Page 34 of Pride High 2: Orange

“I love this movie,” she said as she settled onto the couch. “I only wish they had cast Michael Schoeffling instead of Andrew McCarthy.”

“Who?” Silvia asked.

“Jake Ryan. He’s so hot! How could you forget him?”

Mindy had an encyclopedic knowledge of cute boys. Which made it all the more frustrating that Silvia couldn’t figure out who she found attractive at all. Guys rarely caught her eye. Not as frequently as her best friend seemed to notice them.

“I don’t get it,” Silvia said, shaking her head.

“What?”

“Boys,” Silvia said in a disdainful tone. “Why do they have to be so confusing?”

“No idea.” Mindy winced in guilt. “But I kind of like that about them.”

“I don’t. How are you supposed to tell if you’re in love with someone? Or if you want to be with them at all?”

Mindy snorted. “If you’re wondering about Omar, that’s an easy one.Nobodyshould be with him.”

“Would you stop taking digs at my boyfriend?” Silvia snapped.

“Sorry!” Mindy grabbed her hand. “I’m terrible. And you’re right. This has gone way beyond a few dates, and you obviously like him. I need to respect that instead of being jealous.”

Silvia exhaled. “It’s fine. I’m not angry at you. I’m angry at myself.”

Mindy’s expression went from apologetic to concerned. “Why?”

“Because I still have my doubts.”

“But you just got back together with him!” Mindy said, not hiding her shock.

“I know,” Silvia said. “I feel horrible about it.”

“Did he do something wrong?”

She could easily imagine Omar asking the same thing, except with a hurt expression.What did I do wrong, babe?

“No,” Silvia answered. “I still like how good he is with Hugo, and how excited he is about, well, almost everything. He’s hyperactive and a typical guy, but I really do like him.”

“He’s not so bad,” Mindy admitted grudgingly. “So what happened?”

Anthony. Sort of. Silvia didn’t have fantasies about running away with him or raising a family together. She didn’t long to hear him confess secret feelings, or wish that they could snuggle while listening to music at the store. She didn’t need any of that from him. And yet… “How do you decide who you’re attracted to? Jake Ryan versus Blane McDonough. How do you know which type you like more?”

Mindy appeared thoroughly confused by the question. “You don’t. Remember last year when Nick Brinkman got in trouble for saying all those racist things? I had a dream about him shortly after. A naughty one. And umm… I liked it. Not because of him! I wouldneverdate someone who believes such hateful things. But he is handsome. Even though he disgusts me. Anyway, that’s how I know it isn’t something you decide. Attraction just happens, whether you like it or not.”

Damn it! That sure sounded like the situation with Anthony. Except Silvia actually did like him. A lot. But she would never choose to be attracted to someone who couldn’t reciprocate her feelings. If it even went that deep.

Mindy was still watching her with concern. Then she sighed. “Don’t tell Omar I said this—ever!—but he’s a good-looking guy. Especially when his mouth is shut. Sorry! No more digs, I swear.”

Silvia laughed. “At least I got that much right.”

“It’s normal to have doubts,” Mindy said. “When you stop having them is when you get married. And thank god you don’t feel that way yet. Not because of Omar. I still haven’t been on a real date. If you get married before I even kiss a boy, it’ll destroy me.”

“I promise to turn down any proposals until then.”

“Thanks,” Mindy said. “Hopefully I won’t keep you waiting long. Hey, did I tell you? I’m getting my braces off just before Christmas! Santa Claus must be real because he heard my prayers.”

“I don’t think you’re supposed to pray to him,” Silvia teased.