After we drop the girls at ballet, we head to Cake and Coffee, where Astrid helps me with my maths homework while I ply her with cake and cappuccino. The girl wasn’t joking. I don’t know anyone who consumes as much cake as Astrid Nevan and gets away with it.
If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the way to Astrid’s is via cake.
Why the fuck am I thinking such things?
“Callan.” Astrid clicks her fingers in my face. “You zoned out.”
“Sorry. What were you saying?”
“How did the test go yesterday?”
“I got a B+. I meant to tell you, but I forgot after the match.” We are three for three wins now, and our team is feeling unstoppable.
“Fan vad bra!” Her eyes gleam with pride.
I open my mouth to ask, but she beats me to it.
“It means that’s fucking amazing.”
“I like that one,” I say, adding it to the notes on my phone.
“You’ll be getting As in no time.”
Esther drops off a fresh cappuccino for Astrid and a chamomile tea for me, and we thank her.
“I’m happy with Bs,” I say after the friendly waitress has left. “I just need to do enough to pass so I graduate.” I blow on the top of my mug.
Astrid stirs her drink. “True, and that would be enough to get a scholarship…if you decide to change your mind.”
“I won’t even though Da brings it up regularly.”
“I thought you two had patched things up,” she says, stashing her books in her bag.
“There is a tentative truce in place, but it doesn’t mean my goals have changed. I’m still planning on leaving in June.”
“I understand, but it never hurts to keep your options open, and I’m happy to do homework together whenever you want.”
Fifteen minutes later, we set out on foot toward the dance studio. Astrid ditched her jacket in the car because today is turning out to be unseasonably warm. Her hand is encased in mine as we approach Joey’s, and I stifle a groan when Ana and a few of her bitchy friends exit the popular diner just as we’re passing.
“If it isn’t the virgin and the soccer player holding hands like they’re twelve.” Her friends titter as I attempt to maneuver past them, but they’re blocking the path, and I can’t step onto the road when there’s a steady stream of traffic. “When you get sickof all the PG-13 forehead and cheek kisses, look me up, sexy. I know how to show a guy a good time.”
“Callan has zero desire to catch herpes,” Astrid says before I can retort. “That is why Travis kicked your ass to the curb, right? At least that’s what he’s saying.”
Steam practically billows from Ana’s ears as she fists her hands and glares at my girlfriend. “That is a filthy lie, and if you spread that shit around, I will?—”
“You will do nothing.” I narrow my eyes and level her with a sharp look. “If you so much as look sideways at Astrid, I will make your life hell. And stay the fuck away from me too. You couldn’t pay me to spend one second voluntarily in your company, and you sure as fuck couldn’t pay me to touch you. I’m not interested in you. Not now. Not ever. Now get the fuck out of my way, or I’ll make you.”
“There is no need to be so rude, but I guess the truth hurts, Callan.” She pulls back, and her minions fall into line with her. “I’ll be here when you wise up. I can be patient.”
Gripping Astrid’s hand, I tow her away from the mean girls, trying to calm down before we get to the dance studio. “She is a nasty piece of work.”
“I have never been her biggest fan, but the way she’s acting now is disgusting.”
I release the death grip on her fingers. “Has she always been like that with you?”
She shakes her head. “We have never been friends, and while she’s made the odd catty remark, she has never been that cruel. I used to think she didn’t go there with me because Gwen is one of her cheerleaders, but now it’s clear she doesn’t give a fuck.” She looks up at me. “She wants you, and she’s not used to being told no. I fear it’s only going to get worse.”
Halting a few feet away from the dance studio, I pull Astrid over to the side. “That’s the only word she’ll hear from theselips.” I tuck a few wispy strands of her hair behind one ear. “You need to tell me if she tries anything. I won’t let her bully you or try to humiliate you.”
