Wallflower

by Cookie O'Gorman

  Keeping my voice low, I said, "The warning bell's about to ring. I'll just bring it to lunch, okay?"

  Dare shook his head. "That'll be too late. I'm hungry now."

  "Dare," I hissed, "people are staring."

  "Relax, Vi. Ten to one, they're looking at me, not you," he said back, which made a few girls nearby giggle. They looked like freshmen, but I couldn't be sure. As he threw them a smile, it set them off again. Their eyes were all over Dare in his dark blue t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. And I got it. He was gorgeous standing there, jaw all tight, a shine in those sky blue eyes. If I hadn't known how frustrating he could be, I might've melted right along with them. "Now, are you going to feed me or not? I'm not leaving until I get my treat."

  Taking a deep breath for patience, I re-entered my locker combination, grabbed a granola bar and apple from my bag and quickly pressed them into his chest. I jerked my hands away, not liking the zing that went through me as I touched him.

  "There," I said. "Happy now?"

  Dare looked down at the food then smiled up at me. "Very," he said. "Thanks, flower. I was thinking I might starve. You're a lifesaver."

  "Yeah, right." I shook my head. "You are so annoying."

  Dare scoffed. "I'm a freaking delight, and you know it. Later."

  And then he was gone, giving fist bumps to guys, and saying hi to almost everyone, teachers and students alike. He was that popular—which was why a lot of people were still staring curiously at me, the girl he'd stopped in the hall to get his morning treat.

  Ugh.

  That's what I got for being nice.

  Penn and crew found me again—like they had every other day this week—and began their barking routine. The only difference was Dare. He walked up right in the middle of it, on his way to study hall no doubt. The guys were barking, and I was just holding it together. I'd already felt like crap because, thanks to my dead drier, my hair really did look like a wet dog, and the guys' insults had seemed extra cutting today. They were standing in a semi-circle, hounding my steps—no pun intended—when Dare suddenly appeared in front of me.

  "What's this?" he said, glaring at the three of them.

  "Nothing." Penn shrugged. "We were just messing around."

  "Yeah," Rex said while Jimmy remained silent. "It's all in good fun."

  "Dog Girl likes it when we bark at her." Penn shot me an ugly smile. "Don't you, Dog Girl?"

  Dare said nothing while I stood there fuming.

  "Come on, bro." Penn gestured to me. "She brings it on herself, dressing like that, acting like she's better than everyone. Just because her loser father played for the big leagues."

  "You are absolutely vile," I said. "Doesn't take much to be better than you."

  "See? Total bitch."

  I rolled my eyes. "At least I'm not an ass."

  "Yeah well, at least I don't smell like one."

  That. That right there stung a little. I'd always been more sensitive about hygiene since working at the shelter, and even though I knew he only said it to get under my skin, Penn's comment rankled.

  Dare hummed—and then he slowly leaned in, pulling me to him and putting his nose in my hair, right next to my neck. I gasped as he breathed in.

  "What are you doing?" I asked.

  "Checking something," he murmured so only I could hear. After another breath, he straightened, staring down Penn as I tried to get my heartbeat back under control.

  I couldn't forget the feel of the air hitting my neck as he spoke, the shivers it sent down my spine. One thing was certain: Dare Frost did indeed have moves.

  "Actually, she smells amazing," he said with a completely straight face. "Kind of like fresh rain with a hint of lavender."

  Penn scoffed.

  "Unlike you guys. Your stench is a potent mix of sweat and cowardice."

  "Dare, come on," Rex said. "It wasn't like that."

  "Wasn't it?" he said.

  "What do you care?" Penn asked. It was the million dollar question, and I waited to hear Dare's answer like the rest of them.

  Dare stared at me a beat, then looked back to him and shrugged. "I just do," he said. "Don't pull that crap again."

  Penn snickered. "Or what?"

