Almost Never

by Melissa Toppen

  Moving the tissue paper to the side, I reach into the bag. I give Lulu a funny look as I pull out something made of a silky fabric, discarding the bag onto the floor before holding it up in front of me.

  “A dress?” I say, not sure how to react.

  Don’t get me wrong. It’s a gorgeous dress. A sleeveless, deep blue, floor length gown, with a low V down the back and a risqué dip in the front covered by a thin strip of lace. I just have no idea what I could possibly wear this dress for.

  And then it hits me...

  She wouldn’t.

  I’ve told her countless times over the last couple of weeks that I’m not going to the Spring Formal this weekend. So, in an effort to twist my arm, she buys me a way too expensive dress in hopes of making it to where I can’t say no. I guess me turning down Teller wasn’t enough to convince her that I really am not interested in going.

  “Now, I know what you’re thinking,” she starts before I can say anything. “But I talked to Alec, and we both really, really want you to go. And I got the dress on clearance so it can’t be returned.”

  “So you buy me a birthday present to try to coerce me into doing something you know I don’t want to do.”

  “Oh come on, Hope. Don’t be mad. We just really want you to go and I know you haven’t gotten a dress yet.”

  “You’re right, I haven’t. Because I said I wasn’t going.”

  “Look, it took me hours to find the perfect dress for you. Maybe my tactics are a little over the top, but deep down I know you want to go. You’re just worried you’ll be imposing...which you won’t be.” Her expression softens. “Just please say you’ll think about it.”

  “Think about it?” I grunt. “You’ve all but backed me into a corner.”

  I know that’s not entirely true. I know I could decline and say thank you for the dress and walk away. But I also know Lulu and getting her way is her specialty. Sometimes it’s easier to give in than to deal with her relentless badgering.

  “Please just come with us. Alec said he’ll pick us both up. And I know you’re worried about being the third wheel but it’s not like we’ll be your only friends there. Everyone will be there. And I know you’ll have so much fun if you were to go.”

  I really don’t know why this is so important to her. And as much as I don’t want to go and watch her parade Alec in my face all night, I also can’t deny how much I’d love to see him dressed up.

  I feel myself starting to wane.

  “Don’t get your hopes up, but I’ll think about it. But no promises,” I tell her, wagging my finger at her.

  “Ahhh!” Both of her arms go around my neck. “I knew you’d love the dress.” She squeezes me so tight that I can hardly breathe.

  So much for not getting her hopes up...

  ——

  “Hope.” I pause from counting cookies behind the bakery counter and look up to see Alec standing in front of me.

  “Hey,” I croak, surprised to see him here. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve heard so much about this place and based on what you’ve brought me, I’d say the hype is well deserved.” He gestures around the small bakery. “Thought it was about time I stopped by to see the place for myself.”

  “Is that so?” I can’t help but smile. God, why does he have to be so darn cute?

  “It is.” He nods. “Plus, I’m in the mood for something sweet. So tell me, what do you recommend?”

  I look down at the glass casing, scanning the shelves.

  “Well, the apple pie cupcakes are really good.”

  “Not a huge fan of apples.” He crinkles his nose.

  “Who doesn’t like apples?” I joke.

  “When I was younger, my grandpa used to take me to this apple orchard. I’d pick the apples right off the tree and eat them. It was one of my favorite things to do. But then one time I bit into an apple to find a worm inside.”

  “Gross.”

  “Yeah. Gross.” He chuckles. “Anyway, it kind of scarred me. I haven’t been able to eat apples since.”

  “Okay then, no apples.” I look back down. “Let’s see.” I tap my chin. “How do you feel about lemons?”

  “Too tart.”

  “Strawberries?”

  “Too seedy.”

  “Oh my god, Alec.” I laugh. “What do you like?”

  “A lot of things. Chocolate. Pumpkin. And blueberries. I love blueberries.”

  “Then you’re in luck. We just so happen to have this blueberry filled Danish that’s to die for.”

  “To die for?” He quirks a brow. “You talk a big game.”

