“What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”
I blow out my cheeks. “My dumb ass listened to the lies someone told me.”
“Hell, beg for her forgiveness. Pride doesn’t exist where love is concerned.”
“I already tried.”
“You gotta be persistent, man.”
“She’s half Black,” I blurt out.
“Okay.” He frowns. “I’m lost.”
“I called her the N word,” I add quickly, avoiding eye contact.
And initiated a food fight in the school cafeteria with her as the target.
“Whoa, Maverick, you crossed the line. Some things you don’t say even when you’re angry.”
“I know.” I drag a hand through my hair. “What should I do?”
Duke strokes his beard thoughtfully. “There’s nothing you can do. The ball is in her court.”
My shoulders slump. “I can’t live without her.”
“Maybe one day she’ll forgive you.”
“Not likely.”
“Sorry, buddy.” He slaps me on the back. “I’ll get you some painkillers and ointment for the swelling.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Once again, the road to my future is cold and desolate.
“No one would blame you for ditching school,” Nix says, turning off the engine. “This shitstorm isn’t going to die down for a while.”
I’m nursing a hangover and opted not to drive today. The press lingers on the sidewalk, hankering to finagle someone into answering their questions. They aren’t allowed to venture any farther since Montgomery Academy is located on private property.
I wish the same could be said for Nix’s house. I’m becoming a burden to his family. Dozens of reporters besiege the Harper residence daily. The bastards call incessantly too, requesting an exclusive interview with me. Finally, Mr. Harper had enough and disconnected the line. Vultures, all of them.
“I need to be here.”
“You mean you need to see her.” He peers at me knowingly. “Don’t make the situation harder than it already is.”
“I miss her,” I mumble.
We exit the car and meet Dee on the grassy knoll. His gaze roams over my bruised face, then he glances at Nix and they share a silent exchange.
“You ready?” he asks, deciding not to address my current condition.
“Yeah.”
We’re still beefing, but he’ll always have my back, no matter what. I scan the parking lot and my eyes collide with Cocoa’s. Was she watching me? She resembles an angel; the bright sun creates a halo around her, adding an extra glow to her caramel-colored skin and silky hair.
I’d literally give anything to touch her.
