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to make sense; it was all perfectly clear.
    " It was you?" I looked back to Lexi. "You're the one who requested me for the Black and White event." I didn't phrase it as a question. I knew it was her.
    " Yes." She had a guilty look on her face, but there was a wry smile there as well. "Are you mad? Please don't be mad," she pleaded.
    Mad? No. Confused? Yes.
    " But why?"
    She shrugged innocently. "I knew you were stressing out about work. Reed and I have been talking about hosting the charity event again for a few months now. At first, I wasn't sure I was ready for it, but when I finally decided it was time, I wanted you to help organize it."
    " Lexi, you didn't have to do that.”
    " I wanted to do it. You've been a great friend to me. I wanted to do something to say thank you."
    " I wish you would've asked me. I mean, there are much more qualified people who could do a better job." Christine's face popped into my head.
    " This charity event was very important to my mother and me." She paused, closing her eyes. "It was very important to my family. I know you're going to be great."
    " I don't know what to say," I said.
    " Well, right now, just say you're ready to eat because I'm starving. We'll talk more after dinner."
    Her eyes turned hopeful when she looked over my shoulder at someone behind me. Turning around, I saw who had made her smile so big — Brandon and Reed were talking near the entrance. Apparently, it was going to be the four of us. Funny, Lexi didn't mention any of this.
    " Come on. I don't want to leave them alone together for too long." Lexi began to walk toward them while I followed her. As the two of us approached, the guys ended their conversation and Brandon's eyes met Lexi's as Reed's met mine.
    " Emily, it's nice to see you again," Mr. Alexander said, smiling at me.
    " Mr. Alexander." I felt my cheeks flush. This was awkward.
    " Please call me Reed," he said. I nodded, quickly looking away from him and over to Brandon. This was the first time I’d seen him dressed in anything other than gym clothes. His blond hair was styled and slicked back, making his baby face and dimples on his cheeks stand out even more.
    " Hey, Emily, have you been practicing the moves from last night?" Brandon moved around Lexi to give me a quick hug.
    Please, please, don't bring up what happened in class yesterday, I pleaded in my head. Not in front of Mr. Alexander… er… Reed.
    " Yeah, I think I've got them down." I smiled weakly.
    " Chad's still recovering from that blow you gave him. It will be interesting to see who has the guts to partner up with you next week."
    I winced, remembering the thrust move to his nose. "I'm really sorry about that."
    " Don't be sorry. You did well." He sounded genuine.
    I glanced back over to Reed to measure his reaction and noticed he was smiling curiously at me. "Should I be afraid of you?" he asked.
    Great. He probably thinks I'm some sort of crazy person.
    " Only if you really piss me off." The words flew out of my mouth.
    Lexi and Brandon laughed out loud. Reed's eyes flew over to Lexi. The smile he wore faded as a look of peace spread over his face.
    " Your table is ready, Mr. Alexander." The man from the host stand, the one that Reed had been talking to earlier, approached our group, breaking up the moment. He had no idea how thankful I was.
    " Oh, I need to go pay for my wine," I said, totally having forgotten about it.
    " I'll take care of it." Reed moved around me quickly and toward the bar. My eyes followed him. I saw Ben standing there staring at us. I gave him a small wave as I followed behind Lexi.
     
    D INNER ALMOST seemed like an interview for Brandon. Reed was questioning him like a father would a boy that was interested in his daughter. Most of the questions were innocent and I would say that Brandon passed with flying colors, but the greatest part was how Lexi beamed the entire dinner. I'd never seen her so happy.
    When the dinner was over, Brandon and Reed went to the bar