Aftermath

As the Porsche pulled up in front of the Dunphy household, Alex unbuckled her seatbelt, glancing briefly at Marcus.

"Thanks for the movie. And the shake," she said, keeping her voice casual.

Marcus smirked. "No problem. Thanks for gracing me with your presence, Your Highness."

Alex rolled her eyes but didn't bother hiding the amused smile. "See you at school."

She stepped out of the car, shutting the door behind her, and walked up to the house. Jonathan gave Marcus a knowing look before driving off.

Alex took a deep breath before opening the front door, fully expecting to just slip in unnoticed and head to her room.

She should've known better.

The moment she stepped inside, Haley was waiting on the couch, her eyes locked on Alex like a predator spotting prey.

"Sooooo," Haley drawled, smirking. "How was your movie date?"

Alex groaned, rubbing her temple. "It wasn't a date, Haley."

Haley leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Mmm, sure. But you did go to the movies… with a boy… alone."

"That's called having friends, Haley. You should try it sometime."

Haley gasped dramatically. "Oh my God, did you just admit you have a friend?!"

Alex's eyes narrowed. "I do have friends."

"Name three."

Alex hesitated.

Haley's smirk widened. "Exactly."

Alex huffed. "Marcus is just my project partner."

"Who you went to the movies with. And got milkshakes with," Haley added, wiggling her eyebrows.

Alex blinked. "Wait—how do you even know about that?"

Haley grinned. "Mom told me."

Alex's eyes widened, and she turned toward the kitchen. "Mom!"

Claire's voice rang out from the other room. "What?! You think I wasn't going to check in after you went out with a boy?"

Alex groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. Meanwhile, Haley was nearly vibrating with excitement.

"Right, right," Haley said, nodding in mock understanding. "And did you happen to have a good time?"

Alex hesitated.

Haley gasped again. "You did! Oh my God, you like him!"

Alex's face turned red. "I don't like him! He's just… fun to talk to."

Haley put a hand over her heart. "Wow. That's, like, the most romantic thing you've ever said about a person."

Alex groaned. "I hate you."

Haley grinned. "Love you too, sis."

Before Alex could retort, Claire walked into the room, her eyes narrowing, she said, crossing her arms. "How was it?"

Alex took a breath, bracing herself for the inevitable interrogation.

"It was fine, Mom. We watched a movie, got shakes, and then his dad picked us up. That's it."

Claire studied her daughter for a moment, then turned her gaze to Haley. "You seem awfully interested in this."

Haley beamed. "Because it's adorable."

Alex groaned again. "I'm going to bed."

As she turned to leave, Haley called out, "Sweet dreams about Marcus!"

Alex slammed the door to her room behind her, her face burning.