Ch. 8
What the- a wave of deep red liquid rushed across the table, drenching the cards and medallions that were laying upon it.
Oh, shhhhh! said Gideon. He stood quickly and began to mop up the juice. How could I have been so stupid?' he asked himself, his heart pounding in his chest. His friends swore around him shaking their fists and complaining about their ruined game. Gideon stole a glance at the girl. She was looking down at her book. Good,' he thought to himself, maybe she missed it. Ha! Who am I kidding?' His misery was interrupted by an angry voice.
What the hell are you doing Gideon? Look? My cards are ruined! I was about to win! he continued to rant and Gideon looked again at the girl. She was still looking at her book, but he could see a smile spread across her face. The crimson color in his ears deepened, he didn't hear Toby's voice. I've never seen you like this before. What's going on? Gideon, talk -
What happened? asked Fred as he returned to the table. There wasn't any alcohol in that juice was there Goody? Fred eyed Gideon suspiciously.
Of course not! he replied defensively, snapping awake at the sound of his friends voice.
Well, what happened, you didn't just spill for no reason said Toby, still exasperated. Gideon didn't know what to say. How could he tell the guys that he was flirting with the girl across the room? They'd never believe him. Everyone was watching him. He had to think of something. Suddenly Mitsy saved him from having to lie.
I can't believe you boys are so dense! she said.
What do you mean? they all said together. Mitsy sighed and rolled her eyes.
It's hard to drink when you are so focused on something else. Or rather, someone else. Right, Gideon?
Yeah it is Gideon replied without thinking. Oh no! What did I just say?'
What do you mean someone else? asked Mouse.
You really are hopeless, said Mitsy. None of you have noticed that Gideon has been making googly eyes at that pretty girl across the room for the last few nights? It is so obvious! I can't believe you were so involved in cards that you didn't notice little Goody has his first crush. All the guys looked around the room, trying to see the girl Misty was referring to. Gideon was trying to stay invisible. Crouching slightly towards the wall, he was starting to wish he didn't say anything to upset Mitsy earlier that evening. He shuffled his feet and pulled his ear. He looked out of the corner of his eye to the chair where the girl was sitting. She was now looking right at the group. She waved. Toby and Mouse waved back. Gideon smiled sheepishly. The girl went back to her book, and Gideon noticed that all of his friends eyes were on him.
he asked, sitting down.
said Toby, aren't you going to go ask her what her name is?
No way! replied Gideon.
Why not? asked Fred.
he said. Why not' said the voice in his mind. She seems nice enough. And she can't be completely uninterested if she was staring almost as much as I was.'
If you want to, I can ask her for you said Mouse, standing.
No you can't said Mitsy.
Why not? demanded all the guys in unison.
Because, she just left. Gideon spun his head around just in time to see the door swing shut. It felt like someone had dropped a rock in his stomach.

Later, as they were leaving, Gideon felt a tug on his shirtsleeve. He turned to see a wrinkly old man.
Can I help you? he asked.
The lady asked that I give this to you. She said you'd give me a three for it. The man handed Gideon a wrinkled piece of paper, it looked like it was torn off of a book corner. He waited expectantly. Gideon looked at the paper, then handed the man the coin. Then her ran out the door, heart pounding, to catch up with his friends. Maybe Mitsy was right...