  "Well, we could fight—and I'd win. It'd be a pleasure to wipe the floor with your sorry asses." Dare tapped his lips like he was thinking as Penn, Rex and Jimmy tensed. "But I'd rather not get suspended again. Had enough of that freshman year. Plus, Coach is always telling me to control my temper. I guess I could report you to her dad, who I'm sure would love to suspend you for harassing his daughter."

  Dare stared them down for another second before Penn forced a laugh.

  "Yeah, whatever," he said. "Let's go guys."

  "That's what I thought," Dare said.

  Penn flipped him off as he and his friends walked away.

  As soon as they were out of earshot, Dare turned to me. "Okay, that was fun. Do you know how hard it was for me not to bark at them as they left? How long has that BS been going on anyway?"

  I blinked, wondering what the heck had just happened.

  "Hey, I meant to ask. Did you want to hang out later?"

  Okay, that was the last straw.

  "Come with me," I said, taking hold of his shirt and dragging Dare along with me past the library doors. I didn't stop walking until we were well into the stacks, hidden amongst the shelves, the books protecting us from anyone else's prying eyes and ears.

  "Dang, flower," he said. "No need to be pushy. We're both in this class, remember?"

  I decided to get straight to the point.

  "You need to tell me what's going on," I said. "Right now."

  Dare pushed his hands into his pockets. "Well, we're currently in this place called the library," he said like I was a child. "It's mostly used for studying, reading and, of course, my personal favorite, making out."

  A flush rose to my cheeks at that, but I didn't let it distract me.

  "Nerds love libraries," he went on. "I'm surprised you didn't know that already."

  "Seriously, what the heck is up with you?"

  "Don't know what you mean."

  I held up a finger. "First, you've been acting really strange. Being all nice and considerate instead of cocky and conceited."

  Dare arched an eyebrow at that. "Trust me, flower. I'm still cocky as hell."

  "And you always have been," I said. "It's usually your default setting for goodness sake. But now it's like you had a personality transplant."

  "Go on," he said.

  "Second, you sit with me at lunch and in class. You even speak to me between classes."

  "And that's a problem?"

  "Well, you never did it before. Why now?"

  He just stared.

  "Then there's the whole getting the door for me thing."

  "Told you already. I've always done that."

  "Yeah, but it's so polite. And that's just not you," I said.

  His eyes narrowed. "Glad to know you think so highly of me."

  "No, I didn't mean it like that," I said backtracking. My suspicions were running high, though. I needed answers and wouldn't stop until I had them. "I'm just trying to understand. How did I even end up driving you to school in the first place? You have so many friends."

  "Not really," he said.

  "Come on, what about Tyson? He's your BFF. I know he would've taken you."

  Dare shrugged. "The trip was too far, and he has a lot going on with the move. I didn't want to inconvenience him."

  "Aha!" I said. "My dad told me all your friends refused, but I knew Tyson would never leave you hanging. He's too good of a person for that."

  "Hm," he said. "Sounds like you like him."

  "Why wouldn't I? He's great."

  Dare nodded. "Something going on with you and Ty?"

  The question caught me by surprise. "No, nothing," I said, hoping Dare didn't notice the heat rising to my cheeks.

  "It didn't look like nothing when you were waiting for him
that day after practice."

  "What…you—"

  How dare he bring up the day of my failed confession. I shook my head, getting back to the task at hand.

  "Listen, this isn't about me," I said. "This is about you, Dare, and your crazy-odd behavior. Like stepping in just now in front of Penn and those guys."

  "You expected me to sit back and do nothing?" he said.

  I tilted my head from side to side. "Kind of. I mean, I figured you might be friends with them. Being athletes and all."

  "Jesus," he breathed. "Who do you think I am, Vi? If I'd known they were doing that, I would've put a stop to it long ago. Don't lump me in with Penn and his merry band of douchebags."

  He had a point. "I never thought you were quite that bad," I said.

  Dare grunted.

  "And thanks, but I had it covered."

  "Yeah." He scoffed quietly. The sarcasm was thick in his voice. "It sure looked like it."

