Pushing Send by Ally Derby Read Free Book Online Page B

:D I text back
    I run downstairs and show Mom the text. She nods then grabs the keys to Dad’s truck.
    “Mom, that thing is ancient . Can’t we just take your car?” I plead. I’m not usually embarrassed, but after seeing Lana’s bathroom and how it seems that the others are arriving in a limo…
    “I’m sorry, Hadley. My car is in the shop.”
    “Right, okay, let’s just go.” I smile convincingly.
    We drive to Claire’s house on a private road, listening to the radio and chatting sometimes. When we arrive at the crossroad, I exhale.
    “Mom, can you just drop me off here, and I’ll walk?” I ask.
    “Sure, sweetie.” She smiles. “Don’t do anything stupid,” she sing-songs while laughing and unlocking my door.
    “Love you, Mom.” I smile, then walk to Claire’s house.
    I notice the music coming from behind the house and follow the Tiki torches lining the sidewalk that leads to a massive pool and outdoor oasis.
    Wow.
    The entire place has been transformed into a tropical paradise. There are raffia skirts circling the food tables and bar. Everyone is wearing leis; some people are sporting beachcomber hats and grass skirts.
    I see Lana and Joey ‘Freaking’ White. He is whispering in her ear, and her smile is as big as the moon. She doesn’t see me. As a matter of fact, I am certain she doesn’t see anyone except him.
    I look around, noticing it seems like it’s only couples there, and immediately feel out of place.
    “Hey, new girl.” I look to my left and see Pax walking toward me. His hair is still styled like it was for the prom, but he is in a pair of swim trunks and a tank top. I have never seen him like this, never realized just how built he is. “You having fun?” he asks, breaking my stare.
    I nod then shrug, fumbling yet again.
    “Just got here.” I nod to Lana. “She have fun?”
    “She seemed to have a great time. She and Claire even got along.” He mockingly gasps.
    I smile. “I saw the pictures on Instagram.”
    “Yeah, I have about had it with the number of selfies I’ve had to endure tonight.”
    “The joys of Hashtag-BlueValleyProm.” I look up at him. “The pictures are great.”
    He doesn’t say anything as he looks at me, and it honestly makes me uncomfortable.
    “Teenage girls.” He smirks.
    “Wretched creatures.”
    “Hashtaggers.” He grins.
    I smile and nod.
    “Fine,” he grumbles.
    “Fine, what?” I ask, as I watch him pull his phone out from his pocket.
    “No, don’t try to stop me. I know, I know.” He throws his arm around my shoulder and holds out his phone. “Say cheese.”
    “No.” I try to squirm away, but he holds tighter.
    “You were just as much a part of Hashtag-BlueValleyProm as the rest of us.”
    “Was not.” I cover my face as he snaps a picture.
    “You were behind the scenes. Now smile, Hadley.”
    “If I refuse?”
    “I will keep taking them until you do,” he warns.
    “You are impossible.” I uncover my face and smile to appease him.
    He gets closer and pushes his face against mine, and my eyes automatically close.
    “Hadley, open your eyes and smile.”
    I do, knowing he won’t let up, and he snaps a few more.
    “Now, your phone.”
    “Not necessary,” I say, pulling myself away slowly and hoping it doesn’t offend him.
    “Hadley, necessary. Hand it over.”
    I hand him my phone.
    As he snaps the first picture, I notice Claire behind us, making a silly face, and I laugh. Pax sighs, then lets go of me.
    “Thanks for coming.” Claire smiles and grabs my hand. “Let’s get a drink.”
    As she pulls me away from Pax toward the bar, I am oddly relieved.
    “Selfies with Pax?” she asks, smiling, although something about her smile is less than genuine. I understand the feeling—a tinge of jealousy, the same feeling I felt when I saw the pictures of them at #BlueValleyProm, except for the fact that it doesn’t go away.
    “Yeah, I guess.” I take the drink she hands me.
    “He’s cute, right?” She waves her