The narrator, Meredith, has trust issues due to her father abandoning her family when she was 11. She meets Rod, the captain of the football team, and starts dating him, despite initial reservations. However, she soon discovers that Rod is blackmailing Xander, a boy who has a reputation for being mean, over a video. Meredith investigates and finds out that Xander's mom worked for Rod's family, and Xander stole from them to pay for his sister's medical treatment. Rod has been blackmailing Xander to cheat on his college applications. Meredith breaks up with Rod and eventually meets Xander, who confesses that he likes her. Despite initial hesitation, Meredith decides to give Xander a chance after her mom advises her to talk to him.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Meredith, had a difficult childhood after her father left her and her mother.
2. Meredith's father taught her how to take care of herself and made her homemade milkshakes.
3. Meredith's father left her and her mother when Meredith was 11 years old.
4. Meredith's mother started dating soon after her father left, but had poor taste in men.
5. Meredith was a good student and wrote poetry for a small publication.
6. Meredith met Rod, the captain of the football team, after tripping and falling into his arms.
7. Rod asked Meredith out on a date, and she eventually agreed.
8. Meredith and Rod started dating, and she had fun with him.
9. Meredith met Xander, a boy who was initially rude to her, but later showed a softer side.
10. Xander worked at a cafe and fixed Meredith a sandwich when she was hungry.
11. Meredith discovered that Rod was blackmailing Xander and making him cheat on college applications.
12. Rod's dad intervened and stopped Rod from hurting Xander.
13. Xander explained that he had stolen from Rod's dad to pay for his sister's medical treatment.
14. Rod's dad forgave Xander and promised not to press charges.
15. Rod was taken away by security after he lost his temper.
16. Xander confessed his feelings to Meredith, but she was hesitant to trust him.
17. Meredith's mom advised her to talk to Xander and give him a chance.
18. Meredith went to Xander's workplace and then to his home, where she met his sister.
19. Xander and Meredith talked, and he promised not to lie to her.
20. Meredith agreed to go on a date with Xander.