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Her whole face lights up in delight. “No way!” she says. “My twin brother and I have been playing since we were in middle school.”

“I noticed your earrings the first day, so I wondered,” I admit.

“You did? I figured you were too busy trying to turn yourself invisible.”

“Oh, believe me, if I could’ve had a dimension door out of there, I’d have been gone in one action.”

She barks out a laugh. “I love playing sorcerers. I still miss my elf sorcerer from our last game.”

I nod enthusiastically. “Totally. My first character was an elf paladin. None of us really knew what we were doing and the role-playing was nonexistent, but I still love her.”

She studies me, an appraising expression on her face. “Actually…” She hesitates. “Do you already have a group you’re playing with?”

My stomach twists painfully. “I don’t have a group anymore.”

She can probably tell there’s more to that story, but she doesn’t push it. “Well…our group is looking for a new player. You’re welcome to come check it out. It’d be cool to have another girl in the campaign.”

I bounce on my toes before I can play it cool. “Really? I’d love that!”

She puts out a hand. “I’m not promising anything. Think of it as a trial run.”

“Sure, no problem.”

I get it. The dynamics between people in a D&D group are as important as the character builds or the campaign itself. Maybe even more important. It’s hard to find a group that gets along well and has chemistry—adding a new person could totally ruin the energy. Of course, it’s possible I won’t like the rest of them, but I can’t imagine turning down an opportunity to make some new friends. Particularly if cute Picture Boy happens to play.

“I’ll text you the details, okay?” she says after we exchange numbers.

“Absolutely. Thanks so much!”

She takes a few steps away before turning back to me. “Don’t get too excited yet. We’re an intense group—most people don’t last long with us.”

I keep a neutral expression since I don’t want to look intimidated, but inside I’m cringing. People don’t last long? What’sthatwarning all about?

Chapter Two

The next morning, Dad drops Andrew and me off at school so he can get to an early HR meeting at his new job.

“Have a good day!” he calls through the passenger window before pulling away, his chipper tone in contrast to the cold, dark morning. Because school starts so stupid early, we’re here before sunrise. Andrew is gone as soon as his feet hit the pavement. I don’t know where he’s planning to go, since the high school looks desolate, but knowing him, he already has a whole group of friends waiting inside or a favorite teacher he can hang out with.

I shove my hands into my pockets and trudge toward the door, the day unfolding in my mind. More silent walks down the halls and pretending I’m cool not talking to anyone in my classes when really I’m too nervous to say anything.

Another lone figure comes into my peripheral view. My stomach somersaults when I realize who it is—Picture Boy. I think about saying hi, but my mouth suddenly feels like I’veeaten a huge scoop of peanut butter. I don’t want to make a fool of myself by saying something dumb. At the same time, he’s one of the few people at this school I’ve actually had a conversation with. I gather my confidence and raise a hand in his direction.

“Hey?”

He looks my way, then changes course to join me. “Your grandma isn’t here to take more pictures?”

I smile ruefully. “Luckily she’s not documenting every day of school. Just the first one.”

“Maybe you haven’t noticed, but it’s February. Not exactly the beginning of the school year.”

“Believe me, I know. Transferring midyear is not for the faint of heart. But Monday was the first day she’s ever been able to drop me off since we used to live too far away for that. I’m just happy she didn’t make me hold up one of those chalkboards where I’ve written my favorite subject and what I want to be when I grow up.”

He laughs and the sound sends electric tingles shooting through my limbs. He has a great laugh. The full-body kind that makes his eyes shine and his shoulders shake.

“Well, now I’m curious. Whatisyour favorite subject?”

“Right now, it’d be Introduction to Sleep. Actually, I bet I could test into the AP version if they offered it.”