Liam could do whatever he wanted. And I’d been forced to wear thick glasses and frumpy clothes for the last 17 years because my dad was trying to ruin my life.

But none of that mattered now, because today was my fresh start.

“Have a good day,” my mom said with a wave.

“Thank you,” I mouthed silently at her. I followed my dad and brother into the elevator and down to the parking garage. I had no idea why my dad wanted to drive us. He was a professor at a university across town and I was pretty sure he had an 8 a.m. this semester.

My phone vibrated as I climbed into the back seat of my dad’s car. It was a text from my best friend and cousin, Sophie: “How did Operation Too Hot to Handle go? Did you escape?”

I quickly typed back. “The first phase of Operation THTH was a go. My dad actually conceded. I got to wear the skirt.”

“Score! Contacts and a skirt that’s above your knees? This is your year, Scar.”

I smiled down at my phone. This was definitely going to be my year.

Another message came through. “Especially if a certain someone finally notices.”

I looked out the window and exhaled slowly. Axel Stevens. I’d been in love with him for as long as I could remember. And for the first time in years, he was actually single. It wasn’t just going to be my year. It was going to be our year. I could feel it. I just needed to get out of the friend zone first. And fast, because Axel was never single for very long. It felt like today was my first and only chance to make him look at me like more than a friend.

Just thinking about him turned my stomach into a pit of nerves. And my heart was beating so quickly that I could feel it in my throat. Please let this plan work.

My phone buzzed again. “Ready for phase two of Operation THTH?”

I took a deep breath. This was my one and only chance. And it was going to work. It had to. “I was born ready.”

“Atta girl, Scar. We actually just pulled up to school. See you in a few!”

“Wait, who was driving?” Sophie always drove herself to school so she could flee whenever she wanted. “Don’t tell me Uncle Rob insisted on driving you like my dad did?”

“What? No. RJ wanted to drive.”

“He doesn’t even have his driver’s permit.” And he’s only 14!

“So? I was watching him.”

“You were texting me.”

“We made it here alive didn’t we? I’m a great teacher. Just like I’m going to teach you how to win over Axel. See you soon!”