I listened closely as he spoke. “Miw-k.” “Yeh-w.” “Taw-ka-tive.” “I feel like a nerd right now but this is kind of fascinating.”

Brougham leaned forward. “No, it’s nice that you’re interested, actually.”

ACK-shuh-lee.

His weird little bastard accent had already been growing on me, but now that I was aware of its history, even more so.

And maybe the same could even be said for him.

THIRTEEN

Locker 89, I have a crush on a guy I’ve never spoken to. We’re in so many classes together, but he hangs out with a totally different crowd, and I’m sure he’d never be interested in me. But I want him to be. Will you be my fairy godmother?

[email protected]

Locker 89 <[email protected]>     3:06 p.m. (0 min ago)

to Marie Leider

Hi Marie,

Eye contact, eye contact, eye contact. Now I don’t mean follow him around staring at him without blinking. But I do mean glance at him, and if he meets your eyes, hold that gaze for at least a couple of seconds. Looking away quickly can make it seem like it was an accident (we don’t want that—we don’t want him doubting your interest; we want him sure that if he comes up and says hi he won’t be rejected!) or like you lack confidence. And confidence is the sexiest thing ever! It says I love me, and if you know what’s good for you, you should too!

If he starts a conversation, smile, be pleasant, engage, and ask open-ended questions. Nothing that only needs a yes or no answer. That’ll keep the conversation flowing. And don’t be afraid to approach him to start a conversation first! Just keep it casual and ask if he remembers when that book report is due, or if *he* was the one who got an A+ last year, and how did he manage that? Not necessarily those word for word, but you get me. Just show you’re friendly, and easy to talk to.

Honestly, don’t be afraid. Most people are really nice, and they wouldn’t have an issue with someone striking up a friendly conversation (and seriously, if this is one of the few guys in school who would give you hell for asking a simple question, maybe you should have a long think about if that kind of guy deserves you anyway?). At best, he was hoping for an opportunity to get to know you and was too shy to approach (guys can be shy and nervous too!). Worst, you might get a new friend / friendly acquaintance. You have nothing to lose.

Good luck!

Locker 89

Brougham and I stood outside the café, ducked under the awning for protection from the rain.

“It’s not gonna stop raining anytime soon,” he said.

“Nope.”

“Make a break for it?”