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It might be hard to find the exact sneakers, but I’m not one to back down from a challenge. “I’ll look into it.”

“You’re the best!” he says, jumping back up. “I’ll bring you some of those cookies you like.”

Annie raises her gaze back to me. “I’ll look into it?”

“What? I will. I bet I can find a pair in no time. Besides, I like the cookies from his mom’s bakery.”

“He just wants an excuse to talk to you.”

I sigh. “If that were true, he’d still be here.” I take another bite of mac and cheese and wait for the outside doors to open. Once they are, I stand. “Come on.” I tug on Annie’s arm. “Let’s go get some fresh air.”

She groans. “Do I have to?”

“You need the vitamin D.”

She tucks her book under her arm and follows me as I put her tray away.

I find Annie in the halls as soon as the final bell rings, and I loop my arm in hers. “Miss me?”

She nudges me. “You don’t give me a chance to. You know, one of these days, someone is going to catch you texting during class.”

I smile. “I like to live on the edge.”

She laughs. I like it when she laughs. She’s so serious all the time, but every once in a while, I can get her to loosen up.

“You couldn’t reach the edge with a ten-foot pole,” she says.

“Margo!” Cameryn calls from across the hallway. She comes running, backpack bouncing behind her. She grabs my arm. “There’s a sale at the mall. We have to go.”

I notice Annie shrinking back.

“Really?” I ask.

Cameryn nods. “Fifty percent off fall clothes right now at Rave Boutique.”

“No!” I say with a gasp.

Her smile widens. “Yes! I’m going to get that cute purse we saw last time. You know, the one with the checkered print. It would be absolutely perfect for my navy blue dress.”

Annie is consumed by her phone, a coping mechanism for when she’s uncomfortable. She’s trying to look busy.

“Do you want to go?” I ask Annie.

Cameryn acknowledges Annie as if she just noticed her. “Of course, Annie is always welcome to join.”

Annie’s eyes raise but don’t hold eye contact very long. “Uh . . . I have . . . I think I’m going to get a head start on my homework.”

I focus on Cameryn again, preparing myself to break her heart. I need to spend time with Annie. “Don’t kill me, but I think I’m going to head home too. I’ll meet up with you this weekend, though. I promise.”

She sighs. “You better. This is the second time this week you’ve stood me up.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make up for it later.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

“Make sure you send me a picture of the things you get.”

“Be prepared for your phone to blow up,” she says, running off again. “Bye!”