Here's to Us (What If It's Us #2)

by Becky Albertalli

“Dylan was on his best . . . well, better than usual behavior,” Samantha says. “I’m sorry again we had to cancel on the escape room.” “Don’t worry about it. We have all summer.” Dylan wraps his arms around my shoulders. “Big Ben, we know the escape room is your big ploy to get locked in a room with me for an hour. You don’t need excuses, okay?” “Dude, your girlfriend is right here.” “Oh, please, get him off me for an hour,” she says. Dylan winks. “See, the missus is cool with it.”

“Dylan had leftover duck for breakfast.” “Shhh,” Dylan says. “There are ducks in the park.” “Do you think the ducks are going to attack?” “A good old-fashioned quack attack, yes.” Samantha shakes her head. “Why do I . . . why do I anything with you?” “Because the D Machine is too irresistible.” “Gross, man,” I say. “Oh, that just stands for the Dylan Machine. I call my friend downstairs the—” Samantha claps her hand over his mouth. A true hero of our times.

Dylan stares. “Thank God you’re not blushing. But also, my love, how dare you? Look at this beautiful man. Blush for him! Don’t let this beauty go unblushed for.” Mario turns to me. “He’s everything you described him to be.” “I have a way with words.”