The Romeo Club Read online

  I took a sip of pop. Here goes nothing. And everything. “So, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

  “Sure.” His foot bumped mine under the table.

  My heart raced and I cleared my throat. “I know this is gonna seem kind of sudden and maybe even crazy. But the thing is, I really li … ”

  “Oh, my God, Trey. Hi.” Portia waved from the entrance.

  Son of a B. Of course, she had to interrupt now. Right when I finally got the courage up. My eyes narrowed as she hurried to our table.

  “Hey, I wondered if you’d have time to stop by.” Trey smiled.

  She slid into the booth next to him. Not even asking if it was okay. Geez. She leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips. “So, how did shopping go?”

  “Great. You’ll love the bowtie and vest we picked out.” He nodded at me.

  Portia glanced at me, her lips turned up in a permanent too happy smile. It was like she had unicorns and sunshine and butterflies coming out of her butt or something. “Thanks so much for helping him. I wanted to come along, but my mom scheduled manicures today.” She held up her pink, blossom colored nails.

  “No problem,” I said, forcing what I hoped was a non-life threatening grin.

  “So, how are you doing since the break up?”

  Um—okay, she might be dating my friend, but that didn’t mean I wanted to share my entire personal life with her. “I’m doing okay. Thanks.” I took another swig from my drink.

  “Rex’s been bummed since you broke up. He’s such a nice guy. And I told him you had valid reasons for wanting to end things. It wasn’t like you cheated or anything.”

  I sputtered, nearly choking on my drink. But it kind of was. I grabbed a napkin to wipe off my mouth and caught Trey’s eye. His brow furrowed, and I shifted my glance to my wrist and pretended to check the time. When I looked back up again, Portia had Trey in her embrace.

  “Shoot, I’m gonna have to head out. Just remembered I have to meet Kenadi to help her pick out shoes.”

  Trey pulled out of Portia’s hug. “But I drove you here. And we haven’t eaten yet.”

  My fingers snagged my purse handle as I stood. “It’s fine. But I really have to run if I’m gonna catch her in time.”

  Without a backward glance, I rushed from the restaurant. I whipped my cell out of my pocket and dialed Kenadi. After several rings, it went straight to voicemail. Crap. I forgot. Tonight was date night with Mikah, which meant she wouldn’t answer.

  Next, I tried Drake’s number. But his went to voicemail too. Damn it. I so didn’t want to call my parents. Then I’d have to answer Mom’s questions. I could always go back and tell Trey that I got the day wrong and I didn’t have to meet Kenadi until tomorrow. But there was no way I wanted to sit through anymore Portia PDA. My only other option? Public transportation. AKA, the stinky ass bus.

  I waited at the stop outside the mall. The gray sky matched my somber mood. Overhead, thunder rumbled, shaking the ground beneath me. Oh hell. I tugged the hood of my sweatshirt over my head, right as a fat raindrop hit the side of my face.

  The bus rolled up to the curb and I stood back to let the passengers get off. When the last of them emerged, I climbed the steps and dropped money into the slot. I found a spot about half-way back, away from everyone else. With a sigh, I plopped down on the fake leather seat. My hood hid my face, which I was happy for as tears streamed down my cheeks. I rested my head against the fogged up window and watched flashes of lightning emblazon the storm darkened sky.

  Trey really liked her, or so it seemed. Maybe it was time to let him go.

  But what about the kiss? The way he looked at me that night, like I was the only girl in the world. The only person who mattered. Whatever spark I’d felt, he’d felt it too.

  Thirty minutes later, I climbed off the bus, two blocks from home. Trees bent beneath the gusts of wind. Water squished in my tennis shoes as I stepped in another puddle. Rain pelted the side of my face and I wrapped my arms tighter to my body. I regretted not grabbing a coat or jacket today, not that it would’ve helped much. My teeth chattered as I watched the steamy puffs of my breath billow in front of me. At last, I rounded the corner and saw the most glorious thing ever. Home. I picked up the pace, trying to dodge the slimy worms wiggling on the sidewalk. When I got to my driveway, I spotted Jimbo sprawled out on his porch all wet. He glanced up at me, his eyes sad. Why was he acting so weird lately?

