The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

can’t remember the last time I had a non-diet drink. I pluck out some popcorn, the butter coating my fingers. I pop it into my mouth. I may have moaned at the deliciousness of it, because Bobby asks if I’m okay.
    â€œI’m doing great.” I will not think about the calories. I can work them off tomorrow. Right now I’m just going to enjoy the sensual overload of too much butter and sugar.
    He leans toward me, and I go still.
    â€œI come to the movies for the popcorn,” he says quietly, like the movie has already started and he doesn’t want to bother anyone. “Guilty pleasure.”
    I look over at him.
    He grins again. “I’m on the wrestling team. We have weight classes, which means I have to maintain a certain weight for competition. So I have to log in everything I eat, keep track of calories, make sure everything I eat serves a purpose, provides energy, builds muscle, that kind of thing. But when I come to the movies, I cheat big-time. I figure as long as I limit my cheating, it’s okay.”
    I want to tell him that I totally get what he’s saying, that I have to watch my diet too, but then he’ll want to know why, and I can’t tell him I’m a gymnast. He’s in the school part of my life. “That has to be hard, watching what you eat.”
    â€œTotal pain, but it’s worth it. I love wrestling.”
    I hear the passion in his voice, and I can so relate to that. “I’ve never been to a wrestling match.”
    â€œYou should come to a meet next fall. I’ve got some moves.”
    I imagine he does. He’s lean but solid. I bet his opponents underestimate him, which gives him an advantage. He probably comes across as totally relaxed and nonthreatening. Like now. He seems completely comfortable with this blind date, but then, I get the impression that he was prepared for it. I wish I had been as well. I would have worn something a little nicer. Internally I shake my head. What am I thinking? I don’t need to impress him.
    He’s just being a good friend—like I am.
    The previews start up, and he settles back into his chair. Zoe touches my arm, and when I look at her, she gives me puppy-dog eyes that ask if all is forgiven.
    I’m still a little irritated with her for springing this on me. On the other hand, no matter what she calls it, it is a date. My first. And that’s exciting. I am actually sitting here at the movies with a guy who bought me popcorn slathered in butter and a sugar-rich drink—things I never buy myself.
    I give her a small smile and a nod. We’re still friends.
    Then I lean back to watch the movie. I’m trying really hard not to want more from this moment. Bobby and I are both here so that our friends can be together. We’re not here for each other. There’s nothing between us. There never will be.
    Because Gwen is right. I can’t get sidetracked by a boyfriend until after the Olympics.
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    After the movie ends, Bobby releases a deep sigh. “Guess that wasn’t so bad.”
    I smile at him. “You survived a chick flick.”
    He pats his chest. “I should get a badge.”
    â€œI’ll work on it.” The words are out before I’ve really thought about them. Am I flirting?
    He grins, and that dimple appears. “I’ll hold you to it.”
    I’m not sure what to say to that.
    The theater has cleared out, so we all get up and head into the hallway. Zoe and Michael come to a stop near the exit doors that lead to the parking lot.
    â€œThat was fun,” she says.
    â€œIt was. Can we give you both a ride home?” Michael asks.
    I hold my breath, wondering how I’m going to explain to my parents that a guy they don’t know brought me home.
    Zoe looks a little sad when she shakes her head. “My sister will be out there waiting for us.”
    â€œOkay. We’ll see you