Jeremy smiled faintly instead of answering me directly, which made me frown in confusion. “What is it, Jeremy?”

“I want to ask you out. There’s a fair nearby, and I thought you might like to go.”

“A fair?” I echoed, momentarily taken aback.

Instinctively, I glanced at Dad, unsure of how to respond. But Dad gave no clear signal, instead looking pleased with Jeremy’s offer.

“Yes, what do you think? If you’re up for it, I’ll get ready in thirty minutes,” Jeremy said, his tone sweet and patient, as if my earlier words hadn’t offended him.

If I refused, I knew it would only deepen his disappointment. I nodded. “Okay,...