Split Decision by Belle Payton Page A

hands,” Corey insisted. “And they were laughing together. He’s in high school.”
    â€œAlex does not have a high school boyfriend,” Ava said confidently.
    â€œMaybe she never told you about him.”
    â€œCorey, I know you don’t have a twin sister, but let me tell you, if Alex had a boyfriend—especially a high school boyfriend—I would know about him.” Ava pushed the long hair back from her face and narrowed her eyes. “Describe what you saw.”
    â€œBoth times were in the mall food court. He had blond, shaggy hair and was kind of tan, I guess.” Corey leaned against his locker. “Oh yeah, she was wearing that same pink coat.”
    â€œWere they eating burgers and fries one time?” Ava asked.
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œCorey, I suggest you make an appointment at the eye doctor. That was me,” Ava said. “I’d borrowed Alex’s pink coat. I think I was even wearing her pink headband.”
    â€œYou? You have a high school boyfriend?” he asked.
    â€œNo!” Ava laughed. “That was Luke. He’s my brother’s best friend and my tutor. We were just hanging out, waiting for Tommy.”
    â€œWell, I was kind of far away,” Corey admitted.“But what about the other time? I know that was definitely Alex.”
    â€œYou’re right, Sherlock.” Ava grinned. “Alex dragged Luke to the food court to come see you while Tommy was buying a present.”
    â€œMe? Why?”
    â€œEven though she’s extremely intelligent, for some reason my sister still seems to like you,” Ava explained. “Go figure.”
    â€œReally? She does?” Corey couldn’t hold back his smile.
    Ava nodded. “You like her back, right?”
    Corey nodded, but then his face clouded. “But, wow, she must hate me now. I’ve been horrible.”
    Suddenly Ava realized that Alex wasn’t the only twin who was good at fixing things. She had another idea—and this one was about to make her sister very happy.
    â€œI can fix that,” Ava assured him.

    â€œDon’t you have a basketball game to get to?” Alex asked Ava the next afternoon.
    â€œIt’s an evening game. It doesn’t start untilsix.” Ava walked quickly down the sidewalk toward the main street in Ashland. “I have plenty of time.”
    â€œBut I’m not even in the mood for ice cream,” Alex protested, hurrying to keep up.
    â€œYes, you are.” Ava kept up her rapid pace.
    Alex stopped walking. “No, I’m not. Let’s go home. I have homework.”
    Ava pivoted. “You’re turning down double fudge with caramel peanut-butter swirl? Mom gave me money.” She waved a ten-dollar bill.
    Alex did love chocolate with peanut butter. “Fine. I’ll get a cone to go.” She caught up to Ava. “Why are we suddenly getting ice cream again?”
    â€œI’m trying to do something nice. Because you’ve been so bummed about the boyfriend thing.”
    â€œDon’t remind me.”
    â€œI wasn’t going to. That’s what the ice cream is for,” Ava said.
    Alex was surprised. Ice cream pick-me-ups were more of her thing, not Ava’s. “Thanks.”
    Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down. She didn’t recognize the number.
    T said you wanted to talk to me? I’m here. C.
    Then a picture appeared. Cassie holding up her bookmark.
    Love it! T said you helped. Thanks!
    Alex showed Ava the photo. “Look how cute! I hope Tommy doesn’t mess it up,” Alex said. “I like Cassie.”
    â€œMe too,” Ava agreed. “Why’d you want to talk to her?”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter now.” Alex brushed it off. She’d been silly to think Cassie could help.
    They passed the hardware store, a book store, and a boutique called Bling. The display window featured brightly colored clothes festooned with rhinestones and