Fox in a Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat perched on my head like a statement I wasn't sure I was ready to make.

"You're actually wearing that?" Maya asked, her best friend eyes wide. "To Tyler's party?"

"Yeah," I said, adjusting the brim. "Why not?"

"Because it's not exactly... low key?" She gestured at my reflection in the locker mirror. "You look like you're about to rope cattle or something."

"Maybe that's the point." I shrugged, but my stomach did that nervous flutter thing.

Maya sighed, then grinned. "Okay, fine. But if anyone gives you crap, I've got your back. Friend code, remember?"

The party was already loud when we arrived. Someone had dragged a TV outside and was attempting to hook up a speaker with this sketchy cable that kept disconnecting. Every time the music cut out, someone would yell about fixing the connection, and everyone would laugh.

That's when I saw him. Jake Miller, leaning against a tree, looking annoyingly composed in his flannel shirt. He caught me staring and raised an eyebrow.

"Nice hat," he said, pushing off the tree. "Bold move."

"Thanks," I managed, though my voice came out kind of squeaky.

"Way better than Tyler's story about catching that massive fish," Jake said, nodding toward where Tyler was holding court. "That was such bull. Everyone knows the lake was closed last weekend."

I laughed before I could stop myself. Jake's grin widened, and something in my chest did a little flip.

"You're funny," he said. "I'm Jake, by the way."

"Alex."

"Well, Alex, you want to get out of here? This party's kinda lame anyway." He gestured toward the sidewalk. "I know a spot. We could watch a movie or something. My parents have cable in the basement, actual good channels."

From across the yard, Maya caught my eye and gave me two thumbs up. She was already talking to some girls from our English class, totally in her element.

"Sure," I heard myself say. "Let me just..." I gestured vaguely at Maya.

"Go," she mouthed, making shooing motions. "Have fun!"

As we walked away, I touched the brim of my hat. Maybe this was who I was now—someone who wore weird hats and took risks. Someone who said yes to things.

"So," Jake said, falling into step beside me. "That hat. You wear it often?"

"First time, actually."

"Huh." He looked at me sideways, something like approval in his expression. "Well. It works."