Don't Kiss Him Good-Bye by Sandra Byrd Page B

got to chat with my mother tonight,” I said. “And then I’ll let you know after school tomorrow. Okay?”
    He stood back and smiled. “Take my picture to show your mum.”
    My first thought was, Wow, a little overconfident? But then he made a crazy face and it made me laugh. I took a pic with my phone and headed home to talk with my mom.
    I had noticed that he’d kept a complete poker face when I’d mentioned the paper. But Rhys would. I got the feeling he never let anyone know what he was truly feeling.

Chapter 34

    “So why aren’t you saying anything?” I asked my mom as she stared at the picture of Rhys.
    “I’m looking,” Mom answered.
    “Is it the ponytail? Because it’s really short and neat. All those guys in the Bible wore long hair. And so did the guys in the American Revolution.”
    My mother looked up and rolled her eyes at me. “And so did your father for a time, and I obviously don’t think he’s a bad guy.”
    “He did?” I couldn’t believe it. “Dad?”
    She nodded. “Dad.”
    “And look at him. Could he be nicer? cleaner? healthier? The man drinks tomato juice for breakfast every day.”
    Mom patted the couch beside her. “Sav, it’s not the ponytail. It’s just that every time you talk about this boy, you’re not yourself. You’re either really up or really down or really confused. You don’t know what he thinks or what he believes or what you have in common.”
    “We’re friends,” I insisted. “So we’d only be going as friends.”
    “Friends talk about issues; they help each other; they feel comfortable with each other. I don’t know your heart, but from my point of view, that doesn’t seem to be happening here. And does he know you’re just friends?”
    I tapped my foot for a minute. Then I took off my shoes and tossed them into the corner, scaring Growl. That hadn’t even been my intention—this time. That dog is as dumb as dirt , I thought. Then I looked up. Why had I thought tha t ?
    “I am sure he does.”
    My mother looked doubtful.
    “I’ll tell him in very straight words,” I promised. “Can I go?”
    “This has to be your decision, Savvy,” she said. “But I want you to think hard about it. When you go out with someone, dress up, or even just become friends with him, you are giving away a precious piece of yourself. Make sure that each person you give a piece of Savvy to deserves it.”
    I leaned into her arm. “I will, Mom.”
    She reached her arm around me and stroked my hair. “Firsts are especially important, things you’ll always remember. First dances, first formal dresses . . . first kisses . . .”
    “I am not going to kiss Rhys,” I said.
    She stood up. “But he may try to kiss you.” She ruffled my hair and then padded into the kitchen to do the dishes while I went upstairs to text Penny. I wanted to tell her but didn’t actually want to talk with her.
    I’ve decided to go to the May Day Ball with Rhys.
    Her answer came right back.
    Are you sure, Sav?
    Yes. And we’re just friends. I’ll tell him that.
    As long as you’re sure that’s what you want. . . . So can my mum invite your mum to the Day After Garden and Tea Party?
    I texted back yes immediately. I didn’t tell her, of course, but that was one of my main reasons for wanting to go. There were lots of good reasons to go, of course. To have fun with everyone. To enjoy dancing. To dress up in a formal! And to hang out with Rhys for the night too.
    Only one little thing I wasn’t looking forward to. Seeing Tommy and Chloe in her I’m-sure-it’s-not-awkward dress.
    On my way downstairs I stopped by Louanne’s room. She was lying on her bed doing her homework. She wasn’t exactly beaming with joy, but she looked a little more chipper than she had for a few days.
    “Everything okay?” I asked.
    “Mmm-hmm,” she replied.
    “I’ll bring a paper home for you on Thursday.”
    At that, she smiled. “Thanks, Savvy.”
    I hoped she’d thank me later when she