Rachel's Valentine Crush Read online

  “If you could talk to him, that would be great,” Rachel said. “I just . . . I don’t want to go behind his back or anything. I guess I should just be grateful that he said I could go to the dance.”

  “And I’m going to do my best to get you to that concert, too,” promised Grandma Nellie. She stood up and walked over to the door. “Hang in there, peach pie. Nobody said that growing up would be easy.”

  “Yeah . . . but don’t you think it could be easier?” Rachel asked.

  Grandma Nellie laughed as she left the room, making Rachel smile. But once Rachel was alone again, the smile disappeared from her face. What Grandma Nellie had said made sense to Rachel . . . kind of. But there was still a deep, unsettled feeling nagging at her. It was the same kind of feeling she sometimes got when she knew she wasn’t making the right decision—like that time in sixth grade when a bunch of Rachel’s friends had started shutting out Jenna Ferguson, and Rachel had just gone along with it. Then, in church one Sunday, Rachel had listened to a sermon about loving thy neighbor, and everything just clicked. Suddenly, Rachel realized that even though she hadn’t done anything mean to Jenna, she hadn’t exactly been nice to her either. And that was just as bad. Tonight, sitting alone in her bedroom, Rachel felt that squirming discomfort again. It was the knowledge that she had a clear choice to make . . . and she was tempted to make the wrong one.

  Lying to my dad is not how I want to go to the concert, she thought. It would only prove that I’m really not mature.

  Rachel knew, without a doubt, that she had to tell her dad about the concert. And she also knew that if she did that, she would need to convince him to let her go.

  The only question was: how?

  chapter 8

  RACHEL HAD A LOT OF trouble concentrating at school the following week. Every time her friends mentioned Brody’s upcoming party at the Chocolate Bar, she had to force a smile so nobody could tell how disappointed she was. Rachel wasn’t alone—lots of kids who didn’t know Brody hadn’t been invited—but that didn’t make it any easier for Rachel to know that she could’ve gone to the party.

  But Rachel wasn’t entirely miserable. By Thursday, the day of the party, Rachel found herself caught up in all the excitement anyway. After all, even though she wouldn’t be seeing Brody tonight, she’d be seeing him soon enough! As she sat in math class after lunch, Rachel wondered, Is Brody still on the plane? Has the plane landed yet? Will he go straight to his old house? Or check out the arena? Or maybe he’ll even surprise everybody by coming to school!

  That didn’t happen, but Rachel didn’t really expect it to. After all, Brody couldn’t exactly walk anywhere anymore without being mobbed by crazy fans. While Rachel and Taylor walked home from school, Rachel kept scanning the cars that passed them, just in case Brody happened to be in one. Somehow just knowing that he was back in Archer made Rachel feel tingly all over. It had been a long time since she had daydreamed about running into Brody around town—and now the possibility that she might see him at any moment made living in Archer a lot more exciting than it had been just a day ago.

  That afternoon, even though Rachel hadn’t quite finished her homework, Grandma Nellie gave her permission to go over to Taylor’s house. Rachel had never seen Taylor look quite so excited. Her cheeks were pink before she put on any makeup, and even her eyes seemed more sparkly than usual.

  “What should we do first?” Rachel asked. “Hair or nails?”

  Taylor bit her lip as she thought about it. “Nails, I guess,” she replied. “But only if you’ll do my hair. Then my nails can dry before I have to get dressed.”

  “Of course I’ll do your hair!” Rachel said with a laugh. “That’s why I’m here. So what color nail polish are you thinking about?” Rachel didn’t know a whole lot about makeup, since she wasn’t allowed to wear any, but when she’d turned twelve her dad gave her permission to start wearing nail polish. She had quite a collection of polishes now, and she had brought some of her favorites over in case Taylor wanted to borrow any of them. “I’ve narrowed it down to these two,” Taylor said, showing Rachel a midnight-blue polish and a sparkly gold one. “What do you think?”

  “I like the sparkles,” Rachel said. “But I think the blue will look better with your top. Oh, I know!”

  Rachel dug around in her bag and pulled out a clear polish with specks of silver glitter. “How about the blue polish with a coat of this on top?”

