Pack of Dorks

by Beth Vrabel

  “And I was a jerk, too,” she blurted. “I was wrong. I should’ve been a better friend. Now I don’t have anyone.” The tears in her eyes looked real. “Can you give me another shot?”

  “Wow, Becky,” I said. “You really would do anything to be popular. Even join a pack of dorks.”

  Becky’s mouth twitched like she was fighting to keep a scream inside.

  “What do you guys think?” I asked Sam and April, who were not at all subtle about listening in from their spots in line ahead of me.

  “Room for anyone, right?” April asked.

  Sam laughed. “That’s right. But maybe we’ll just pretend you’re not in the pack. You know, Becky, so we can find out what everyone else thinks of you first.”

  “Gawd! Forget it!” Becky stamped her foot and stormed to the back of the line.

  “Beck!” I called. “Why don’t you call me later? We can talk, all right? And go from there. I’ll let my dad know it’s cool for you to call me again.” She paused and nodded without turning around.

  Sam bumped me with his shoulder. “You’re nicer than you ought to be.”

  I bumped him back. “I’ve got to be nice. My pack depends on me.”

  Acknowledgments

  For loving me more than I deserve, thank you to my husband. Jon always introduced me as a writer, years before I felt like one, and he never stopped supporting my dream. His confidence and encouragement made this possible.

  Thank you also to Emma and Benny, for inspiring me every day. Being your mother is the best, most important part of my life.

  I am honored to be represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency. Nicole, thank you for believing in me and sticking with me. In addition to being incredible at what you do, you’ve created an amazing support system of clients and friends. I’m thrilled to be a member.

  To my amazing editor Julie Matysik, thank you doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of my gratitude. I’m blessed to work with you.

  Thank you to my mom, who read my first ever story and told nine-year-old me, “This should be published.” Dad, you helped me see wonderful stories—and a lot of humor—in everyday life. Thank you for that. Amy and Michele, thank you for cheering me on.

  Much love also goes to Buffy Andrews for never letting me give up on my dream and sharing the tools I needed to achieve it. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor and friend.