He shook his head. “Tit for tat, Scarlett. And like I told you earlier, it was just a few texts on Friday. I don’t know what Gigi told you, but she was lying.”

I glared at him. This whole stupid Gigi thing was just the tip of the iceberg. Him thinking of me as a sister hurt my heart. But what I was really pissed about was the fact that I’d told him I’d saved my first kiss for him. And he’d had nothing to say. Not one word about it, really. He’d just shrugged at me. And now he was acting like a total dick.

“How about we get together on Thursday to brainstorm concept ideas,” Axel said.

“You know I’m busy on Thursday.” I was pretty sure he’d overheard me making a date with Jacob.

“Well, I can’t do it tonight. We have a late practice.”

I wanted to protest, but Jacob had already said that exact same thing.

“And we have to have a concept to tell your dad on Friday. So...” He shrugged. “Seems like you’ll have to cancel that date after all.” He looked so pleased with himself.

But he had no idea how much he was messing up my life now. I needed to kiss Jacob before the game on Saturday or I’d have to kiss a baker’s dozen football players to find my kiss thief.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class.

“I’ll swing by after practice on Thursday,” Axel said and stood up.

I sighed. “Yeah, sure.”

He smiled at me and then walked out of class.

The old me would have been thrilled to be paired up with Axel for a project. But this was supposed to be my fresh start which didn’t include him for once.

I turned to Jacob. “I’m so sorry, I have to cancel for Thursday.”

“I heard,” he said as he pulled his backpack over one shoulder. “No worries. You’re coming to the after party on Saturday, right?”

I nodded. I’d ask him about Friday, but there was no use. There was always a team dinner the night before a game. He’d be busy.

“Well that can be our second date then.”

I smiled. “Sounds good.” I grabbed my books and stood up. “Soph, can I get a ride home?” I always came to school with my dad now.

“Sure.” She didn’t look up from her phone. “Give me like twenty minutes though. I have that Pavel thing.”

“Your date, right.”

“Just wait for it.”

I wasn’t sure why she was acting like it was going to be a surprise. She was just going to make out with Pavel in front of Mr. Halifax, right? At least, I hoped that was right.