  “Come here, Jimbo,” I called.

  His tail wagged, thumping against the side of the house. He climbed to his feet and trotted over to me. I petted Jimbo’s head, scratching behind his ears.

  He licked my hand, staring up at me.

  “Don’t worry boy, I’ll sit with you for a little bit.” After the day I had, I needed to focus on something other than my own problems. So I sat on my porch, with Jimbo curled up on the swing with me. I wasn’t sure if we called a truce or not, but right now, for whatever reason, he needed me, just as much as I needed him. Tears swam in my eyes, and the dog laid his head on my lap as if he understood exactly what I was going through.

  We sat together until Mr. Foster pulled in next door. Then Jimbo went his way, and I went mine.

  Chapter 28

  My fingers trembled as I tugged my cami over my head, then a cute light blue cardigan on top of that. I brushed my hair, trying to figure out how I wanted to style it today. Maybe a barrette? Or a braid? Gah. Why am I so worried about what I look like? Okay, so the truth was, I planned to talk to Trey. I needed to tell him how I felt. Even if he rejected me, at least I’d know I tried.

  Because the not knowing killed me.

  “Delyla, Kenadi’s here,” Mom called upstairs.

  “Coming.” With one last glance in the mirror, I grabbed my school bag, and slipped my ballet flats on.

  Kenadi stood in the kitchen, eating a muffin Mom had given her. “Ready?”

  “Yep.” I gave Mom a kiss goodbye and took the store bought muffin she handed me.

  “Have a good day sweetie.”

  “Don’t worry, she will.” Kenadi grinned as we raced out the door.

  When we got in her car, I turned to her. “I’m a nervous wreck. Do you realize I changed my outfit like six times this morning? I never do that.”

  “You’ll be fine. Just take a deep breath. Don’t freak out. You and Trey have been friends forever. It’s not like you’re gonna be talking to a stranger.”

  “But that’s the problem. I don’t want to destroy our friendship.” I peeled the wrapper off my blueberry muffin and took a bite. “What if I don’t say the right thing?”

  We backed out of my driveway and onto the main road. I watched the line of manicured lawns and cookie-cutter houses as we drove to the end of my street.

  “Just say whatever comes to mind. And be honest with him.”

  “What if he rejects me?” I wiped crumbs off my jeans.

  “Then he’s an idiot.” Kenadi slid her gaze to me. “You’re awesome and if he doesn’t see that then he doesn’t deserve you.”

  I smiled. “And this is why you’re my best friend. You always talk me down.”

  “Ditto.”

  When we got to school, I sucked in a deep breath, smoothed down my shirt, and walked inside. Now, I just needed to find Trey. Well, if I could peel Portia away long enough to have a conversation with him.

  But when I got to my locker, I saw Portia already glued to his side. Damn. Okay, new plan. After I grabbed my books for first period, I headed toward Trey.

  When he saw me, he smiled. “Del, what’s up?”

  “Do you think I could talk to you during lunch for a few minutes?” I said, trying hard to ignore Portia. Guilt gnawed at my insides. Maybe I shouldn’t go through with this.

  “Is everything okay?” His arm dropped away from her shoulders.

  “Um—yeah, I-I’m fine. If you can’t talk, that’s fine. I can always stop by after school or something.”
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  His gaze met mine. “No, it’s fine. We can meet by the band room before lunch.”

  “All right. I’ll see you then.”

  For the next few hours, I couldn’t concentrate. My mind reeled with bits of conversation I wanted to have with Trey. I thought about the best case scenarios, where he admitted he loved me too. Then I considered how he’d reject me. By the time fourth period ended, my stomach was tied up in knots. My pulse roared in my ears.

  I stopped by my locker and dropped my books off. You can do this. Just tell him the truth. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. My teeth grazed my bottom lip and I chewed at the dead skin. When I got to the band room, I found Trey waiting outside the door, in a small alcove to the side.

  “Hey,” he called when he saw me. “So what’s going on?”