  “Perfect!” Taylor squealed. “Thanks, Rach!” She laid her hands flat on the desk as Rachel shook the blue polish in her palm. When she started painting Taylor’s nails, Rachel concentrated so hard that she forgot to talk.

  “So . . . ,” Taylor began. “Something kind of exciting happened last night.”

  The way that Taylor’s voice trembled a little made Rachel look up right away. “Tell me,” she ordered.

  “Shane texted me!” Taylor exclaimed. “He’s never done that before!”

  That’s the exciting news? Rachel thought. A text message didn’t seem like a huge deal to her . . . unless there was something special about the message. “What did he say?”

  “He asked me to go to the party with him tonight!”

  There was something surprising about Taylor’s reaction—something that Rachel hadn’t expected. She’d been sitting right there when Shane and Taylor agreed to go to the dance together as friends. It had been as basic and boring as asking somebody when the history project was due. But this . . . this was different.

  “So you guys are going to the party together too?” Rachel asked.

  Taylor nodded as the smile on her face grew even larger.

  “Taylor! You like him!” Rachel exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell me? Aaaah! I’m so excited for you! You and Shane—I can’t believe it!”

  “I can’t either!” Taylor shrieked. “It’s just . . . we’ve kind of been talking more since last week, and you know, Rach, he’s really funny.”

  “I know.”

  “No, I mean, like, really funny,” Taylor emphasized. “And he’s really into computers and technology, which is so cool. He knows a ton about websites and is even writing his own app.”

  “Seriously?” Rachel asked, impressed.

  “I know!” Taylor gushed. “And I can’t believe I didn’t realize this before, but Rach . . . isn’t he so incredibly cute?”

  Shane? Incredibly cute? Rachel thought about it for a moment. Shane was a pretty good-looking guy, with dark brown hair that perfectly matched his eyes, and a quick, sly smile. But if Brody set the bar for “incredibly cute,” then no, Shane wouldn’t qualify. But it doesn’t matter if you think he’s cute, Rachel reminded herself. So instead, she grinned at Taylor and said, “Oh, definitely. In fact, I think you guys are going to make a perfect couple! You’ll be so great together.”

  “So you think he . . . likes me?” Taylor asked. “Really?”

  “Are you kidding? Of course he likes you!” Rachel exclaimed. “Why else would Shane ask you to go to the party tonight? It’s not like the dance. I didn’t hear about anybody else who’s going together.”

  “It’s just hard to believe, you know?” Taylor said. “I’m so used to boys ignoring me. Nobody has ever liked me . . . not like-liked me, I mean. And all this time Shane has been right there, and then . . . suddenly . . . it happened. Just like that. And he’s so sweet, Rach! Do you know what I saw him do the other day? Our English class was doing buddy reading at the elementary school, and he noticed that one of the little kids’ shoelaces were untied. Shane sat right down on the floor and tied them!”

  “Shane is such a nice guy,” Rachel said approvingly.

  “He really is,” said Taylor. “And he likes me. Me! This has got to be the craziest thing that has ever happened at Archer Middle School.”

  “Oh, come on!” Rachel teased her friend. “Shane is lucky, T. You’re the best!”

  “No, you are,” Taylor said as she admired her perfect manicure. “My nails look great, Rachel. Thanks.”


  “Don’t fidget while I do your hair,” Rachel said firmly. “Otherwise, they’ll get all smudged.”

  “I know, I know,” Taylor replied. She sat very still as Rachel started pinning back small sections of her hair with sparkly star-shaped clips. “I really, really wish you were going to the party tonight. It’s not going to be any fun without you.”

  “Whatever,” Rachel said, rolling her eyes. “You’re going with Shane. You’re going to have the best time!”

  “Well, it won’t be the same,” Taylor replied.

  “I’d give anything to be there tonight,” Rachel said wistfully. “I mean, to talk to Brody in person again after all these months . . . and even just to see him . . .”

  Suddenly, Taylor’s eyes brightened. She tried to jump up, but Rachel pushed her back into the chair. “Don’t move until your nails are dry!” Rachel scolded.

  “Sorry, sorry—but I just had the best idea!” Taylor said. “So maybe you can’t go to the party, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss it!”

  “Huh?”

