Her dismal disposition brightens instantly.
“Totally boring, right?”
She nods, regarding me with a hopeful expression.
“I’m committed to helping you succeed in school, and all I ask in return is for you not to give up. Agreed?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s shake on it.” I hold my hand out to her and we seal the deal. “It’s time to tackle these fractions.”
I’m getting ready for Jake’s party while dancing to “Freakum Dress”. Mom and Michael left thirty minutes ago for a date, and we have no neighbors, so the volume is on max. The song is fitting, because I’m wearing a figure-hugging metallic tube dress that barely covers my plump bottom. I paired the racy garment with glittery black stilettos. My thick mane is in a messy bun, and, of course, my look wouldn’t be complete without my signature cherry-red lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, and shimmery silver eyeshadow.I peruse myself in the mirror.
“Hmm… something’s missing.” I tap my index finger on my chin. “Oh, I got it.”
I rummage in my makeup bag and pull out a palette. I cover my cheeks in a smidgen of rose blush.
“There.” I nod, satisfied. “All done.”
Jamal, Lucy, and Kate will be here at any moment. Initially, they flat out refused to go to the party, frustrating me to no end. It took nearly the whole week, but luckily, I was able to convince them to go. I would’ve gone alone if I had to. There’s no way in hell I’m going to let some unwritten town rule stop me from having fun.
Victoria was notably absent for the rest of the week. She’ll think twice before fucking with me again. Socking her in the nose earned me some respect among the students.
Maverick’s still giving me the silent treatment. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I’ve concluded I’ll have to do the project alone. I can’t force the asshole to help, and receiving a failing grade is not an option. It burns me up, but I have to do what I have to do. I just hope Mr. Barnes doesn’t pair us together on any more class assignments.
My cell chimes and I check it.
Jamal: Outside.
Cocoa: Coming.
I grab my clutch and head out the door.
A little over an hour later, we reach our destination. The picturesque neighborhood is postcard perfect. It’s squeaky clean, every lawn is immaculately groomed, and has the white picket fences to boot. Jake may not have the financial means like the snobby kids at Montgomery Academy, but it’s clear his family is well-off.
We exit the car and tread down the sidewalk.
“Damn, babe, let me get a closeup.” Jamal grabs my hand and twirls me around. “You lookin’ like a snack. If I were into vagina, I’d totally bang.”
“Oh, honey, I’m a meal.” I snap my fingers. “And, anyway, you can’t handle all this.”
He props his hands on his hips. “Forget you then, ho.”
“Love ya.” I blow him a kiss.
He grins, catching the imaginary kiss and stuffing it in his pocket.
“We so need to plan a trip to the mall ASAP. My wardrobe is due for an update, and I don’t have half the style you do,” Kate says.
“I’m down.” Shopping makes my teenage heart sing. “Just let me know the date and time.”
“I only have a hundred bucks saved, but I’ll get more money for Christmas.”
“I’m an expert at bargain shopping.” I throw my arm around her shoulders. “Girl, get ready to make room in your closet.”
“I can’t wait.”
“How can you walk in those shoes?” Lucy curls her lip at my heels. “I’d break my neck.”
