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“You are really good under pressure,” I say.

“Yeah, I’m totally faking it. Goes with the hair extensions, nails, and”—she opens her mouth wide and points—“these two teeth.”

We both laugh.

“I’m so glad we got past our differences, because I like hanging out with you,” I say. “And I’m pretty sure Ben loves that we hang out now too.”

“Aww, Jamie. That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I’d hug you if you looked like a hugger, but I can tell you’re not.”

“You would be correct.” I nod. “I’m going downstairs to tell my mom you’re here and heat up some leftovers. Meet me in her salon when you’ve got the bus situation all sorted out.”

“Will do,” she says, bringing the phone up to her ear. “And Jamie?” she calls out. “Can you heat some food up for me too?”

“You got it!” I smile.

Olivia spends most of the time on her phone while Mom does her hair. She’s working really hard to pull everything together last minute, and I can’t help but feel useless because all I’m doing is stewing in my own drama.

I snuck off to my room for a bit while Mom worked on Olivia, practicing my routine again and texting Diesel and Finn relentlessly. They keep telling me not to worry and that Axel will be there, but my confidence is waning.

In everything.

Once we’re dressed, Olivia and I, both in boots, head out to her car. She drives us to the school (which is a terrifying experience) and parks.

“Oh no!” she says. “You forgot to bring your shoes.”

“Oh!” I look down at my combat boots. “It’s fine. I can dance in these. I’m sure it’s fashionable…to someone.”

“You can totally rock it. As for me”—she reaches into her backseat—“I’ll be bringing these strappy things to change into on the bus. You ready?” she asks, holding onto her shoes and purse.

“No.” I shake my head while reading my latest message. “I’m not. My uncle just texted. He said Axel is still at work. I’m worried his friends won’t be able to convince him to come, and even if they do, the roads will be a challenge. It’s just…” I slam my phone face down on my lap and rub at my temples. “Nothing is coming together the way I expected it to.”

“Look at us,” Olivia says, pulling one of my hands away from my head and forcing eye contact. “Never in a million years did Ithink I’d be going to winter formal with you. But here we are. Life can surprise you.”

“I’m tired of the surprises. I just want to know if this will all work out.”

She squints at me and smiles. “Are you? Haven’t the surprises been the best part of the last few months? Axel.Me.” She grins. “Your own metamorphosis.”

I sigh and frown at Olivia, still unsure.

“You’ve got this, and even if you don’t, I’ve got your back. So does Ben.”

She’s right. Even if things with Axel don’t go as planned tonight, I am walking into that formal a new, better version of myself, with friends.

“Okay. Let’s do this,” I say, exhaling another sharp breath.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

It’s quarter to seven. The formal officially starts in fifteen minutes and I haven’t heard from Finn or Diesel in almost an hour. My uncle isn’t answering my texts either. The drive into the city is slow-going but steady. The only buses available at such short notice were the most expensive ones, so while we are definitely riding in style, the social committee completely drained their resources to make sure this event wasn’t a bust. Despite all the snow, what we do have going for us is no traffic. Which in Toronto is pretty much a miracle.

The energy on the bus is like a simmering pot. People are excited but afraid to show it in case we don’t make it. We’ve passed many stalled cars and even a stalled city bus. I’m seated in the row next to Ben and Olivia, who keep looking over at me like worried parents. I can’t seem to let myself sit back and relax, especially when I don’t know if we’ll make it there (in one piece) or if Axel will show. This whole thing hinges on Axel being there. Without him, there’s no point.

The logical side of my brain is telling me Axel won’t be there. There are too many obstacles stopping him, but my heart…my heart holds on to hope and the belief that the connection we shared was real.Isreal.

My phone pings and I jump slightly in my seat.

Diesel:We finally made it to Shawarma Sitty and he’s not here.

Me:What did my uncle say?