Page 14 of Under Rusted Stars

“Kate is making me.”

“Did she mention they want the prom King and Queen to come up?” Bodhi asks.

“Cool. So don’t wear a dress with a zipper,” I say, and he laughs. “Is this a trick?”

“No, I think Kate might be up to something, though,” he laughs. “It was her idea.”

“Oh, Lord,” I laugh.

“Are you going to go to court alone?”

“Hell… I don’t know,” I say. “Kate and Luke will get themselves put in jail. So will my parents. I might have to.”

“I can go with you,” he says. “I won’t even need bail money.”

“Do you want to or do you feel like you owe me?” I ask.

“No, I want to,” he says. “You’re a female. I can win you over with food.”

“That is a fair assumption,” I say with a smile.

“Don’t answer or decide right now. Think about it, and if you want someone to go with you, just ask,” he says.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because asking me takes effort that you will only put in if you truly want it and don’t feel obligated because I offered,” he says. “Waiting ensures you actually think about it.”

“Where did that boy go who used to pull my hair and call me names?” I ask with a smile.

“He grew up and learned how to respect women,” Bodhi says, matching my smile. “What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?”

“What do you think my favorite is?” I challenge him.

“Hmm…” he says, looking me over. “Vanilla.”

“Rude!” I gasp. “I am not a vanilla girl!”

“No?” Bodhi asks with a playful smile. My face instantly turns red, and I cover my cheeks, making him laugh heartily. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone, Liv.”

“You just love teasing me. That’s what it is,” I say.

“Tease you? I thought we were talking about ice cream, ma’am.”

“You are a menace, Bodhi!” I declare and playfully push his shoulder, making him grin. “I’m not very picky, but I do prefer savory over sweet.”

“Got it,” he says, still smiling. “I’ll think of something.”

“For what?” I ask.

“Winning you over with food, of course,” he says. I yawn so hard that my eyes water, and he chuckles. “Tired?”

“Yeah. I’ve not gotten a lot of rest lately,” I say. “Knowing he is on house arrest definitely helps.”

“Have you eaten?” he asks.

“Not since the diner,” I laugh.

“Liv, humans have to eat. You know this, right?” he asks.