doorway, unsure whether I was welcome in her room. “You ever choose between Andy and Tade?”
“I chose neither because boys are assholes and I don’t need one to be happy.”
“What happened?”
Mel shoved a cookie in her mouth. The smell was making my stomach rumble. Normally I would’ve grabbed one, but I was scared Mel would literally bite my hand off if I tried. “Tade, as it turned out, already had a girlfriend. Two, actually.”
“And Andy?”
“Asked how soon was too soon to tell someone he loved them.”
“That’s not so bad, maybe.”
“And was also proud that he’d never read a comic book with a girl main character.”
“Fuck that guy.”
Mel rolled her eyes. “It’s whatever. Between work and Dreadful Dressup and college applications and finishing senior year without my best friend, the last thing I need is boyfriend drama.”
I took a chance, dropped my bag on the floor, and moved closer to the bed. When Mel didn’t immediately murder me, I sat on the edge, but I steered clear of her cookies. “I’ve been so wrapped up trying to figure out how to help my dad while still being pissed at him, doing all the campaign stuff, and dealing with my own drama, that I didn’t think how this was affecting you.”
“I used to be able to depend on you, Dre.”
“You still can. Mostly.”
Mel’s tone was softer, a little warmer. “Just . . . don’t promise things you can’t deliver. If you say you’re gonna be there for me, be there.”
“I will,” I said. “I promise. Pinkie promise. Find me a knife and I’ll make it a blood oath.”
Mel pushed the plate of cookies toward me, and I gratefully grabbed one. Mel’s mom made the best cookies in the world. There was nothing they couldn’t mend.
“So what’s your drama?” Mel asked while I savored my cookie.
I talked with my mouth full, ignoring Mel’s look of disgust. “My dad’s freaking out because McMann’s gonna be in the next debate. After the last debate, he was excited for a rematch with Arnault, but throwing McMann into the mix has him shook. When he’s not at rallies and stuff, he’s doing nonstop debate prep. But we’re doing this trapeze class tomorrow night and I’m so excited!”
Mel’s eyes were a little glazed over. “I meant the other stuff. What about the guy you were talking to? You ever settle that?”
I shook my head. “There’s nothing there. Maybe. I don’t know. I was all psyched up to accept that he didn’t like me and then there was this moment where I thought he did, but then it was gone and he was acting like it was nothing when I was sure it was something.”
“Why won’t you tell me who it is?” she asked.
“It’s complicated.”
Mel’s face lit up conspiratorially. “Is he married? Is he older? Like a teacher?”
“No, no, and hell no.”
“Okay,” Mel said. “But if you don’t think he’s into you, why are you bent outta shape about him?” Before I could answer, she raised her hand to her mouth. “Oh. You really like him, don’t you? You’ve, like, already planned your wedding and the next twenty years of your lives together.”
I tried my best to look indignant. “Have not.”
“What’re your kids’ names?”
“Darius, Kayla, and Jorge, but that’s not the point.”
Mel’s expression shifted quickly to pity. “Don’t do this to yourself again, Dre.”
“I’m not doing anything.”
“Falling for a boy you can’t have? That’s basically your brand. The more he isn’t into you, the more likely you are to be into him. I’ve seen this show before.”
“Just forget it.”
“Justin Chen.”
“Drop it, Mel.”
“Luis Cantero.”
“Mel!”
“Daniel Grant.”
I stood, nearly knocking over the plate of cookies, but Mel rescued them at the last second.
“I don’t want you getting hurt, Dre.”
“I won’t get hurt.”
“You always get hurt because you throw your heart out like it’s a life preserver when really it’s just chum for sharks.”
I could’ve pretended to be offended, but Mel was right. I was setting myself up for heartbreak. “I don’t know what to do.” I slumped back down on the bed beside her.
Mel wrapped her arm around my shoulders and hugged me. “Are you sure he isn’t into you?”
“There’s a chance,” I said. “It’s tiny. Super tiny. But even if he is, and it’s likely he’s not, we’re so different.”
“How?” Mel asked. “Like you’re a Leo and he’s a Pisces or like you enjoy charming British comedies and he’s into gore-porn horror movies?”
“Worse.” I leaned into Mel.
“Who is this mystery guy?”
“I can’t tell you.” I got off the bed and went