  It’s now or never, girl. Go for it. My heart jumped against my chest like an erratic kangaroo. Any moment now, I expected it to burst through my skin. I raised my eyes until they met his.

  “I’ve started this conversation in my head like a million times. And hopefully I don’t sound crazy,” I said. “The thing is—well, I, I … ” Oh God. Come on mind. Don’t fail me now. You are Delyla Denson. You’re fabulous. And you can do this. Now get it together. “I like you Trey.” I swallowed hard. “I mean, really like you as in—I love you,” I whispered.

  His eyes widened and he stood there a second as if processing what I’d just said. Trey ran a hand through his hair, squeezed his eyes shut and let out a long breath.

  “Please. Say something.” My insides coiled as the silence dragged on. I turned my gaze to the lace at the bottom of my cami and I gripped it between my fingers. This wasn’t going quite the way I’d planned.

  “Why now? Why do you wait until now to have feelings?”

  “It’s not like I chose to be inconvenient,” I said. “I didn’t realize it until after we started the Romeo Club.”

  His eyes shot open and he gave a forced, cold laugh. “I have a girlfriend, Delyla.”

  “I know. Trust me. I didn’t plan on this to happen. But that night you kissed me, I felt this spark. And it’s all I’ve been able to think about. If I’m being honest though, I started to notice things before then. Like how much we have in common. How you’re always there for me when I need you. The dorky grin you get when you beat a level on Dwarves of Iconia.” I twisted the edge of my sweater in my hand. “How your eyes light up when you’re talking about a math equation, or the excitement in your voice after acing a test. I-I don’t know why it took me so long to see you. But I see you now. And I want to know if you feel the same.”

  He frowned. “Damn it, Del. You know how long I crushed on you? Years. I spent years, trying to get your attention. But you never noticed. Not once.”

  My head shot up. “Wait. You have a crush on me?”

  “Had. You know how frustrating it was to be right in front of you and not have you see me?”

  “But I didn’t know.”

  “How could you not? I offered you rides to school every day before you got your license. I came to all your soccer games, whether Drake or your family went or not. God, I even bought you gifts for your birthday and flowers for Valentine’s Day. Guys don’t do that for girls they want to be just friends with.”

  My mouth went dry. “But you never said anything. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I tried. You know how many times I tried to tell you? But you always had somewhere else you wanted to be or someone else you wanted to be around. So I gave up.”

  “If I would’ve known … ”

  “You would’ve done what? You had a boyfriend. And apparently I wasn’t what you wanted.”

  “But I want you now.” My voice cracked. Tears welled in my eyes. “You’re all I’ve thought about. And I’ve tried to tell you that I liked you, but every time I started someone interrupted.”

  “But you didn’t want me until I got a girlfriend. Until I wasn’t available anymore.” He paced the alcove. “I can’t believe that you’d do this to me. Put me on the spot like this. You choosing to do this right now is horrible. You asked to talk to me right in front of my girlfriend this morning. Knowing full well you’d be asking me to break up with her.”

  My eyes snapped up and I glowered. “I’m being horrible? You’re the one who wanted me to teach you how to kiss when you were dating Portia. Not to mention, you’re the one who paid me to help you get a girlfriend. So if we want to have a discussion about morals, why don’t we start there?”

  He fists clenched at his side as he moved closer to me. “I like Portia.”

  I snorted. “The only thing you knew about her when we started this was that she’s pretty. You didn’t know her favorite color. You didn’t know her favorite flower. Hell, you didn’t even know who her best friend is. Or let’s talk about the fact that any information you found out about her was because I told you. How can you “love” someone you don’t even know? If it wasn’t for my help you wouldn’t have even had a chance with her. You. Paid. Me. To help you land her.”

  A gasp sounded behind us. Oh shit. I spun to find Portia standing there.

  “You paid her?” Her lip quivered as she stared at Trey.

  “It’s not what you think.”

  “I-I can’t believe you did that.” She turned and rushed down the hall.

  Trey glared at me. “See what you’ve done? You ruined everything.” He raced after Portia.

