Page 306 of Faking the Goal

She pulls back just enough to look at me, smiling so warmly that it makes my chest ache.

"Well... yeah. Why wouldn't you be?" She reaches over and gently bumps my shoulder with hers. "I know things are messy right now because of your stalker, but I'm really happy you're not letting him take this away from you." Her smile softens. "He doesn't get to steal your happiness too. Especially when that happiness is named Kentaro Azuma."

A small giggle slips out of me.

"Yeah." I smile to myself. "He already stole my childhood. I'm not letting him take this too." I shake my head. "I'm done letting one deranged man decide how I get to live my life."

Caroline's entire face softens.

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear."

She reaches over and gives my hand a proud squeeze.

"I'm so proud of you, Tay."

My smile grows.

"Now..." Her eyes suddenly sparkle with mischief. "Have you thought about what you're going to wear?"

I blink.

"...No."

Caroline gasps so dramatically that we both immediately glance toward Sam.

Thankfully, she's still asleep.

Caroline lowers her voice to an excited whisper.

"Taylor Lewis, your first real date with Kentaro Azuma is happening as soon as he gets back, and you haven't even picked an outfit?"

I laugh quietly.

"I haven't gotten that far yet."

"Good thing the boys won't be back until Sunday." She claps her hands together, already making plans in her head. "That means you and I are going shopping tomorrow."

I let out an exaggerated groan.

"Care..."

"Nope." She points a finger at me before I can protest. "I'm not letting you show up to your first official date looking like you grabbed the first thing out of your closet."

I feign offense.

"Excuse you. I have great taste in clothes."

"You absolutely do," Caroline says, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "But this isn't just another date, Tay."

My smile softens.

"It's your first real one."

I feel my cheeks warm all over again.

"Which means," she continues with a grin, "you deserve a brand-new outfit to match."

I laugh quietly.