  “Trust me.” I dip down and slide open the glass door. Sliding a glove onto my hand, I pull out a blueberry Danish and plop it onto a small serving plate. “It’s seriously so good.” I extend the plate over the counter. “Do you want a coffee or latte with it?”

  “You got any chocolate milk?”

  “Chocolate milk?” I balk at him. “What are you, five?”

  “Sometimes I feel like it.” He graces me with my favorite dimple filled smile.

  “Lucky for you, we stock little bottles of chocolate milk for kids.”

  “Perfect.” He beams at me. “I’ll take one of those.”

  “One chocolate milk, coming up.” I turn, pulling one of the small bottles from the cooler behind me. I hand it over the counter to him.

  “What do I owe you?”

  “It’s on me.”

  “No way. You have to let me pay.”

  “Seriously, you’d be disgusted with how much food we throw away in a day. One pastry is not going to hurt us.”

  “You’re sure your boss won’t care?”

  “She won’t care,” I promise. “Plus, if you love it, you’ll come back. And that’s what it’s all about.”

  “I see. So you’re going to suck me in with a freebie and then rob me blind when I keep coming back for more.”

  “Pretty good business model, huh?”

  “Depends on how good the food is.”

  “You’ll be back.”

  “Do you have a break coming up or something? I’d love the company.”

  I look around the empty bakery.

  “Pretty sure no one’s here so I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

  “Awesome.” He turns, heading to a small round table along the wall.

  I take off the plastic glove and drop it into the trashcan before making my way around the counter to join him.

  “What’s Lulu up to today?” I ask, not at all sure why I decided to bring her up. Maybe to remind myself that this is my best friend’s boyfriend and I need to keep things on the straight and narrow.

  “Shopping with her mom.” He twists the cap off his chocolate milk and takes a drink. “Mmm. So good.”

  “Dear lord.” I laugh, taking in the small milk mustache along his upper lip. “Here.” I pull a napkin out of the dispenser and extend it to him.

  “What? Do I have something on my face?” He puckers his lips and tips his face upward, turning it side to side.

  “You really are a child.” I shake my head, leaning across the table to wipe his face for him. My finger grazes his cheek. For a moment, I’m tempted to drop the napkin and slide my thumb across his plump lower lip to feel how soft it is. “There. All better.” I settle back into my seat before my desires get the better of me.

  “Now this is what I call customer service.” He winks, picking up the Danish. He tears off a piece and pops it into his mouth, his expression flat and unreadable as he chews.

  “Well?” I ask once he’s swallowed.

  “Eh.” He shrugs.

  “Eh?” I gape at him. “You don’t like it?”

  “Nah, I’m just messing with you. This is damn good.” He grins, tearing off another piece and popping it into his mouth.

  “You jerk.” I sit back in my chair and cross my arms in front of myself.

  “So, what time am I picking you up for the dance on Saturday?” he asks ar
ound a mouthful of food.

  “Not you too,” I groan. “Lulu is seriously pulling out all the stops if she’s got you doing her dirty work.”

  “Lucy didn’t ask me to talk to you. I’m not asking for Lucy. I’m asking for me. I would really like it if you’d go with us.”

  “Why?” I blurt.

  “Why not?”

  “Because you’re going with your girlfriend.” I try to keep the disdain from my voice as I emphasize the important word in my statement. Girlfriend.

  “And? A guy can’t go with his girlfriend and his best friend?”

  “Best friend?” I eye him curiously.

  “I’m serious. You really are the closest friend I have here. And honestly, everything is more fun when you’re around.”

  “I think you and Lulu will be just fine without me.”

  “Please come.” He pouts out his bottom lip in an attempt to sway me.

  “No.” I shake my head.

  “Please?” The lip comes out further.

  “Stop pouting your lip at me. It’s not going to work.” I bite the inside of my cheek, refusing to laugh at his antics.

  “Hope Russell, will you please come to Spring Formal with me?”

  “Nice try, but you already have a date.”

