The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson Read Free Book Online

I’m emitting. “This is Michael.” She points to the blond guy.
    I figured that out.
    â€œAnd his friend Bobby. They’re going to sit with us.” She turns to the guys. “And this is my bestest friend, Charlotte.”
    Suddenly my ability to think shuts down. Fast.
    â€œWe’ll get popcorn and drinks,” Michael says. “You wait here, avoid the mash of people.”
    They move up into our spots in the line, and Zoe grabs my arm to pull me back a little.
    â€œIs this a date?” I ask quietly when we’re out of their earshot.
    She looks a little guilty. “Not literally. I’m not allowed to date until I’m sixteen.”
    â€œBut you knew he’d be here.”
    She nods. “We came up with the idea during study hall.”
    â€œAnd you set me up with his friend?”
    She shrugs. “My mom might think something was up if I came alone. And I couldn’t invite my sister on a double date. For one thing, she’s too old for Bobby. Plus she might tattle.”
    Her sister is a freshman at the local community college, and she and Zoe don’t have a lot in common.
    â€œYou didn’t think you needed to tell me what you were planning?” I ask.
    She pouts. “I didn’t think you’d come if I did.”
    I probably wouldn’t have.
    â€œThat’s Bobby Singh ,” she says in an excited whisper, as though that explains everything.
    Still not getting it, I lift my shoulders and shake my head.
    She sighs. “He’s on the wrestling team with Michael. Bobby is one of the best, actually. Hasn’t lost a match yet.”
    I only stare at her.
    â€œJust go along with it, okay?” she pleads.
    â€œOnly because I love you.”
    She grins brightly. “We’re going to have the best time.”
    I suppose I could do this for her. What is the worst that could happen? Bobby Singh could turn out to be a total jerk?
    Although, based on the warmth in his eyes and his smile when they return to us, each carrying a cardboard tray holding two bags of popcorn and two drinks, I think that is probably unlikely. It’s at this moment that I realize I’ve never been anywhere with a guy other than my brother. I’m trying really hard not to feel self-conscious about this arrangement.
    â€œSo which movie?” Michael asks.
    â€œThe romantic comedy,” Zoe says.
    â€œLet’s go.”
    â€œWait,” Bobby says. “We bought tickets to the action flick.”
    â€œSo? Tickets all cost the same,” Michael reminds him. “It’s not like the chick flick is going to sell out, so we’re not stealing seats.”
    Balancing his tray in one hand, he takes Zoe’s hand with the other and starts walking toward the ticket taker. Which leaves me to walk beside Bobby. The top of my head doesn’t quite reach his shoulder. He’s wearing a short-sleeved polo shirt. He has some serious muscles going on in his arms. I’m impressed, because I know the amount of work it took to get them there.
    â€œMan, I think he has it bad for your friend,” Bobby murmurs. “Chick flick.”
    â€œIf you want to go to the action flick, go ahead. You don’t have to miss it because of me.”
    We hand over our tickets, and the ticket taker gives us our theater numbers.
    â€œNah, that’s okay,” Bobby says when we’re heading down the hallway. He grins at me. He really has a nice smile. It creates a tiny dimple in his left cheek. “You didn’t know all this was happening, did you?”
    He’s figured it out. I shake my head. “No, sorry.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    We don’t say anything else until we’re all seated. Zoe and I sit beside each other, and the guys bookend us.
    Bobby hands me a bag of popcorn and a drink. “Hope Coke is okay,” he says.
    â€œThat’s fine.” I take a sip, and my mouth puckers at the sweetness of it. I