Free The Fragile Fall by Kristy Love

raced and I felt like I was going to throw up. “What about Ryanne?”
    Jax stiffened and the smile slipped from his face. “Ry?”
    “Yeah. I mean, if that’s okay with you.” I found it hard to get enough air into my lungs, scared of what his reaction would be. Stacey’s face twisted in disgust, but I didn’t care. I wanted one night where I could be with Ry, holding her close, spending time with her. Being with Ryanne would make upsetting Jax and ticking off Stacey totally worth it.
    He ran his hand through his hair, then rested his head in his hand. “Fuck,” he said under his breath.
    “If you aren’t okay with it, that’s fine.”
    Jax sighed and lifted his head. He looked physically pained. “I guess that would be a good option. I’m sure she’d like to relive her glory days.”
    “Are you sure you’re okay with it?”
    “Yeah, go for it.” He smiled stiffly as though he wasn’t totally sure. I knew he didn’t like the idea, but I couldn’t help feeling victorious. I fought to keep my totally sincere smile off my face.
    Stacey huffed, picking up her food and stomping away. Jax rolled his eyes, at least until Lindsey glared at him, clearly upset. “That was an asshole move, Jaxon. You know she wanted Will to take her to the dance.” She stood and put her hands on her hips.
    “He wasn’t interested in going with her. What do you want me to do, force him? That’s kind of a dick move, too, Linds.”
    She stomped her foot. “No, but you’re my boyfriend and she’s my best friend. You’re supposed to be on my side.” She was whining. I don’t know how Jax was able to stay with her. She was completely ridiculous.
    “And he’s my best friend. I’m not forcing him to go out with someone that we both can’t stand.”
    “Fine!” she exclaimed, turning on her heel and stomping away. Jax watched her go before turning back to me.
    “That was pleasant,” he said.
    “Sorry. I didn’t mean to cause issues with you and Lindsey.”
    “Forget it. She’d be pissed off no matter what.” He shrugged and stood. “I’ll see you later.” He left the lunchroom, leaving me alone.
    I pulled my cellphone out and stared at it. There was no going back from this. I was about to ask Ryanne out. Maybe it wasn’t a traditional date, but it was a night out. Together. My hands shook from nerves as I pulled her number up and started a text.
    Will: Hey, Ryanne, I have a question to ask you.
    She responded right away.
    Ryanne: What’s up?
    Will: Would you be interested in going to homecoming with me? I mean, if you aren’t busy and you don’t think it’s totally lame.
    Ryanne: When is it?
    Will: Next Friday.
    Ryanne: Let me check my overfilled social calendar.
    I held my breath. My phone vibrated after a few minutes.
    Ryanne: Sure, I’d love to go to homecoming with you :)
    Will: Thanks.
    I sat there, staring at my phone and I couldn’t fight a small smile of victory. She actually said yes.

    Ryanne seemed genuinely excited. She went out with Courtney and picked out a dress, telling me I wasn’t allowed to see it until homecoming, and presenting me with a tie that matched. I felt like my stomach was being turned inside out. I had never been to a dance before and I had no idea what I was supposed to do.
    Would she expect me to kiss her?
    What was I supposed to wear?
    What if she laughed at how horrible of a dancer I was?
    I felt incredible pressure to make this dance mean as much to Ryanne as it did to me. It meant everything. I wanted it to be a turning point for us, one where we could show Jax that she and I could be together without ruining any relationships.

Ryanne
    I T WAS F RIDAY , BUT J AX was ditching our regular movie night for Lindsey. He actually didn’t know that Will and I planned to still watch a movie together; he was under the impression that the three of us were eating dinner and then all going our separate ways, but I had sent Will a text asking him to stay. I couldn’t wait to have