“Given that the boys at this table make up the top five overall, I’m not surprised.” Dad glances around like he might shift to one of the others, but then his focus returns to Harper. “You’re what? Eighteen?”
“My birthday was this past week.” She takes another small bite. I’m proud of her acting like this isn’t painful. For keeping her answers succinct.
“Plans for college?”
The others shift uncomfortably, wanting to step in, but they can’t any more than I could. It would make her appear weak to my father. She either holds her own or she fails in his eyes.
“Of course. I’ve applied to a variety of schools, including some Ivy League. I’m still working on my essays for some scholarships, but even if I don’t get in everywhere I apply, I will get my degree.”
“How did you fall in with this group?” Dad leans back in his chair, abandoning the pretense of eating, and steeples his fingers against his lips as he waits for her answer. No longer trying to pretend like this isn’t the interrogation it is. His dark gaze sweeps over her, making my fist clench under the table.
She swallows and sets down her fork. “Nico and I were best friends in grade school before he left. I’ve known the guys all my life, but we only became friends this year.”
She doesn’t hesitate on the word friends. Relief slices through me.
“Planning to lock down one of these young men for the future?” Dad asks with an arched brow.
She glances around the table at us. “No. I’ll go to the school that’s best for me. If they happen to be there, I’m sure we’ll be friendly, butI’m not looking tolock downa guy in high school. I have my whole life to find someone to spend it with. If that’s what I decide to do.”
My dad makes a thoughtful noise. He studies her in a way I’ve never seen before. I hold my breath. Bringing her was a misstep on my part. I feel it in my soul.
Harper takes another small bite of food, probably waiting for the next bomb to fall.
His gaze narrows on her for another second before he shifts to Nico. “Your family is back in town. I’m surprised you transferred here for your senior year.”
I release my breath. She did well, and I almost smile with pride, but that would make my father even more interested in her.
“The football team here is better.” Nico explains about his academics and the friendships he wanted to rekindle.
I reach my hand under the table to Harper’s and brush her knuckles with mine. She doesn’t glance at me, but her lips tip into a small smile as she looks down at her plate. I hadn’t been lying at the pool. I’m willing to wait, but I don’t want to.
If we only have a year with Harper, I don’t want to waste one minute of it.
Harper
Next to his father, Luke is warm and loving. Even though Mr. Foster’s eyes are a warm hazel, they’re cold and calculating. Every question seems to have a purpose. His interest in me makes me feel like I’ve done something unforgivable.
When he changes topic to Nico and football, I relax and eat as much as my churning stomach can handle. Luke is stiff next to me. He’s been that way the whole dinner. The urge to slide my hand into his and just hold it to support him almost overwhelms me.
These boys mess with my brain. It’s one of the reasons I want to take tonight off. Get a little space to actually figure out what all this means. But I also know the minute we’re alone, I won’t be strong enough to walk away.
Because Iwantto be around them.
I like when they make me feel good. It’s too easy to forget the way things began. Especially when they pluck the cords of my desire like strings on an instrument only they know how to play.
A cell phone vibrates. Mr. Foster gets his phone out and looks at the screen.
“Sorry, boys. And girl. I need to take this.” He stands with his finger hovering over the Accept Call. “Enjoy dessert without me.”
His eyes go from Luke to me with a knowing smile before he leaves the room.
No one says a word as the wait staff take away the dinner plates and bring out plates of chocolate cake with raspberries on it.
“Dude—” Caden starts in a voice that says he’s about to complain. Maybe about Luke’s father?
“Not here.” Luke’s tone is curt as he glances around the room. “Enjoy your dessert and then we can leave.”
Jack’s hand finds mine under the table and squeezes it. I release my breath and pick up my fork. When I lift my eyes, Nico’s meet mine. His smile is gentle, and he gives me a wink before shoveling a bite of chocolate cake into his mouth.
