All Chapters of Filling in the Boyfriend spot: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

CHAPTER 1 In some part of my brain, probably the logical part that seemed to be missing at the moment, I knew I should let go and walk away, maintain some of my dignity. Instead, I gripped his waist more securely by wrapping my arms around him and pressed my cheek against his chest. Logic was definitely not ruling my brain right now. Desperation was. And even though I knew desperation wasn’t attractive, I couldn’t help myself. He sighed, releasing some air, which allowed me to tighten my hold even more. Isn’t that how boa constrictors kill their prey? Not even this thought made me let go. “tia, I’m sorry.” “Then don’t do this. And if you have to, can’t it wait two hours?” “The fact that you said that makes me know it can&r

 I threw back my shoulders and faced the gym doors. I didn’t need a date, real or otherwise. My friends liked me regardless of who I was or wasn’t with. Even as I thought it, I wished for it to be true. I couldn’t lose my boyfriend and my friends all in one night. I needed them in my life. As I started to walk, headlights cast my shadow on the asphalt in front of me. I turned as the car and lights went off. The guy stepped out. “Were you going to go in there without me after all that begging?” CHAPTER 2 I smiled. I couldn’t help it. He was actually wearing a suit—black, with a light gray tie. His glasses were gone and he was tall. This was exactly what I needed. We’d be seen. He could break up with me at the end of the night. No smug looks from Mea, no pity sighs fr

   “No,” my date said before I had a chance to respond. “But maybe it should be.” With this, they all laughed. I was too busy glaring at mea to laugh. “We’re going to dance,” my date said. And as he led me to the dance floor, it hit me that I didn’t know his real name. Was that what the smirk was all about when we were walking toward the gym? So when the-guy-whose-name-I-didn’t-know put his arms around me, I leaned my forehead against his chest and whispered, “Sorry.” CHAPTER 3 “What are you sorry for?” fill-in Tom asked. “I don’t even know your real name.” He laughed a low chuckle that I could feel through his chest. Then he leaned down so his breath tickled my ear when he said, “My name is Tom.” 

 I stood, looked at mea, and said, “Something I’m sure you’re going to be very happy about.” I didn’t wait to see her reaction. I just walked to where he was trying to direct his sister away. “Come on, let’s talk about it out here,” I heard him say as I approached. When I reached them she turned on me, her hands on her hips. Something about that look seemed vaguely familiar. “No,” she said. “You do not get to use my brother like this. He’s a nice guy and has been hurt by way too many self-serving girls like you in the past.” “Let’s not exaggerate, Bec. It was just the one.” “I’m sorry,” I said, responding to his sister but looking at him. “I didn’t mean to turn this into a big deal.” I faced her. “You’re right. I shouldn&rsqu

 That night I slept hard, thankful no dreams tried to remind me of prom. School would be a good distraction, I thought as I jumped into the shower the next morning. I wasn’t sure how long I stood under the water and it was possible I’d conditioned my hair twice. I picked out an outfit carefully, knowing I’d be on the other end of a lot of staring today, and stood in front of the mirror to get ready. By the time I looked at my phone, I realized I’d spent way too much time perfecting my look. I’d have to skip breakfast. On my way through the kitchen I grabbed a granola bar. “Running late, Mom,” I called as her whole body turned to follow my path through the kitchen. Her wide eyes proved she was shocked I wasn’t eating breakfast with her like I normally did. “I’ll see you at five. We have a meeting after school.” “Okay.