Page 61 of Kissing is the Easy Part

Flora

“Look, I need your help.”

A few days after our inconclusive revenge convention, Sean finds me at my locker. I didn’t think he’d come to me again so soon; we just completed our history presentation this morning. Josie absolutely crushed it as the prophet. She threw on an oversized black hoodie that hid her face, and every time she slammed her cane against the ground, the room erupted with laughter.

(We’re all getting As, by the way.)

“Do you think we could plan something for Lindsey’s birthday?” Sean rocks back on his heels, eyes scanning the corridor. “She’s still upset even though she won’t admit it.”

“Obviously!”

“You throw such great parties. You did it for Dylan last year—”

“Did I?” I tilt my head, pretending not to remember.

He averts my eyes and mutters, “You did tequila shots off my stomach?”

I bite back a smile.Oh, we’re bringingthatup now?

Sean clears his throat, shifting his weight. “Anyway. How about a surprise party?”

Something about him standing here, needing me, asking for my opinion fills my chest with warmth. He’s so self-conscious about it too.

“You’re such a softie.Awww.” I stretch out the word, watching him squirm. “You sweet,sweetchild. What’s next, are you going to start a Pinterest mood board too?”

He scratches the back of his neck. “It’s stupid, right?”

“Are you kidding? I’m going to throw her the best partyever.”

Sean looks up, a smile spreading across his face. “You will?”

“The end of September is less than two weeks away, though. We’re on a tight schedule, and keeping this a secret makes everything doubly hard. Let’s begin with the end in mind and work back from there.” I whip my phone from my back pocket and open a new note.

Sean reaches out, pressing a hand over my forearm. “Wait. Before we start, can we go over some ground rules? No alcohol, no drugs, no noise complaints—”

“No fights, no summoning demons. Great, let’s throw a lame party. If you want my help, then I’m going to call the shots.”

“Sure, but you also need to know my budget.”

“Budget?”That’s one word I loathe, along with phrases likegarage sale,thrift store, andeconomy class.

“Can we keep it under a few hundred bucks?” He winces as he says it. “That’s all I have.”

“But a good DJ costs at least a hundred per hour, plus a caterer, and decorations. Wait.” I squint at him. “You’re not thinking of opening a few bags of tortilla chips and playing music from your phone, are you? With all due respect, what’s the plan—attract people with your charisma? Maybe five people will show up.”

Sean leans against my locker door. “How dare you. I’d estimate about a dozen. Look, the point is to get her mind off the rumors, it doesn’t have to be a huge thing.”

“Then maybe you should invite a couple of girls over, have them braid each other’s hair, and call it a night.”

“Fine, Flora. Do it your way. Work your magic.”

That’s a supercute smile.

Don’t get distracted. Now’s not the time to marvel over his hotness. Sean wants a favor, and I need to milk his desperation for all it’s worth. “Hold on a second. Why am I doing this for you?”

“Because you care about Lindsey too.”

“I do, but this will take up atremendousamount of my time. I’m retaking the SAT, I have cheer practice, and my schedule is dreadfully packed. If you want to hire me, you have to pay a price.”