Hard to Get by Emma Carlson Berne Page B

you’ve ever seen. Let’s go laugh at her.” She steered me across the room, then hissed, “What the heck was going on? If that wasn’t flirting, then I’m Madame Curie.”
    â€œI know, I know,” I told her, dropping onto the leather sofa, now vacated by the hickey couple. “I totally didn’t even realize what was going on until you showed up. I was just going on automatic.”
    â€œYou can’t just forget ,” Becca emphasized, her eyes wide. “You have to get through a whole semester!”
    â€œI know ,” I said.
    She switched gears. “You’re just getting started.” She patted my shoulder encouragingly. “It’ll get easier.”
    â€œYeah. Or something.”
    Becca hoisted herself off the sofa. “I think Logan is getting lonely. Look, he’s starting to fall asleep.” I followed her pointing finger across the room to see Logan stretched out in an easy chair, his arms crossed on his chest and his eyes half-lidded.
    â€œYou’d better go rescue him,” I said.
    â€œI know. See you later.” She gave my shoulder a squeeze.
    I followed her figure across the room and saw her tap Logan on the shoulder, then bend down and whisper something in his ear. His eyes suddenly widened and a huge grin spread across his face. Becca reached down and pulled him up. They pushed open the patio doors. I could hear Becca giggling as they disappeared into the shadows next to the pool.
    All around me, groups of people were dancing, talking, draped over furniture. Voices floated in from the patio. From the kitchen, I could hear the blender going and Kelly’s voice shouting, “No, Brent! Not the guacamole!”
    â€œHi, Val,” a masculine voice said near my ear. I jumped, knocking my funny bone against the couch arm.
    â€œOw! Hi … um, Randolph?” I massaged my throbbing elbow.
    The pleasant-looking brown-haired guy in front of me nodded. “I gave you some M&M’s? In your locker?”
    â€œOh, right …” I ever so slightly started scooting away from him. He sat down next to me on the sofa. Apparently, Randolph didn’t take hints very well.
    â€œSo, I heard you broke up with Dave Strauss,” he began, but before he could continue, a familiar figure approached from across the room.
    â€œHey, Val, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Kevin lumbered up, grinning and sweating as usual.
    â€œAh, hi, Kevin.” I got to my feet and looked around the crowded room for the nearest exit. Groups stood everywhere, blocking my path to the door. Randolph frowned at the interruption. I started backing away, only to bump into the back of a guy standing nearby.
    â€œSorry,” I mumbled. He turned around. It was Travis Gosdin, with Brian North next to him. Big smiles lit up their faces.
    â€œWhat’s up, Val?” they said in unison.
    â€œI didn’t even see you here before.” Brian stuck his hand in his pocket and withdrew a crumpled piece of paper. “Hey, this is an invite to this dance my youth group is having next Saturday. Do you think you want to go with me?”
    I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, Kevin elbowed his way in front of me, his brow lowering dangerously. “Hey, punk, she’s going to my party onSaturday. Right, Val? The one I told you about in the hall?”
    I looked from one face to the other. This situation was getting slightly out of control.
    â€œI—um, actually, I’m not going—” I was cut off by a tug on my arm.
    â€œVal,” Randolph whispered. “I was going to tell you that our lake house is really amazing and—”
    â€œHey, who’s talking to you?” Travis turned on Randolph, with Brian right behind. “Butt out, dude.” His voice rose.
    â€œ I’m talking to Val here,” Kevin bellowed.
    â€œNo, you’re not, jerk-off.” Brian faced him, his fists