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I’d missed kissing him. I wanted this back. I closed my eyes, getting lost in the memories for a moment. Hanging out in Stephen’s car, singing to 80s music while Stephen howled. Homecoming—leaning into his embrace, feeling like we would be together forever. We were meant to be together.
    Except I knew better now.
    “There.” Stephen pulled back and stroked my face. “Give me a second chance.” His thumb rubbed my lip. “Go to prom with me.”
    I held the moment close to my heart, feeling the tears behind my eyes. What would happen if I said yes? How far would the preparations and charade go before Miss Blond showed up, offering Stephen something better than what he could get with me? I would be a fool to pretend like it would work. “I can’t.” I blinked and the tears overflowed. I pushed away from the table and grabbed my apple and chips, holding back a sob.
    “Sure you can.” Stephen stood, taking my elbow. “I know I hurt you. I know it. I’m not just asking you ‘cause I got dumped. I want to be with you.”
    He brought up a good point, though. I looked at him through blurry eyes. “Now you want to be with me. What about a month ago? Two months ago? How about in a month? Will you still want to be with me?” I shook my head. “No. I can’t.” I pushed past him, cursing Dana for making me go through that.

CHAPTER FIVE

    I clocked in to my second day of work already tense from school. I'd avoided Dana for the rest of the day, turning the other direction when I saw her by my locker and barely talking to her in calculus. I wanted to make it very clear that I was angry with her.
    I knew she got the message. She hadn’t bothered trying to call me, though she’d sent me several texts. I ignored them. We both knew I’d check them later, when I wasn’t so mad.
    “Hey, what’s up?” Friendly coworker Matt came over and held up a hand. His blond hair curled up a bit around the edges of his baseball cap, courtesy of the humidity. I stared at his hand, wondering what he wanted me to do.
    “Don’t leave me hanging.” Matt grinned at me around a toothpick. “If giving five’s not your thing, we can do a knuckle bump.” He made a fist with his hand.
    “Oh.” Feeling like an idiot, I made a fist also and bumped his knuckles. “Sorry. Been a rough day.”
    “Nothing like working in the kitchen to make you forget your troubles. Come on, let’s show you the food prep.”
    I groaned inwardly. Somehow I had managed to forget that this would also be part of my duties. I much preferred ringing people up.
    Of course, I had to admit to myself, making bagel appetizers and bagel sandwiches wasn’t nearly as bad as flipping burgers or folding tortillas. At least, the reputation was better. The afternoon went by quickly in the back. A fan whirred, blowing the air around but not really cooling it. Before I knew it, Matt stood beside me.
    “You’re doing great, new kid. Break time.”
    “Really?” I wiped my brow with a paper towel. The hair around my head was frizzing under the hairnet, more from sweat than anything else. “Great, thanks.”
    I used my employee discount to purchase a large chocolate chip muffin. I needed it. I sat at a corner table facing the window and unwrapped the calorie-laden indulgence. The fresh chocolaty smell wafted up to me and a smile caressed my lips.
    I lifted the muffin to my mouth and took a bite, feeling the chocolate bits melt against my tongue. My eyes closed and I relished the taste. I was all set to take a second bite when my nostrils picked up a hint of citrus.
    My eyes flew open. We baked the muffins fresh every morning, and I knew there was no orange or lemon in the chocolate ones. I spun my chair around and inhaled sharply.
    There he was, standing at the register. I knew just from the back of his head. Aaron. What was he doing here? He’d been here yesterday! Surely he didn’t come from England with an addiction to JT’s.
    I watched him place an order, then I