I was supposed to react now. He knew it was a big deal to tell me, and it was. And now he wanted me to react. But depending on which one of those it was, my reaction would be completely different. I mean, I really wanted it to be Jackson. I liked Jackson and I wanted him to match up with the online conversations I’d had with Heath Hall. But if I was being truthful, the masked version didn’t fit the Jackson I’d come to know. Jackson needing to put on a mask to face all of his fears, Jackson telling his fears to suck it, Jackson shaking like a leaf after showing people his painting didn’t make sense.

On the other side, the masked Heath Hall fit more with the DJ I knew in real life. He was vulnerable and shy. He was more the type that would want to hide his face when facing fears, to not draw attention to himself but the fear, as if it were everyone’s to own. Plus, the timeline made more sense. And now I’d flirted with him both online and in real life but Amelia had all but claimed him. Which was fine. I wanted her to. I didn’t like DJ like that. Sure I enjoyed the conversations we’d had online and I felt comfortable with him as a friend. I put my forehead to my keyboard. It was him and I so didn’t want it to be.

My computer dinged. You’re disappointed. It wasn’t a question.

No, I responded back, but that was all I had the chance to type before there was a knock at my door. I was glad for the interruption. I needed to think.

“Come in.”

My mom opened the door and sat down on the edge of my bed. She looked frazzled, upset. For a minute I thought she had discovered my award under my bed and wanted to apologize for missing the ceremony. But then she started talking. “A friend in Las Vegas called. Her co-organizer came down with the flu and had to go to the hospital because she couldn’t hold anything down for several days.”

I had no idea who or what she was talking about, but I figured it would all eventually make sense. “I’m sorry. Is there anything we can do?”

“The race is Saturday. As in the day after tomorrow. You know how crazy race days can be, and she just needs some experienced hands there helping things run smoothly.”

Now I understood. Mom to the rescue. “So you’re going out of town this weekend?”

“I wouldn’t because your father has business down south this weekend too, and I hate to leave you alone. But . . .”

“It’s fine, Mom. It’s two nights. I think I can survive.”

“Dad will be home late Saturday night.”

“Well, see, it’s just one night, then.”