Ah, so not amazing, then.
“They’ll literally hang me on a cross with nails through my hands because I’m wearing these pants?” I lifted an eyebrow as I tugged on the drawstring waist.I’d like to see them try.
“You met Courtney Haynes. Her mother is the designer Gloria Haynes. Tillie’s dad makes gold watches for the super-rich. Amber’s parents are in men’s fashion. People at this schoolreallycare about fashion. Please, wear your uniform,” Loretta crossed her arms. “Or I can’t sit with you.”
“Jesus fucking Christ.” I flipped open my suitcase. “It’s like I’m living in a bad teen movie. Here, look.” I threw off Dante’s tank and tugged on the starched white shirt. Loretta ducked as my pants flew at her head. I deliberately misbuttoned my blazer and struck a model’s pose. “How do I look? Like the next valedictorian of Derleth Academy?”
That earned a derisive snort from Loretta. “You’re never going to catch up.”
Her comment confused me, but then I realized she must be talking about the class list. The first quarter started three weeks ago (Derleth used a quarter system instead of two semesters, because they were super rich and could do whatever the hell they wanted, I guess?). Luckily, I hadn’t missed any major tests or assignments, but I’d have to put in some long hours at the library if I wanted to stay on track academically.
“So I have to study a little harder.” I shrugged. “I have the time. Based off the warm welcome I’ve received so far, I’m guessing I’m not going to be inundated with social invitations.”
“It doesn’t matter how hard you study. I’ve been pulling all-nighters since I got here.” Loretta glanced toward the huge stack of textbooks on the desk. “I’ve had perfect scores on three pop quizzes, and I’m only up to 58 points.”
58? I remembered that Trey Bloomberg already had over eleven-hundred. “Do the points accumulate over years or something? I saw the list in the atrium. Some of the other students have quite a lot more than that.”
“They’re awarded points based on how much money their parents donate to the school,” Loretta whispered. “They get away with it as ‘service’ to the school, but really they’re buying their way to the top.”
“That’s not fair.”
“You have no idea.” A loud bell rang. Loretta jumped up. “I’ve got to go.”
“What is it now?” My hand flew to my pocket to check the time on my phone. Pain stabbed at my gut as I came up with thin air.
Loretta grabbed a book from her desk and sprinted for the steps. “It’s electives. If you’re still wearing your uniform, you can find me in the dining hall tonight.”
That’s right. I had to eat in the dining hall this evening. That sounded like torture. I guessed I couldn’t count on my student guides to show me the cool tables.
Loretta hurried off. Sighing, I smoothed down my tartan skirt, picked up a blank notebook, pen, and my room key.I guess it’s up to me to figure out this school by myself.
Chapter Four
Turns out I was right to leave my room. I needed the whole hour to find the dining hall. Derleth Academy was alabyrinth. Sometimes it seemed as if hallways changed places, or doors opened into different rooms than before. I walked up and down the dormitory wing, locating a laundromat, a long dark cupboard filled with starched linen, and a common room for seniors with a toaster and microwave ovens, designer sofas, and an ancient-looking vending machine. I started drawing a map in my notebook but I had to make so many crosses and corrections it looked more like a Picasso sketch.
As I stalked the classroom corridors, the bell rang again. I got swept up in a mob of students heading toward the dormitories. Bodies slammed into me, turning me around and crashing me about.
A rough hand grabbed me, pulling me out of the fray. Quinn’s emerald eyes met mine as he dragged me into an alcove – a brief respite from the crush of the crowd.
“Hello again, Meat,” he grinned, raking a hand through his hair. I wondered how he got away with keeping his hair long like that when I wasn’t allowed dreads. “I love your dreadlocks. Totally badass. Can I pull on them?”
I shook off his arm. “Why are you talking to me? Didn’t Trey forbid it or something?”
“Trey’s only one of the Kings at this school. He’s not the boss of me. Where are you going? You looked like you were trying to swim against the tide out there.”
Quinn watched me with interest. Unlike his buddy Trey, he didn’t seem outwardly hostile. He was clearly one of those guys who was just out for a good time. I’d even consider going there – he looked so delicious, all surfer hair and soft puppy eyes and that heart-melting smile. But there was something in the upward tug of his mouth that told me I’d better watch him, that his indifference could be just as cruel as Trey’s malice.
“I was trying to find the dining hall and my classes for tomorrow,” I rolled my eyes. “My student guides haven’t exactly been forthcoming with information.”
“Allow me to escort you.” He gave a deep bow and held out his hand, like a prince asking a princess for a dance at the ball. I guess he was a King, so I should be flattered.
“No thanks.” I wasn’t about to trust a friend of Trey’s, even one with surfer hair. For all I knew, Quinn would lock me in a closet somewhere and I’d miss dinner completely. As if anticipating that move, my stomach growled in protest. I shoved off the wall and launched myself into the cascade of students.
Quinn yanked me back again, wrenching my arm nearly out of its socket. “You don’t want my company?”
“Not really.” I rubbed my shoulder. “I would like my arm back.”
He dropped my arm. “Too bad. I just saved you from being crushed, and now you owe me a favor. Two favors, actually, since I saved you twice.”