  “Well what if I want two dates?”

  “Too bad.” I shrug indifferently.

  “You know you’ll have fun.”

  Sure I will. Watching you and Lulu together all night will be a blast.

  “Doubtful.”

  “You don’t like school dances?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Then why not come?”

  Because I have feelings for you that are completely inappropriate.

  “Just not feeling it this year.”

  “Okay then.”

  “Okay?” I question, finding it hard to believe that he’s going to let me off so easily.

  “Yeah, okay. If you don’t want to go I can respect that.”

  “Just like that?”

  “Just like that.” He finishes off the rest of his Danish in one big bite. “But,” he continues once he swallows. “If you were to change your mind, I wouldn’t hate you for it.”

  “Is that so?” I laugh.

  “Just think about it.”

  “I have thought about it.”

  “Well think about it again.”

  My resolve is wavering. I can feel it. As hard as it is to say no to Lulu, it’s even harder to say no to Alec. I can’t help it. He’s so damn endearing.

  “Fine, I’ll go.” I let out on a long-winded sigh. “Happy now?”

  “Seriously?”

  “Seriously what?”

  “You’ll go?”

  “I just said I would, didn’t I?”

  “Damn, that was easier than I thought.” He leans back in his chair and takes a drink of his chocolate milk.

  “You planned this,” I accuse.

  “I did not. I asked. You’re the one that agreed. And now that you have...no takebacks.”

  “You’re lucky you’re so cute.” My eyes widen when I realize what I’ve said. Shit! “For a five-year-old, that is,” I pathetically add.

  “You think I’m cute?” A shit-eating grin crosses his face as he leans in and places his elbows on the table.

  “You’re okay.” I shrug indifferently.

  “Hope Russell...” he starts, but is interrupted by the ping of the front door. We both turn in unison to see a younger couple enter the bakery, hand in hand.

  “Welp. Guess I should get back to work.” I stand, happy for first time ever that I have an excuse to get away from Alec.

  What was I thinking telling him he is cute?

  “Yeah, I gotta head home anyway.” He stands. “Thanks for the Danish. You weren’t wrong. It really was amazing.” He turns, tossing his plate and bottle into the trash can.

  “Told ya.” I stick my tongue out playfully as I slide past him and head toward the counter.

  He pauses next to the door to throw me a little wave.

  “Can’t wait for our date on Saturday.” He winks.

  “It’s not a date,” I call back, his laughter still ringing in my ears long after the door closes behind him.

  Chapter Eleven

  “You look so pretty.” My mom smiles as I enter the kitchen. “I have to hand it to Lucy. That girl really does have a knack for style. Look at you.” She gives me a full sweep with her eyes.

  “Mom.” I look down at the deep blue dress that would be touching the ground if not for the silver heels my mom loaned me for the night.

  “I have to say, I’m surprised you agreed to this.” She gives me a knowing look.

  My mom knows that I’m harboring a slightly obsessive crush on my best friend’s boyfriend. And despite all the ways she’s tried to help me cope with my feelings, I haven’t listened to a single one. I don’t know if it’s because I’m convinced they won’t help or if it’s because I’m afraid they will. The truth is, I don’t want to bury what I feel for Alec. What I want is to tell him how I feel. And since I know I can’t do that, I’ll continue to suffer in silence.

  “You know Lulu. She doesn’t know how to take no for an answer.” I purposely leave Alec’s hand in me going completely out of it.

  “I know.” She lifts her cup of hot tea to her lips and takes a tentative drink. “I’m just worried that maybe you didn’t think this all the way through.”

  “If you’re referring to Alec, it’s fine. It will be fine. He’s Lulu’s boyfriend. That’s not going to change. I need to get used to seeing them together.”

  “Maybe you should just be honest with her,” she offers.

  “Yeah.” I snort. “Because you know how well that would go over.”

  “Hope, Lucy has been your best friend for years. If you can’t talk to her, who can you talk to?”

  “You,” I counter.