  My biggest fear just came true. I’d screwed up everything. It felt like I’d swallowed a boulder. I leaned against the wall and slid to the floor, tears streaming down my cheeks. Why hadn’t I opened my eyes sooner? Why didn’t I realize how much Trey meant to me until it was too late?

  I rubbed my eyes with the backs of my hands. My stomach churned. This isn’t how things are supposed to be. I’d lost Trey. Not just a potential boyfriend, but one of my best friends. I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I should’ve—well, done things different. Too late for that now.

  The halls emptied for lunch. But I sat there for long minutes before deciding to go to the office. When I got there, the secretary looked up.

  “Delyla, can I help you?”

  “Can I use the phone to call my mom? I’m not feeling so well.”

  She nodded at the large, black archaic phone sitting on the counter. “Dial nine to get an outside line.”

  When Mom picked up, it was all I could do not to break down crying. “Hey, Mom, I’m sick. Could you come and get me?”

  “Are you okay?” she said.

  “My-my stomach hurts.” And so does my head. But most of all, my heart.

  “I’ll be right there.”

  Once she signed me out at school, we headed home. We didn’t talk on the car ride, but Mom kept glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. When we got to the house, I went right to my room and flopped down on my bed. My shoulders shook as I sobbed.

  I never should’ve opened my mouth. Trey would probably never talk to me again. Not only that, but I’d hurt Portia’s feelings too. Things were so screwed up. I squished my teddy bear against my chest and buried my face in its fur.

  Mom knocked on my door and I wiped my eyes on my stuffed animal. “I brought you some tea.”

  She sat down on the edge of my bed, handing me the cup of steaming liquid. I took it from her and she brushed strands of hair from my face. “Do you want to talk?”

  I took a sip of tea then set the cup on my nightstand. “Boys are stupid.”

  “Yeah, they can be.” She chuckled. “I’ve got years of knowledge in this department.”

  “Are you calling Dad stupid?”

  “Sometimes.” She smirked. “But mostly, the guys who came before him.”

  “I hurt so bad,” I whispered.

  Mom lifted my comforter and climbed into bed next to me. She tugged me into her arms, then rubbed my hair. “I know.”

  I curled up against her and told her about Rex and Trey and Portia.
And I even broke my promise and talked about the Romeo Club. “Now, Trey will probably hate me forever.”

  “Oh, honey.” She kissed my head. “He’ll come around. This is a big shock for him. But he’s a nice boy. And if he decides not to be your friend, then he’s not the person you thought he was. You’re so beautiful and talented. Someday the right boy will come along. Maybe it’ll be Trey, maybe it won’t. But don’t be in such a hurry to settle down or grow up. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. You’ve got soccer and school, not to mention after next year, you’ll be picking a college.”

  “But it’s hard.”

  “Yes, it is. But you’re strong. And you’ve got great friends. You’ll get through this. I promise.”

  I hiccupped, and laid my head on her shoulder. The familiar scent of her perfume wrapped around me like a warm hug. It comforted me. Maybe she was right. But right, now, I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

  ***

  Sometime later, I woke up to the sound of my cell buzzing on the back of my headboard. I must’ve dozed off. My eyes were crusty from crying earlier. My throat raw. With a sigh, I scooted up and grabbed my phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Del? What’s going on? I went to find you after lunch, but you weren’t there,” Kenadi said.

  My eyes welled again. “Trey doesn’t like me back.”

  “I’m so sorry. Listen, I’ll be right there.”

  “What about soccer practice?”

  “Screw it. My girl needs me,” Ken said. “Be there soon.”

  Fifteen minutes later Kenadi showed up armed with ice cream, chick flicks, and her overnight bag.

  “Hi,” I said.

  She set her stuff down and hugged me. “This totally sucks.”

  “S’okay.”

  She released me, grabbed the half gallon of double chocolate fudge ice cream from my desk, along with two spoons. She popped the top open and handed me one of the utensils.

  “So, what happened?”

  I shoved a spoonful of ice cream in my mouth. Holy cold. I waved my hands around my face as brain freeze set in. Once I swallowed the chocolate dessert, I went on to tell her what transpired in the alcove. Every. Last. Embarrassing. Moment.