I haven’t seen him since the movie theater debacle.
“Hey,” I respond awkwardly.
“Christmas shopping?” He gestures towards my bounty.
“Yep.” I glance at his empty hands. “You?”
“Trying to figure out what to get my little sisters.” He sighs. “It wouldn’t be this difficult if they were boys.”
“How old are they?”
“Eight and five.”
“Simple, dolls with accessories,”I statematter-of-factly. “Trust me, they’ll be happy campers.”
“Okay, dolls it is,” Jake says, nodding his head decisively. “Thanks.”
“No sweat.”
We lapse into an uncomfortable silence. Though I’m looking straight ahead, I feel his intense gaze on me.
“Look, I’m sorry how things went down. It was unfair to you.”
“Heard you and Maverick are together now.” Contempt flashes in his eyes. “That true?”
I clear my throat. “We’re dating.”
“Thought you were smart,”he snarls scornfully. “But you’re dumb as a box of fucking rocks.”
“I get why you’re pissed, but you don’t have to be an asshole,” I snap.
“I’m better for you.” Jake seizes my arms in a painful grip, halting me. “Give us a chance.”
“Did you miss the part where I’m with Maverick?”
“And? You don’t mind being shared, right?” His face twists in an ugly sneer. “You were fucking him but still went out with me.”
“Let me go,” I hiss, struggling to loosen his hold.
Suddenly, he seizes my lips in a violent kiss. My palm cracks across his face, drawing the attention of the people around us.
“Are you insane?” I grit out, tearing away from him. “Maverick will kill you.”
“I’m not afraid of him,” he barks, reaching for me again.
I dodge his grasp and bolt down the mall.
“Don’t come near me again, Jake,” I call over my shoulder.
“Maverick’s unstable. He’ll turn on you, eventually.”
My heart pounds in my chest.Jeez Louise. Just when I thought the drama was behind me. I can’t tell Maverick about this; he’ll go off the deep end. It’s best to keep him in the dark.
I lean against Cocoa’s locker, waiting on her to arrive. Dee and Nix hover nearby having a heated exchange about who’s the best UNO player between them. I swear, those two bicker constantly. You’d think they were an old married couple.
I’m in a good mood, so their argument doesn’t bother me. Mr. Thompson and Cocoa’s mother leave tomorrow for fourteen whole days. We plan to spend most of the time cocooned in bed. My bag is already packed and in my Jeep.
I can’t get enough of her. She’s like drinking a tall glass of ice water after being lost in the desert. Now, it’d be impossible for me to function without her. We have to at least go to college in the same state. That’s a topic I’m bringing up next week. Neither of us has formally said we’re in a relationship, but for me, it goes without saying.
