Page 28 of Make-Believe Match

“What’s it about?”

She thought for a moment. “It’s about not being afraid to dance in a storm in a nice dress.”

I nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

She noticed my phone in my lap. “What are you doing? Playing a game?”

“No, I’m sending someone a message.”

“Your girlfriend?”

“No. I don’t have a girlfriend. Actually, this person doesn’t like me at all right now.” I paused. “But believe me, she liked me justfinea week ago.”

“Why doesn’t she like you anymore?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Grownups always say that. But I bet it’s not that complicated.”

I laughed in surprise. “You’re right. It’s not. She doesn’t like me because she doesn’t trust me. She doesn’t think I’m a nice person.”

“Did you do something wrong?”

“Not on purpose,” I hedged.

“Just say you’re sorry anyway.”

“I tried that. She won’t believe me.”

“Will she believeme?”

I looked at her. “Maybe. You want to try?”

“Sure.” Grinning, she took my phone. “What’s her name?”

“Lexi. It’s short for Alexandra. L-E-X-I.”

The tip of her tongue appeared between her teeth as she concentrated on typing. “How do you spell Devlin?”

“D-E-V-L-I-N.”

A moment later she asked, “How do you spell piggyback?”

I spelled it out for her. When she was done, she handed the phone back to me.

Dear Lexi, my name is Sara. I am 8. Devlin is my friend. He is so nice. He gives us piggyback rides. I am sitting next to him on the bus. He is sorry for what he did. Please believe me. From Sara

“Wow,” I said, warmth spreading in my chest. “This is awesome. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She kicked the seat in front of her and looked pleased. “Did I spell everything right?”

“You sure did. I’m very impressed.”

Her cheeks turned pink. “Are you going to send it?”

“Yes. And if she doesn’t like me after that, there’s no justice in the world.”

Sara grinned, and I hit send.