  “I’ll have my cell,” Taylor continued. “So I can text you the whole time to tell you everything that’s happening. And I can send pics! Maybe even a pic of Brody! It will be just like you’re there!”

  “Really?” Rachel asked. “You don’t mind?”

  “Of course not,” Taylor replied right away. “I was probably going to take a bunch of pictures anyway.”

  “Then I’d love it!” Rachel exclaimed. “Now I won’t sit alone all night feeling totally left out. Thank you so much.”

  Taylor waved her blue-nailed hand in the air. “Please. Forget it. It’s nothing. All I can say is thank goodness you’ll be at the dance on Saturday. Did you talk to your dad about the concert yet?”

  Rachel shook her head. “No.”

  “Rach! The concert is in forty-eight hours. What are you waiting for?”

  “Ugh, I don’t know,” Rachel replied. “I guess if I haven’t asked him yet, he hasn’t said no yet—and there’s still a chance I can go. But if he does say no, it’s over. And I just don’t want to face that. Not yet.”

  “I get that, but you’re running out of time,” replied Taylor. Then she glanced at her cell. “And so am I. My mom said I have to eat dinner here before the party, or else she won’t let me go. You want to stay? I think we’re having something boring like sandwiches since I have to eat fast.”

  “What, unlimited chocolate fountain isn’t good enough for dinner?” Rachel laughed as she reached for her coat. “I have to go, anyway. We’re having family dinner tonight. But you look so, so pretty, T. You’re going to be the prettiest girl there. Shane is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

  “Shut up. You’re so nice,” Taylor replied, looking pleased. “I will text you the minute I get there. Promise.”

  “I’ll be waiting!” Rachel replied.

  The sun was setting in a frosty sky as Rachel walked home. With every step away from Taylor’s house, Rachel left a little of her enthusiasm behind. There was a hollow sort of ache in her chest as she wondered if Taylor realized how lucky she was. Sure, Taylor’s parents had plenty of rules for her, too, but they weren’t nearly as strict as Rachel’s dad. And Taylor liked a boy who actually liked her back! For a moment, Rachel wished that her dad was like Taylor’s parents. And she wished that Brody was like Shane—just a regular guy at their school, a guy who might actually like her, instead of a superstar who could go out with any girl on the planet.

  Then Rachel saw her dad pull into the driveway. He got out of the car, carrying a steaming pizza box. Normally he would only bring home pizza for dinner on somebody’s birthday, or if Grandma Nellie was too busy to cook. Pizza was one of Rachel’s favorites, and she had to wonder if her dad was making a special effort for their family dinner. Did he remember that tonight was the party at the Chocolate Bar—and remember how much Rachel wanted to go? Was he trying to make it up to her?

  Just like that, Rachel’s wishes for a different family and a different crush disappeared. She loved her family. And if Brody were somebody else, he wouldn’t be Brody.

  When she got inside, Rachel’s family was gathering around the table. Grandma Nellie was in the middle of serving up a big green salad, and Robbie already had a smear of tomato sauce on his face.

  “Just in time, kiddo,” Mr. Wilson said heartily. “What do you think about dinner, huh? Surprised?”

  “Smells good!” Rachel replied as she sniffed at the air. “Thanks, Dad.”

  After she sat down, Rachel slipped her cell out of her pocket. Under the table, she set it to vibrate. She wasn’t sure when Taylor was going to start texting, but she didn’t want to miss a single one.

  “So what did everybody do today?” Mr. Wilson asked as he passed around slices of pizza.

  “Robbie and I ran so many errands,” Grandma Nellie began. “He was such a big boy, helping me at every store!”

  Rachel tried to concentrate on the conversation, but her eyes kept drifting toward the clock. It’s five forty-five already. I bet the Chocolate Bar is all set up for the party. I wonder if anyone’s shown up yet, she thought.

  Then Rachel heard a car pull up next door. She glanced out the window and saw everything: Mrs. Allen sitting at the wheel, Shane jumping out of the front seat, Taylor following Shane back to the car. Then—Rachel’s heart clenched—Shane slid into the back after Taylor. He obviously wanted to sit right next to her.

