Emma's Not-So-Sweet Dilemma (14 page)

There were so many options! So many decisions! So many ways . . . to embarrass myself. I felt aggravated now.

“You know what? Thanks, everyone. I'll figure something out,” I said, more cheerfully than I felt. My brain was swirling with ideas and opinions, and I was a little sick of discussing it. Valentines by committee are probably not a good idea.

“My only advice for you is: less is more,” said Emma.

I huffed. “Thanks,” I said.
Sort of,
I added in my mind.

Mia threw me a sympathetic glance. “Hey,” she said. “At least you like someone! I feel like I don't even know any boys!”

“Me, neither!” Katie agreed, at which point we all had to tease her about George.

“And I know too many!” Emma cried, who was always sick of living in boyland at her house.

“Poor Emma,” said Mia, fake sympathetic.

We all laughed and then went out to meet Emma's mom for a ride home.

Back at the Taylors', I pulled my tablet from out of my bag and ducked into the bathroom, where I sat on the lid of the toilet and made a small list of the pros and cons of giving Matt a valentine of any sort.

Pros:

It would be nice of me.

He would probably like it.

Maybe it would take things to the next level.

Maybe he would give me something.

Maybe he would ask me out on a date.

Cons:

What if he doesn't like me like that?

What if Emma gets annoyed?

I am scared to go on a date.

What if he doesn't give me anything back?

What if he doesn't like what I give him?

I stared at the list. Yes or no? Do or die? Do
and
die (of embarrassment!)?

“Alexis?”

It was Emma calling me.

“In here!” I replied through the closed door.

“You okay? It's time to start baking!” she called.

“Coming!” I called, scrambling to tuck my tablet back in its sleeve.

I decided right then. One cupcake. That's all. That's what I'd give him. He could take it any way he wanted. One little cupcake. How much trouble could that be?

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