  “I love that you feel like you can come to me. And I’ll always be here if you need to talk, you know that. But there are some things that only you can resolve by talking to the people involved.”

  “You and I both know that talking to Lulu is not going to solve anything. Alec is her boyfriend. It is what it is.”

  She gives me a look that tells me she wants to say more but is deciding to hold her tongue.

  “Well, for what it’s worth, I think the boys are going to be fawning all over you tonight. I mean it, Hope. You look so beautiful.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” I offer her a smile, my heart leaping into my throat at the sound of the doorbell ringing. “Well, that’s my ride.” I slide my cell phone into my small wristlet purse.

  “Not so fast.” She stops me before I’ve had a chance to take one step. “You’ve lost your mind if you think you’re going to leave without me getting some pictures of you girls.”

  “Mom,” I groan.

  “It’s my motherly duty.” She snags her phone off the kitchen island before following me toward the front of the house.

  I hesitate at the front door, wondering if it’s too late to change my mind. I could run upstairs, have my mom answer the door and tell them I came down with the flu or something.

  Then again, I know Lu and there’s no way she wouldn’t come in to check on me. And by check on me, I mean verify that my story is legit. Even if I had time to take the dress off and change, there’s no way I could get all the bobby pins out of my hair or the makeup off my face in time. Especially since my mother insisted on having me wear her lipstick that’s impossible to get off without special remover. I think it might be a hard sell that I’m sick when my lips are painted deep plum.

  Taking a breath, I tug open the door to find Alec standing on the other side, looking dapper in his black suit and red tie. I’m rendered momentarily speechless.

  “Wow.” I see his lips move but it takes several seconds for the sound to reach my ears. Something in his expression causes my heart to do a little flutter in my chest.

  “Hi,”
I manage to croak out, looking past him right in time to see Lulu coming up the front steps. Her knee length strapless dress is the exact same shade as Alec’s tie. Of course they coordinated. I should have expected nothing less of Lucy Brown.

  She looks stunning, not that she doesn’t always. But she looks even more so tonight. Her lips are painted bright red to match her dress, which clings to her slender upper body before it flairs at the waist. She has her blonde hair tied up in a formal updo, much like mine. Only where mine has little pieces purposely left out and curled, hers is completely up, giving her a sophisticated look.

  “Oh my god, Hope. Look at you!” She steps around Alec and wraps me in a brief hug. “I knew that dress would look incredible on you,” she tells me, taking a full step back. “Wendy, you did an amazing job on her hair and makeup.” Her gaze swings to my mom who’s standing in the doorway behind me.

  “It pays to have a mom as a hairdresser.”

  “Speaking of which.” My mom steps out onto the porch next to me. “I was a little offended that you didn’t come see me yourself,” she tells Lulu.

  “You know I would have, but my mom wanted to take me for a girl’s day.”

  “How is your mom?” my mom asks, knowing full well how overprotective Lulu’s parents are. “I’m honestly a little surprised she let you out of the house wearing that.” She gestures to her dress.

  “Oh, she didn’t.” She laughs. “Well, at least not like this. She made me wear a cardigan over it.” She rolls her eyes.

  “I see that didn’t last long.” I chuckle.

  “And this must be Alec.” My attention is back to Alec.

  “Oh sorry.” Lulu laughs. “Alec, this is Wendy, Hope’s mom. Wendy, this is my boyfriend, Alec.”

  “Hello, Alec.” My mom extends her hand to him. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” I subtly nudge her with my elbow.

  “All good things I hope.” He grins, showing off his mouth watering dimples.

  “All good things,” she confirms, giving his hand a gentle shake before releasing it.

  “Well, we should probably get going,” I announce, ready to get this over with.

  “I want to get some pictures before you leave,” Mom reminds me. “Why don’t you three go down and stand on the sidewalk?”

  We file down the front steps one at a time and suffer through a good ten minutes of my mom snapping pictures from every angle. She takes some of all three of us. Some of just me and Lucy. Some of Lucy and Alec. And then, right when I think she’s done, she directs me and Alec to squeeze together.