“Because I tell my best friends that I love them all the time,” I say, moving my hands as I speak. “They’re my favorite people, you know? So, if you’re one of the favorites now, I pretty much love you. But not in the super-dramatic way. I love pizza and brownies and Aida and—”

“And Webber.”

“And Sondheim,” I say. “I love a lot of things, and you’ve been added to the list.”

“I’m honored, I think.” He laughs. “Where am I on the list—before or after pizza?”

I can’t take my eyes off his smile. I didn’t realize I could like someone this much. I didn’t think I could like them so much and they’d like me back.

“I like kissing you better than I actually like you,” I tease. “So, first Claudia and Lydia; then musicals; then kisses, which come before pizza; and then you.”

“Okay, I’ll try to remember,” he says, leaning forward. “But I like you better than all of the above. I think I should get a prize.”

I don’t think there’s anything I could give him that would be good enough. He’s acting like this isn’t a big deal, which is how the reactions should be, but they never have been before. It feels like my body is filled with the sun. I don’t know how to make him feel the same way, but he deserves it. I want to give him the sun.

“You get a secret.” I slide my arms around his neck. “I like you better than everything.”

CHAPTER 20

When the sixth-period bell rings on Friday, I head down to the old science wing. As much as I want to see Miles, it’s been four days since I last ate lunch with my best friends, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who noticed. Last night, Claudia sent a text in the group chat: SIMONE! come to lunch tomorrow with the GSA pls and thx, followed by Lydia’s text: You totally should because we miss you!

Now I’m here. I push myself into the room, but neither of my friends is here to greet me. There are more kids here than last time. I can’t spot Claudia or Lydia right away. Geez, why’d they want me to come to this meeting? I thought we’d just be hanging out.

The only person I recognize is Jesse, but even he’s distracted, laughing in the corner with a group of friends. I shift my weight between my feet. This is so not what I was expecting.

My phone chirps, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Proposition: I’ll buy you pizza if I get to move up a spot on the list.

It takes me a second to realize what Miles is talking about—my list of favorite things, the one I told him about in the park.