28

MAKE THE CALL

I WASN’T GOING TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION here. No way was I going to be that girl who had drama at another school event.

“If you want to talk, let’s go to the bathroom,” I said. “We don’t need to talk about this out here.”

“Fine.”

Paige and I walked out of the ballroom and entered the bathroom just down the hallway. We pushed open the heavy wooden door and I listened for a second to hear if anyone else was inside, but we were alone. I leaned up against the sand-colored marble sink and Paige put her purse on the small couch near the full-length mirror.

“I cannot keep doing this,” I said. “I told you the truth—Jacob made a move on me at my party. I didn’t try to kiss him. But it doesn’t mean I’m going to get back together with him. We might be looking at each other, or whatever you think is going on, but that’s it. We’re never going to be boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“You’re protecting him because you like him,” Paige said. “Otherwise, you’d tell Callie the truth. I get it.”

“Do you?” I asked. “Because you dragged me away from Heather to ‘talk’ and you don’t seem to get it at all. This whole Homecoming thing has been in my face so much and you didn’t seem to understand. You left me standing by the bonfire to go help your precious committee.”

Paige shook her head. “I apologized for that. I told you I was wrong. But you know what? I don’t think this has anything to do with Homecoming.”

We eyed each other and I folded my arms. “Enlighten me, please.”

“You’re jealous that I’m with Ryan and you don’t have a boyfriend.”

I stared at her—stunned. “Are you kidding me, Paige? Seriously?”

Paige just shrugged. She was being crazy!

“I’m thrilled that you’re with Ryan!” I half shouted. “I can’t believed you’d ever think anything else. Who was the one who pushed you to talk to him? Who helped you send the e-mail for the group date? Who helped you get ready for your first date?” I stepped away from her, shaking my head. “Enjoy your wonderful, amazing Homecoming dance. It’s been your number one priority all week, so don’t stop now. I’m out of here.”

I turned away and started for the door.

“Sasha, wait.” Paige’s voice was high. “I didn’t mean—”

“And you know what,” I interrupted. “I think we need some time apart.”

“What are you talking about?” Paige’s face paled.

“I’m going to stay here for break,” I said. “You go home and I’ll stay in our room. We need space and we can talk after break.”

“Sasha.” Paige’s voice was wavery. “I want you to come home with me. You can’t stay on campus by yourself. I shouldn’t have—”

I shook my head and cut her off. “I’m staying here. I’m going to go back to our room and call my parents.”

I walked out of the bathroom and headed down the hallway. I’d been at the dance long enough and I didn’t care if I got in trouble for leaving.

“You okay?”

I turned and Heather walked toward me.

“Not really,” I said. “Paige and I had a huge fight. She accused me of something ridiculous and I can’t be around her right now.” I sighed and rubbed my forehead. “I was supposed to stay with Paige for break, but I’m going to stay here.”

“Well, that only sounds like the lamest fall break ever. At least I’m going home with a ridic tiara.”

“What else am I supposed to do?” I snapped. “I’m not going to stay with Paige. Sorry if that sounds ‘lame’ to you.”

“It is lame. You’re just planning to hide in your room all week and do what?”

“I don’t know! Stuff—whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m out of here. I’ve got to go call my parents and tell them where I’m staying.”

I stepped around Heather and started down the hallway.

“Sasha,” Heather called.

“What?” I turned and looked at her.

“When you call them, tell them you’re staying with me.”

I’d definitely heard her wrong.

“What?” I repeated.

“You’re staying with me,” Heather said. “Make the call.”