn't the problem, I decided. I was perfectly ready and willing to risk my own fragile heart. I'd already given it away to Dare anyway. Not that he knew that.
If I told him how I felt, he might never speak to me again. But if I didn't…I'd never know what could've been.
Hope was the thing I was afraid to lose.
But maybe it would be worth it.
CHAPTER 18
"So, how was your date with Ty?"
Those were the first words Dare said to me on our ride to school that morning.
"Didn't you hear it from him?" I asked.
Dare shifted in his seat. "The guy wouldn't tell me anything. Flat out refused. Jerk," he added under his breath.
"Hey, I thought he was your best friend," I said.
"He is. Now, will you just tell me what happened?"
I gave a shrug. "There's not much to tell. We went out to a Mexican place, had some chips and salsa."
"That's sounds delicious," Dare said, but it sounded more like an insult. "What did you guys talk about?"
"You, mostly," I said and glanced over to see him grin.
"Must've been a good conversation then."
My pulse pounded, and I turned my head back to the road.
"You have no idea," I said.
"Did you have fun?" he asked.
"Not exactly, but it was okay."
"Was he rude to you or something?" There was a warning in his voice that I couldn't miss, and my heart warmed. "If he was, you just tell me Viola, and I'll—"
"No, no," I said, "Ty was nice. Just like you said he'd be."
Dare ran a hand over his jaw. "So, you and Ty hit it off then. That's good."
"Is it?" I asked and waited with bated breath for his answer.
"Yeah, I'm relieved."
"You are?"
"Well, yeah." He laughed, and my stomach coiled into knots. "You like him—and why wouldn't you? Ty's a stand-up guy who'll treat you right." I couldn't get a word in before he kept going. "I know you're a romantic, flower. I'm glad you got the fairytale like you wanted."
I exhaled in a whoosh. "You're saying you want me to be with Tyson?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
His words had me fighting back a sob.
"He's better for you than I ever could be. That's for sure," he said.
"I don't know about that," I mumbled.
"I just want you to be with someone who can make you happy."
That's you, you idiot. Why can't you see that?
I wanted to shout the words at him but bit my tongue.
"Oh, and I meant to tell you, I'm getting my car back."
"You are?" I said. "When?"
"Should be by the end of the week." He threw me a smile, completely oblivious to the state of my emotions. "Yep, so you and Buttercup won't have to drive me anymore. I'll miss you both, though. And my morning treats."
I was on auto-pilot as I parked the car and turned to face him.
"Dare," I said. "I need to tell you something."
"Alright flower, I'm listening," he said.
"It's kind of hard to say. But, about the whole fake relationship, I—"
Dare held up a hand. "I think I know where this is going."
"I don't think you do," I said.
"You're trying to let me down easy, but I get it," he said. "I'm not stupid, flower. I know when someone's about to break up with me."
I shook my head. "No, that wasn't—"
"Tyson's a lucky guy. I understand that him being your real boyfriend means our fake relationship is over. And you don't need me anymore."
He was wrong. So very wrong about that. I did need him. I'd probably always want him.
Dare smiled, but I couldn't find it in myself to give him one in return.
"This was fun while it lasted, though, right?" he said.
"Um hm."
"Can you carry your
