The Comeback by Marlene Perez Page A

quit terrorizing the freshmen.”
    â€œI didn’t do anything,” I protested. “Besides, they were finished, anyway.”
    Five minutes later, the table had been bused and we were seated.
    I craned my head, pretending to look for our server, but I was really checking out the reaction of the room. Olivia and Hannah were practically doing a Linda Blair to see who I was with.
    Dev was glaring at me. I gave him another wave. “Your brother’s here,” I said to Monet. “Let’s go say hi to him.”
    She stared at me. “Why would I want to do that? I see him all the time.” She gave me a suspicious look. “What’s up with you?”
    I leaned in. “He’s sitting a few tables away from Connor.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo I want Connor to see me here with Tanner,” I explained.
    â€œHi, Sophie.” I jumped. Connor was standing at our table. There was no sign of Angie.
    â€œWhy, hello, Connor,” I said.
    Connor stuck out his hand to Tanner. “Connor Davis,” he said. “I’m Sophie’s—”
    â€œConnor and I are in a play together,” I interrupted. “With his girlfriend, Angie.”
    Who, I saw from the corner of my eye, was looking decidedly grouchy, sitting alone at their table.
    â€œThis is my friend Tanner,” I said to him. Connor’s eyes focused on Tanner’s arm, which was casually draped over the back of my chair.
    â€œYou look familiar,” Connor said. “Do you go to Eisenhower?”
    Tanner smiled. “No, man. The university.”
    Connor cleared his throat. “Oh. How did you and Sophie meet?”
    Tanner started to answer, but I cut him off before the words blind date could cross his lips.
    â€œMonet and Scott introduced us,” I said. “It appears Angie is trying to get your attention,” I added.
    Connor didn’t budge from our table. “How long have you two been going out?” he persisted.
    A soft voice broke into our conversation. “Connor, our food is here.” Angie stood at our table in all her glory. I gauged Tanner’s reaction. He wasn’t staring or drooling or anything else the boys at my high school did at the sight of Angie.
    â€œHi, Angie,” I said politely. “Would you like to join us?”
    Connor looked alarmed at the suggestion. “Go on back to the table. I’ll be there in a minute, babe.”
    She didn’t budge.
    â€œConnor, I wanted to get to know your new girlfriend a little better,” I said.
    Angie flinched.
    Unfortunately, our food arrived then and Connor finally retreated to his own table, with Angie trailing in his wake.
    â€œThat wasn’t awkward at all,” Monet commented wryly. “And what was that all about? You can’t stand Angie.”
    â€œJust trying to be friendly,” I said. I fiddled with my napkin to hide my expression.
    â€œThat was your ex, huh?” Tanner said. Maybe he wasn’t so dumb after all.
    I nodded.
    â€œSeems like a nice guy,” he continued.
    I took a bite of my pasta and smiled at him. It had been a very successful first date. I could see it in the faces of my classmates. I was on my way back to the top.

Chapter 17
    I walked into rehearsal on Monday with a renewed sense of confidence. I could face Angie and Connor again with my head held high.
    The date with Tanner had gone well, the biggest mouth in school had seen us together, and I detected a thaw in the air. Hannah actually said hi to me in English class, and there was no sign of her T EAM V OGEL T-shirt.
    Monet was already there and she’d wrangled Ava and Scott into helping with the sets.
    Connor and Angie were there, too, but I didn’t let their lack of discretion bother me. They could cuddle and kiss all they wanted. Sophie Donnelly was making a comeback.
    â€œHi, are you ready to work?” I said to Dev, who was helping carry scenery.
    He grunted in response