  I crossed my arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "It means you needed backup, flower. Whether you admit it or not."

  "I didn't need your help," I said through gritted teeth. "And bringing my dad into it? So unnecessary."

  "I think Coach would disagree," Dare said.

  Oh, he had some nerve. "As if you know him so well?"

  He stared me down. "I know he cares about you a lot. Coach and I have an understanding."

  "But apparently you don't understand me, Frost. I've never used my father as a shield and never would. I'm half-Slytherin, half-Gryffindor and all badass romance addict. I've got years of caring for neglected animals under my belt. I don't need anyone fighting my battles for me."

  Dare nodded, but his eyes were intent on my face. "Keep telling yourself that."

  Gah, this guy! I couldn't believe the audacity.

  "Actually, you know what? This stops now." I wanted to make sure he knew I was serious, so I took a step closer and lowered my voice. "No more sitting together, no more talking except when absolutely necessary. Definitely no hanging out—whatever that means. Besides the driving, we go back to how it was. I ignore you, and you ignore me. Simple."

  Dare shook his head slowly. "I don't think I can do that," he said.

  My Spidey senses were tingling.

  "Oh? Why not?" I asked, feeling like I was this close to the truth, but he stayed silent. Maybe if I pushed him a little farther. "Just stop pretending to be a white knight, Frost. The suit doesn't fit, and again, I don't want or need your help. I'm good."

  "You're good?" Dare repeated.

  "Totally," I said.

  "So good I found you sitting by yourself in a corner."

  I lifted my chin. "I like being alone. Prefer it actually."

  "Sure, you do," Dare said.

  "Not everyone needs a harem of girls and guys, kissing up to them, waiting at their beck and call."

  His jaw clenched.

  "Some people make do on their own."

  I waited a beat then delivered the final shove.

  "So you can stop acting like the nice guy we both know you aren't. I'm fine."

  Dare had obviously had enough.

  "If you're so fine," he said, "then why'd your dad seek me out and basically recruit me to be your friend?"

  Everything stopped. It was as if he'd sucked all the air out of the room with that one statement.

  I swallowed past the lump in my throat. "What did you just say?"

  Seeing my face, Dare winced. "Ah flower, it wasn't like that. He was just worried about you. Coach wanted to make sure you had someone, a friend to help make senior year one to remember. Naturally, I was his top choice."

  I blinked, having trouble taking it in.

  "It's really not a big deal," he said.

  A hysterical laugh wanted to bubble up, but I pushed it down. I was absolutely mortified. Of course, I was. But curiosity was battling inside me, too.

  "So, my dad hired you to be my friend?" I asked.

  "Hired isn't really the right word," he said. "It's not like he's paying me or anything. He just asked, and I said yes."

  "What exactly were you supposed to do?"

  Dare shrugged. "Talk to you, be there for you, the normal stuff."

  "None of this is normal," I shot back.

  "Yeah, I guess you're right," he said.

  My head was spinning with all of the implications. A thought occurred to me then, and I asked, "Is your car even really in the shop?"

  A nod. "It is. I wrecked it pretty good, side-swiped a tree this summer. My dad's refusing to pay the bill for repairs. Not like I care. The car was a bribe anyway," he mumbled.

  Okay, well, at least that part was legit.

  I wanted to ask about the "bribe" comment but couldn't bring myself to do it.

  "So," I said, "my dad hatched this crazy plan, and you just jumped to do his bidding."

  Dare wouldn't meet my eyes. "Coach asked for a favor. He and I are tight. I didn't see any reason not to do it."

  And that's when I knew it was all true. Closing my eyes, I remembered another "favor" my dad had asked of me not too long ago involving the guy standing just two feet away.

  "How could he do this to me?"

  The question was rhetorical, but Dare answered anyway.

  "I think he was trying to look out for you," he said. "Not all parents are like that. You're lucky."

  Stiffening my spine, I met his gaze. "I know. I still love him, but Dad's crazy if he thinks I won't get him back for this."

