a happy ending. It's a romantic tragedy."
"Exactly! Just like me! My whole love life is a romantic tragedy. And it's all because of my stupid name."
"A lot of girls have the name Juliet and they're not all single."
"Because their moms didn't name them for the Shakespeare Juliet. They just liked the name."
"Jules, you are not cursed because you were named after a character in a play who had a tragic love story. I've told you that a million times."
"And yet I still can't get a boyfriend. How do you explain that?"
"You just haven't met the right person."
"I'm not looking for the one. I'm just looking for a boyfriend. Someone I can go out with for more than a couple dates."
"Maybe you should look for a guy named Romeo," I say, laughing as I get in the car. "That way you both have cursed names and maybe they'll cancel each other out."
"I'm serious, Faith. I really think my name is holding me back from finding love. Maybe it's not a curse but it's something." She sighs. "Oh, well. At least I have a date tonight. How about you? Going out with the hot neighbor?"
"I told you, he doesn't want that. We're just friends."
"Have you met anyone in town? What about Paint Guy?"
"I haven't been back there since he asked me out."
"So go there and tell him you're free tonight."
"I'm not interested in him. And I'm not free tonight. Grams is having Walter and Tyler over for dinner."
"So? That doesn't mean you can't go out and do your own thing."
"I told her I'd be there. And Tyler wants me there."
"Why? You're not dating him."
"No, but we're friends."
"I think you need to find some new friends. You've been hanging out with that guy way too much."
"Why is that a bad thing?"
"Because you like him. And hanging out with him gives you hope that maybe there could be something more. You're setting yourself up to be hurt."
"I can't get hurt if we're not dating."
"What if he dates someone else? That wouldn't bother you?"
"He can date whoever he wants. We're just friends."
"Then the same is true for you. Go on a date with Paint Guy. Just one date. If you still don't like him, that's fine, but at least you'll be spending time with someone who's actually interested in you."
"I'm not going out with Paint Guy."
"Then find someone else. Maybe meet someone at school. Classes start next week, right?"
"Yeah. Monday." I back out of the driveway. "Jules, I need to go."
"Me too. I have to get ready for my date."
"Have fun! Call me tomorrow. I want to know how it goes."
"I will. Bye!"
When I arrive at the fire station the place is packed with little kids. In addition to the bake sale, the fundraiser also includes a small carnival with rides and games. It's so crowded I have to park at city hall, which is a block down from the fire station. As I'm getting the cookies out of the car, I hear a guy behind me.
"Need some help?" he asks.
I turn and see a tall, dark-haired, muscular guy smiling at me.
"Um, no. I can get it, but thanks for offering." I look at him. He seems familiar. "Have we met?"
"Not officially but I've seen you dropping off cookies every day. Thanks for contributing. People love your cookies. They sell out every day."
"Actually, my grandma makes them. They're her recipes. I'm just her helper. And I pack them up and make the deliveries."
"Still, you've done a ton of work. I just wanted to let you know we appreciate it."
"Have you raised much money this week?"
"Not enough to buy a new fire truck but we'll at least be able to afford some new equipment." He holds his hands out. "Let me carry that for you."
"That's okay. It's not that heavy."
"C'mon." He smiles. "You know how bad I'll look if we walk to the fire station together and I'm not holding the box for you? The guys will never let me hear the end of it."
"So this is more about your reputation than helping me?" I tease.
"A little of both." He nods at the box. "What do you say?"
"Sure." I hand him the box. "Your reputation is saved. I'm Faith, by the way."
"Keith." He holds his hand out and we shake.
"Nice to meet you." I pause. "Well, I guess I can go now." I turn and open my car door.
"Wait. You can't just leave."
I turn back. "Why not?"
"I don't know what to do with these. You always