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“No, you were right. And I’m taking your advice—taking charge of my future. I’m a modern woman, and I need to start acting like one.” With one last sniffle, I turn to face my mother. “And in the immortal words of Tina Turner, ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’?”

Mom flashes a sad smile. “We’re still on for Saturday night?”

“Yes. You, me, and the last three. And I’m expecting you to bring your A game. No Chef Boyardee surprise for these guys. Pull out the Martha Stewart playbook and do your worst.” I choke out a laugh. “I mean your best.”

Mom pats my hand. “Trust me. I know exactly what I’ll make.”

All week long, I avoid Jordan like the plague. Staying out of his breathing space has become my new mission in life. I shake up my daily routine, taking new and unexpected routes to every one of my classes and swinging by the dining hall before or after my usual times. I even fake menstrual cramps, getting out of my physics lab. If the whole college thing doesn’t work out for me, I may look into a career in espionage.

Right when I think I’m in the clear, Friday afternoon, I get an email from the cocky Eve’s Orchid photographer, telling me he’ll be at my house Saturday night to take photos of me with the finalists.

“You want me to come over?” Nicole tosses out the question as we shop for dresses Saturday morning.

I haven’t had the stomach for shopping since Jordan and I went up in flames, but the formal is barely a week away, and no matter who I pick, I’ll need a dress.

“I can keep Grant, Caleb, and Elijah busy so you and Jordan can make goo-goo eyes at each other.”

The breath in my lungs stills, and I freeze with my hand on a red satin gown. “Uh . . . I broke up with Jordan.”

“What?” Nicole lets out a shriek worthy of a Scream Queen. “When? Why?”

“Last weekend.” I pretend to examine the red dress. “And before you ask, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Bullshit.” Nicole steps in front of me, blocking my view of the rack behind her. “After the massive guilt trip you put me through for dissing him, you need to explain. I gave you your space after the photo shoot, but come on. I’m still your best friend, am I not?”

Her accusation hits close to home, and I exhale in a gust, fighting tears. “He posted the list.”

Nicole’s mouth falls open and she takes a step back. “That explains Jeremy’s weird behavior.”

“Jeremy?”

“He and Captain Freak Show low-key became friends after the whole bowling alley thing.”

“You’re kidding!” Add that to the list of things Jordan kept from me.

She shrugs. “I don’t get it, but what do I know? I saw them with their heads together on Wednesday. Keller had a bunch of pink orchids he’d been carrying around since Monday. I think he got a fresh bunch every day, but whatever . . . he tossed them in the trash, then he and Jeremy stalked out, plotting. I should’ve known something was up.”

I have no clue how to process this information. “You think Jeremy knows about Jordan posting the list?”

“He’d better not if he didn’t tell me!” Something over my shoulder catches her eye. “What about this?” Nicole grabs a peacock-blue dress from the rack behind me. “This would be amazing with your hair. You’d look like an honest-to-goodness princess!”

With that one word, Nicole adds a fresh crack to my heart.

Mom’s doorbell rings at the stroke of seven Saturday evening. Despite my total lack of enthusiasm, I’ve been ready for almost an hour, and at least half that time has been spent trying not to throw up.

Thankfully, Mom opens the door so I don’t have to.

“Aren’t you handsome.” She fawns over Caleb, and I can see her restraining herself from running her fingers through his dark-brown curls. Can’t blame her. He may be an idiot, but he’s gorgeous.

Caleb scratches his head, blushing all the way to his hairline. “Thanks, Mrs. Beaman.”

“Such manners. I could eat you up!” Mom squeezes his face, making him look like a giant fish. “But none of this ‘Mrs. Beaman’ crap. Call me Ginger.”

“Uh . . .” Caleb’s honey-brown eyes plead with mine. “Okay, Ginger.”

“Mom.” I groan. “Leave Caleb alone.”

“Fine.” She releases Caleb’s face and turns toward Elijah as he walks in with Grant. “Welcome, boys!”