Page 128 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“She caught a ride with her mom,” Gael says. “She should be here soon.”

As they talk, my eyes drift over to Finn. He’s nodding and adding to the conversation, and I notice he doesn’t look as upset as I thought he would. I mean, obviously he’s hurt that theybroke up, but it’s almost like he’s totally fine with it. Is he also pushing Lexi’s needs before his own?

His gaze meets mine and he gives me a smile. I return it, glad things aren’t weird between us.

“There she is!” Theo cheers as Lexi walks down the hallway toward us. She waves, wearing that bright smile that makes my insides twist in the best way possible.

“Hey, guys,” Lexi greets, her smile widening as she looks at each of us. When her eyes land on me, her mouth trembles a bit. Like she’s still unsure about us.

“So,” Cooper says as he hangs one arm around Lexi and the other around Finn, “did you lovebirds do anything special over the weekend? A romantic date?”

Lexi and Finn glance at each other, and then Finn pulls away. “Well actually,” Lexi says, “Finn and I broke up.”

At once, everyone gasps and demands answers.

Lexi shrugs. “We decided we’re better off as friends,” she explains.

Finn nods. “Yeah, we are.”

“Aw, but you guys were so cute together,” Cooper pouts. “Felt good that at least one of us snagged a girl.”

Finn shakes his head. “I’ll meet the right girl one day. All of us will.”

Coop’s shoulders slouch forward. “That’s what everyone keeps saying, so I’ve got to stay positive.” He straightens up. “But you guys are good, right? No weirdness?”

“None,” Lexi says. “Everything is back to normal.”

“Back to being best friends,” Finn adds.

“Cool,” Nate says. “Because things would be totally messed up if you guys felt weird around each other.”

I can feel Dean watching me, but I don’t want to look at him. I know he’s thinking I should fight for Lexi, but I’m not going tosway her thoughts. She needs to do what she thinks is right, not what she thinks I want.

She looks at me here and there, but it’s not like it used to be. Which is for the best because she needs to forget about me while she figures out what she needs.

“Anyone excited for the fall dance this Saturday?” Theo asks.

“Heck, yeah!” Gael cheers.

Since none of us have dates, we’re going as a group. I’m pretty excited for it, though I wish I were going with…

Never mind.

The bell rings and we head for Aunt Ally’s class. She doesn’t assign us another story to rewrite, just discusses the book we were required to read over the weekend.

During class, Lexi’s pen rolls off her desk. I bend down to pick it up at the same time she does and my hand closes over hers. She looks at me and I look at her, and it’s like time stands still as we gaze into each other’s eyes.

Then Lexi breaks her gaze, slips her hand from beneath mine, and sits up. I blink, averting my eyes.

Class ends and we separate to our next classes. Finn and Lexi talk to each other like nothing happened, like they’re back to how they were before. I’m really glad things have worked out between them and that Finn doesn’t hold a grudge against her or me. He’s a good guy and I hope he finds a girl who will love him, and they’ll make each other happy. I wish the same for the rest of the guys—and Lexi, too.

When it’s time for PE, I, along with Nate who shares this class with me, head to the gym. I’m not in the mood to be athletic, which is strange for me because I love sports.

Uncle Brayden blows his annoying whistle as he enters the gym, getting everyone’s attention. He announces that we’re playing dodgeball today. Some kids groan, some cheer.

The game begins, the ball being thrown all over the place. I get out right away and walk off to the side, my thoughts distracting me. It really isn’t healthy for me to always think about Lexi, but I don’t know what else to do. She means so much to me, she’s a huge part of my life. It’ll be hard to forget her if she decides to keep her distance from me for good. But if she decides to be friends…maybe my feelings for her would eventually disappear? Unlikely, but I can never know.

Round two of the game begins. The kids have gotten a bit aggressive now, or maybe they’re just into it. Uncle Brayden warns everyone not to get too excited as he makes sure no one is getting hurt.