Chapter Thirty-Eight

We score the earrings for Lily, and I even pick up a necklace I think Abuela will like. It feels nice to be able to cross two things off my list. More importantly, I have the best time with Marisol and Sophie.

The next part of my plan involves a little sneaking around. In order to execute my vision for Isaiah’s perfect proposal, I need to enlist the help of his friends.

Thankfully, his best friend is in my math class. While our teacher is lecturing up by the board, I slip Jay a note:

I have a huge crush on Isaiah and he told me he wants a big proposal for homecoming, which I’m down to do, but I need your help. You in?

CIRCLE: Yes / No / Girl, you wild.

— Whit

I watch the back of his head while he slowly unfolds the crinkled paper. He lets out a little chuckle, shakes his head, then leans over the note, refolds it, and very carefully drops it over his left shoulder onto my desk.

When I open it, I see that Jay has circled both Yes and Girl, you wild, which is absolutely fair. I return the note to him with my cell phone number and ask him to text me when he can so we can figure out next steps without making Isaiah suspicious. The text comes next period.

Jay: should we have code names?

Me: I think that’s only fair in a situation like this.

Me: What do you want yours to be?

Jay: gossip girl

I have to stifle my laugh when I read his reply, lest I disappoint Ms. Bennett (I’m so sorry, Ms. Bennett, for not paying attention— I swear this is for a good reason!).

Me: I’ll be Veronica Mars

Jay: nice

Jay: hang on

A few minutes later, I get a different text from Jay in a new group thread with two numbers I don’t recognize, but who I can only assume are Malik and Daniel.

Jay: aight, identify yourselves

Malik: Malik

Jay: by your code name man, cmon bro

Malik: My bad

Malik: Hannah Montana

Daniel (I assume): I feel a vision coming on . . . Raven Baxter

Me: Veronica Mars

Jay: and we already know im gossip girl, obviously

Jay: ok i showed them the note

Jay: what do u need??

Me: Can you teach me how to become a better skateboarder in, like . . . a week?

Daniel:

Me: I KNOOOOW

Me: But here’s what I’m thinking: big proposal at the football game next Friday?

Me: I skateboard in around halftime (hopefully with you guys as backup if you’re going)

Me: Sign says something cute I haven’t come up with yet???

Malik:

Me: Too much?

Jay: no no no

Jay: well, ya

Jay: but he’ll like it

Daniel: You want to practice after school today? We were going to the skate park anyway.

Me: No Isaiah, right?

Daniel: He’s tutoring tonight, so you’re good

Me: I’m in!!!

Me: Thank you

Me: oh and also, if you tell anyone, I WILL have my bff Marisol’s tía, who is a bruja, curse you for life

Jay: we’re not saying shit, promise

Malik: Later, Veronica