  Dare chuckled. "What are you going to do?"

  "Haven't decided yet," I muttered.

  "I bet you'll think of something good."

  "Oh, don't worry. I will." I nodded to him. "But congratulations, Dare. You're off the hook. Thanks for telling me the truth. Your services as rent-a-friend are no longer required. You can go now."

  "No."

  My eyes went to his. "What do you mean no?"

  "I promised Coach," he said, "and I'm no quitter."

  I blinked as Dare smiled.

  "Plus, I don't know if it's because you're kind of odd or because you don't kiss up to me"—he winked—"but I like you, Vi."

  "You do?"

  Dare nodded.

  I shifted on my feet, not knowing what to do with myself or the words he'd just said.

  "I think—no I know, we're going to be friends," he said.

  Ugh. Who did Dare think he was, making outrageous deals with my father, delivering these mind-blowing declarations? I had to put a stop to it.

  "I don't want to be your friend," I said with as much distaste as I could muster.

  "Too bad, flower."

  Dare stared into my eyes, his baby blues warm and unflinching as my heart tried to escape my chest.

  "I'm going to be the best friend you've ever had," he said. The words were like a vow. "I'm going to friend you so hard no other friends will ever compare."

  I had no idea what he meant by that.

  But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't dying to find out.

  CHAPTER 6

  Two days later, it was still sinking in. I'd taken the weekend to contemplate, try and make sense of it all. But as much as I tried, what I'd discovered did not compute.

  My dad, the father who I loved with all my heart, the one who still called me his "baby girl," had asked one of his players to befriend me.

  And not just any player.

  He'd asked Dare freaking Frost to be my buddy, my companion, my someone.

  As if the two of us would ever be more than total opposites.

  What alternate reality was I living in?

  At dinner the other night, I'd had a hard time even sitting in the same room as him, knowing what I now knew.

  Mom, who had always been able to read me, noticed something was off.

  "Hey, Viola, is something wrong?" she asked.

  "No." I shook my head. "It's all good."

  "Is it that boy, Dare?" Mom cut her eyes at my father. "I still can't believe you did that.
Roped her into driving him. What were you thinking?"

  Yes, Dad, I thought as he looked up. What were you thinking when you asked the school playboy for that crazy favor?

  Dad's face was the picture of innocence. "Viola's a good kid. Dare's a good kid, too. He's had some trouble in the past, but he's got so much potential. I saw an opportunity to help, and I took it."

  I snorted softly.

  More like he thought I was so inept I couldn't find friends on my own.

  Not that I'd shown any evidence to the contrary…but still.

  "Now that you mention it"—Dad sat up, unable to hide his excitement—"how are things between you and him? Everything okay?"

  "Yeah," I said begrudgingly.

  "And he's treating you alright?"

  "Yes, Dad. Dare's been a total gentleman, even opens my door every day—though I've told him not to a thousand times." Dad looked relieved, and I couldn’t resist adding, "And you know, he sits with me at lunch, him and a group of his friends."

  "Oh really." Dad smiled. "You don't say. That must be nice."

  "Yeah," I said, "it's weird, though. Dare and I never talked before this year."

  "Really?" Mom asked.

  I nodded, watching my dad. "We don't have much in common, but now it's like he's always around."

  "You're beautiful, funny, intelligent and genuine, Viola," Mom said. "Maybe he just enjoys your company."

  "Maybe," I said.

  "And do you enjoy being with him?"

  "Oh yeah. Dare and I are getting along great. It's almost too good to be true."

  My Dad's eye twitched at that, but he said nothing, holding his secret bargain tight to the chest. If I had any doubt that he needed to be taught a lesson, it was dispelled in that moment. Now, I just had to figure out my own plan—whatever that ended up being—and how best to put it in motion.

  "You know," Mom added, "I wouldn't be surprised if something more develops between the two of you."

  Dad grunted. "Sal, come on. They wouldn't be good together, not like that."