  Rachel’s feelings were so jumbled up right then that she could hardly make sense of them. She was thrilled for Taylor—and at the same time, filled with longing for something that she wanted but knew that she would probably never have. The thought of Brody pulling up in front of her house—in, what, a limo?—was so silly that even Rachel couldn’t take it seriously.

  But that didn’t mean she didn’t want it to happen. More than anything.

  Rachel put down her half-eaten slice of pizza. Suddenly, she wasn’t feeling hungry anymore. “May I be excused?” she asked in a quiet voice.

  Mr. Wilson looked at Rachel in surprise. “Sure, Rach. Is everything okay?” he asked.

  “Sure,” Rachel said, but even she could tell that she didn’t sound very convincing. “I’m not that hungry, I guess.”

  “We have chocolate cupcakes for dessert,” Grandma Nellie said, trying to tempt her to stay and finish her dinner.

  Rachel tried to smile. “Maybe later,” she replied.

  As Rachel carried her dishes into the kitchen, she felt her phone start to buzz. Could it be a text from Taylor already? Rachel waited to find out until she was back in her bedroom, listening to “Secret Crush” on repeat.

  Just got here. Shane looks sooo cute

  OMG Rach!! The whole place is closed 2nite just 4 us! There is a velvet rope even!

  Rachel smiled at the picture Taylor sent—there was a large sign on the door of the Chocolate Bar that read CLOSED FOR PRIVATE EVENT, and a crimson-colored velvet rope blocking the door.

  Our names are on a LIST 2 get in!!

  No Brody yet. Maybe he is going 2 make an entrance??

  Probably, Rachel thought. Don’t famous people always show up a little late, after everyone else has arrived?

  The next picture that Taylor sent showed the interior of the Chocolate Bar, with its dark purple couches and shimmery gold drapes.

  Rach, check out the food! OMG so much chocolate!

  Rachel loved the next photo—an elaborate chocolate layer cake covered in gold musical notes. She texted back:

  Awesome!! Can u bring me a piece?

  Almost immediately, Taylor sent Rachel another picture.

  Loooook at charlotte! Soooo pretty!!

  Rachel took one glance at the photo of Charlotte in her bright red top and fluttery black skirt and had to agree.

  Tell her I think she looks gr8!

  Then she waited for another text from Taylor.

  And waited.

  And waited.

  Rachel’s fingers clutched h
er phone as she wondered why Taylor hadn’t sent another update.

  Then, it came: The text Rachel had been waiting for.

  HE’S HEEEEEEEEERRRRREEEEE!

  Aaaah! Tell me everything!!!

  Trying 2 get a pic. Too many people!!

  Rachel tapped her feet in time to Brody’s music while she waited for Taylor’s next pic—she was too excited to sit still. When it flashed onto the screen, Rachel almost dropped her phone. There he was! The photo was a little blurry, but Rachel would recognize Brody anywhere. His head was tilted to the side so that his face was partially obscured, but Rachel could tell that he was listening intently to the person next to him. The only problem was that there were so many people clustered around Brody that she couldn’t quite tell who that was.

  Then Rachel noticed a flash of long red hair, and her heart sank.

  It was Tammy.

  And there was Brody, hanging on her every word. Rachel didn’t need to be an expert in body language to analyze the picture: Tammy standing right next to him; Brody leaning toward her; that half smile—part happy, part shy—playing across his face.

  It’s over, Rachel realized as she stared at the photo. It was always Tammy.

  And never me.

  Trying 2 get a better pic

  It got crazy here

  Rachel was numb as she texted back.

  Don’t worry about it. I have homework. Thx T . . . have fun.

  Then she turned off her phone. Not just set it to vibrate, not just silenced it, but turned it completely off. Then, with a click of her mouse, she silenced the music. Brody’s music.

  What am I going to do now? Rachel wondered. She really just wanted to curl up in bed and sleep until this horrible realization stopped hurting so much. Rachel knew that wasn’t possible, though—at least not yet. She still hadn’t finished her homework. But sitting down to study her science vocabulary was just about the last thing Rachel wanted to do.

  Then she spotted the pile of scrapbooking supplies on her desk.

  Without even knowing what she was going to write, Rachel sat down and picked up a pen. She peeled the plastic wrapping from the new lined paper Grandma Nellie had given her and selected a blue sheet. She smoothed it down on her desk and started writing.