Rachel's Valentine Crush by Angela Darling Read Free Book Online Page A

being all nervous, I’ll just smile and say, “Sure,” like it’s no big deal, and follow him onto the dance floor and—
    Suddenly Rachel realized that Shane and Taylor had stopped talking. They were both staring at her. “Um, what?” she said, biting her lip. “Sorry, I—did you say something?”
    Shane fidgeted with his fork. “Yeah, I just—no big deal, but I asked if you wanted to go to the dance withme? As friends. That way we won’t be the only ones without a date.”
    A feeling of dread settled over Rachel. How could she say no? Shane was such a nice guy. She really didn’t want to hurt his feelings. But Brody’s face flashed through her mind, and she started to stammer, “Um—I don’t—”
    â€œActually, I’d love to go with you,” Taylor said to Shane, rescuing Rachel just in time. “You know, Rachel might not even be allowed to go to the dance, and I was worried that I wouldn’t have anyone to hang out with. I think we’ll have an awesome time!”
    Rachel flashed Taylor a grateful smile.
    â€œOkay, Taylor,” Shane said. “Sounds great.”
    But Shane’s smile didn’t seem quite genuine, and Rachel knew that he could tell that she was going to say no. She didn’t want Shane to feel totally rejected.
    â€œShane, ordinarily I would definitely go with you,” Rachel said quickly. “It’s just that—well, this is top secret so don’t tell anyone, but . . . I’m kind of hoping to go to the dance with Brody.”
    Shane looked shocked. “Brody?” he repeated. “You and Brody ?”
    Rachel was stung. She didn’t know what to say. Is it really that hard to believe? she thought.
    But Shane quickly corrected himself. “I’m just surprised because I had no idea that you even knew Brody,” he continued.
    Rachel nodded. “Yeah, we’ve been in our church choir for years. I mean, we were in it—before Brody moved to California.”
    â€œYou sing?” Now Shane looked even more surprised. “I didn’t know that. How come you’re not in glee club?”
    â€œBecause—actually, never mind. It’s not important. Besides, I get to sing a lot at church,” Rachel replied.
    â€œAnd you and Brody are . . . friends?” Shane asked.
    Rachel shrugged. “I guess. I mean, we were friendly. But just between us—” she leaned forward and lowered her voice—“I’ve had a crush on him forever. I know it’s probably not going to matter—”
    â€œWait a minute,” Shane said. “Do you think that you’re Brody’s secret crush?”
    Rachel didn’t say anything, but the pink blush creeping over her face answered Shane’s question.
    â€œWow, Rach, I honestly had no idea that you like Brody. That’s so . . . you know what? I really hope that Brody likes you, too. Maybe you are his secretcrush!” Shane said genuinely—and loudly. At least ten people nearby turned to stare at them! Rachel wished that she could dive under the cafeteria table and never be seen again. She bent down and rummaged around in her backpack like there was a secret treasure hidden there.
    â€œShane!” Taylor hissed. “Shut up!”
    Shane’s eyes grew wide. “Oops, sorry, that was kind of loud,” he said in a quieter voice.
    â€œI want to die,” Rachel moaned in a half whisper from under the table. “I’m so embarrassed.”
    â€œRach, don’t even worry about it,” Taylor said. “Come up. Nobody’s even looking over here anymore. Honestly, I don’t think that anyone was even paying attention.”
    â€œThen why were they all staring at me?” Rachel demanded.
    â€œNobody was staring. They just kind of . . . looked in this direction for a second,” Taylor replied, but Rachel