“Sometimes.” I think. Truthfully, I don’t know any other way regarding life.
Sure, I have friends, but when you have my trust issues and grew up in a sketchy environment like I did, you get used to keeping your guard up.
“You sound just like River,” he remarks as he steps into the hallway. “No wonder he’s been talking to you.”
I lightly touch my chest. “Aw, and I thought it was because of my charming personality.” My tone oozes with sarcasm.
He smiles. “It’s probably a little bit of that, too.” He falls silent for a second, studying me, an indecipherable look crossing his face. But he promptly erases it, his signature smile returning. “See you at the party, Maddy.” He winks at me before spinning around and strolling off down the hallway.
I close the door behind me, wondering what on earth I’ve gotten myself into, making a promise to be friends with the popular, beautiful star quarterback.
One day at this school, and I feel like I’ve already become someone else.
And I’m not sure if I hate it or like it.
CHAPTER 14
MADDISON
I spentthe next hour eating and working on a few assignments. Then, once I’m done, I look more into who bailed me out of jail. It’s something that’s been bugging me since I was released, and while no one at the police department has handed over the information, I’m not about to stop trying. I also need to call and find out when my court date is for the charges filed against me, but it’s too late to call about that. On top of all of this, I need to look for a new job. So, I guess staying here instead of going to dinner was a good thing since my to-do list is way longer than I anticipated.
I start with looking for a job online, mainly sticking to waitressing positions on the northside. Once I’ve submitted a few applications for those, I begin a search on anonymous bailers to see if anything pops up.
After reading article after article, I arrive at the conclusion that the person who bailed me out either bribed the police department to refuse to give me their information—which isn’t legal, but this is northside we’re talking about—or the person didn’t give their information when they paid my bail.
But seriously, who the hell would do this? Why go through the trouble of remaining so discreet? It doesn’t make any sense.
None of this does really?—
Ding.
A text comes through, and I have my earbuds in, so I startle.
Releasing a shaky breath, I pick up my phone, and my brows furrow at the unrecognizable number. When I open the message, my confusion dwindles.
Hey, it’s me, Lily. I meant to exchange numbers with you earlier but totally spaced out, so I called the school and got it. Sorry if that’s weird, but I wanted to let you know that Wren and I will be there in like half an hour, and then we can head to the party!
I prop up on my arms as I stare at the screen. I don’t feel like attending this party for so many reasons, but blowing her off is a bitch move.
Me: Okay, I’ll get ready then.
I program her number into my phone and, a second later, she texts me again.
Lily: Awesome! We’ll have so much fun. I promise.
I want to believe her, but I can be naturally pessimistic when it comes to parties, perhaps because the ones my parents always threw were an absolute shitshow.
Pushing up, I climb off the bed and begin rummaging through my clothes. For an instant, I consider texting Lily to see what I should wear, but I’m getting tired of worrying about that. It’s not who I am, and I don’t want to lose myself in this place. So, I pull on a pair of fishnet tights, a short, black skirt, and a worn Nirvana T-shirt I found at a secondhand store. Then I slip on my leather jacket, my boots, and pull my hair into a messy ponytail. I put on my dark eyeliner and mascara, and since it’s a party, I add some maroon lipstick to the mix.
I call it good, and it only took me about twenty minutes, so I wander into the living room area and sink onto the sofa to wait for Lily and Wren.
I’m a mixture of nervousness—which I hate—and exhaustion—which is normal. But a tiny, tiny part of me is curious to see what party life as a royal will be like.
I sit on the sofa and scroll through my social media accounts for about ten or so minutes before the door opens up.
“I know. He’s so hot,” Wren is saying as her and Lily walk into the room. “Maybe I could persuade him into making out with me for a bit tonight?”
“You shouldn’t have to persuade anyone to make out with you,” Lily informs her as she shuts the door.
