But things may change when the charming Ambrose falls in love with her.
Dessens beloved books includeHow to Deal,The Moon and More, andSaint Anything.
Once and for Allwill be published on June 6 from Viking Books for Young Readers.
Credit: KPO
Read the excerpt and see the cover below.
When it comes to love and romance, however, Louna always been a cynic in her own heart.
But everything is different when it happens to you.
Evenand especiallyfalling in love.
He looked surprised andI realized, horrifiedembarrassed.
Im working, I said quickly, stepping over his last syllables.
Now we were both blushing.
For the wedding planner.
So I cant
Oh, right.
I didnt realize
I know, its fine.
I looked at the floor, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.
When I looked back at the dance floor, the boy and the bridesmaids were gone.
That could have been it.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Weddings are a different world, I replied, using one of his favorite phrases.
The couple were now outright grinding each other.
And right now, I want to go home.
My eyes, my mother said in a low voice, fake-horrified at the spectacle.
Im too old for this.
William said, and they both cackled.
And I was promised an early night off, I said, looking at my mom.
Wait, Louna gets to leave?
How is that fair?
Because shes seventeen and paid poorly, my mom told William.
Her bosses are awful people.
I have heard that, he agreed.
He smiled at me.
What are you going to do?
I dont know, I said.
Look at our girl, single and ready to mingle at the beach.
Shes acting like a real teenager!
He beamed at me, then looked at my mom.
I so hoped this day would come.
Stop, my mom said, pretending to fan her eyes.
Shut up, both of you, I said, and they laughed again.
Ill see you tomorrow.
You are young and so is the night!
William called out after me as I walked across the patio.
That means day, William, my mom said.
Carpe night, then!
They dissolved into more laughter.
Fine, I thought, as I started across the patio, to the lobby.
So what if I did go back to my room and be non-epic, by Jillys definition?
It had been a long day and weekend, and I was tired.
If I didnt though, it wasnt my mom and Williams business by any stretch.
And really, I was only what they had made me.
As I thought this, the DJ began another song, slower this time.
Later, Id think of this as the true, real start of that night, where everything began.
