Chapter 3

After the Multiverse Incident (as I now call it), I made a vow:

Never. Listen. To Whiskers. Again.

Which is why, the next morning, I stormed into the cafeteria and dropped my lunch tray in front of my best friend, Lena Carter.

Yes, Carter—as in Daniel Carter's older sister. The irony was painful.

Lena raised an eyebrow. "Dramatic entrance. What's up?"

"I need your help," I said, slumping into my seat.

She took a sip of her soda. "With?"

I glanced around and lowered my voice. "Boys."

Lena choked. "I'm sorry—did you just say boys?"

"Shh!" I hissed, glancing around. "Yes! But keep your voice down!"

She wiped her mouth, grinning like she had just won the lottery. "Oh, this is amazing. My little Amelia is finally growing up."

I groaned. "Are you going to help or not?"

Lena smirked. "I dunno. I kind of like watching you suffer."

I shot her a glare.

She sighed, leaning back. "Alright, fine. What exactly is the issue?"

I took a deep breath. "I've been getting terrible romance advice from a talking cat."

Lena stared.

Then she blinked.

Then she burst into laughter.

"Wow," she gasped between breaths. "That might be the weirdest sentence you've ever said."

"It's true!" I said defensively. "And it's ruining my life. I tried flirting with your brother yesterday and—"

"Wait. My brother?"

I froze.

Lena's smirk returned with a vengeance.

"Oh, this just gets better."

I groaned, dropping my head onto the table. "I hate everything."

Lena patted my head like I was a small, pitiful child. "There, there. Lucky for you, you came to the right person. Starting today, Amelia, I am officially your romance coach."

I peeked up. "Really?"

"Of course." She grinned. "Step one: never open your mouth about the multiverse again."