By the Book

by Amanda Sellet

Who needed the obvious charms of June when you could have the burnished richness of autumn?

“Be true to yourself and other people will see your worth. If they’re worth your time.”

My rational mind was aware that Winter Formal wouldn’t be a ball in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, I’d envisioned a certain level of elegance. If not crystal chandeliers, silk gloves, and a full orchestra, then at least a style of dancing that didn’t involve the use of butt cheeks as hand grips.

“Wait.” I held up a hand. “Does that mean Alex is my Darcy? Because that would make me—” I couldn’t bring myself to say it aloud. Who didn’t secretly dream of being compared to Elizabeth Bennet, the witty and vivacious heroine of Pride and Prejudice? As for Mr. Darcy . . . I shivered pleasantly. “Simmer down there,” Jasper tutted. “I wouldn’t go that far.

He shrugged. “Will it work? Maybe, maybe not. But you know what I hate?” I shook my head. “The part in books where supposedly smart characters screw up their lives because it’s just too hard”—he made a crybaby face, fists twisting in front of his eyes—“to tell someone the truth.”