More posters have been hung around school, reminding everyone about the epic occasion, and it’s like a dagger to my heart.
“Honey, is everything okay?” Mom asks, passing the plates with food around. She made one of my favorites, but I can’t eat it. It’ll taste like wood.
“Fine,” I mutter, stabbing my chicken.
Dad’s in the middle of talking politics, something I’m definitely not interested in. I’ve got my phone on my lap and I’m creeping on Ryan. He doesn’t have much on social media, just a picture of him and his parents at some sort of event. He’s wearing a suit, and darn it he looks so dashing, like Mr. Darcy dashing. Ugh. So not fair.
“Artemis, what did we say about having cell phones at the table?” Mom asks.
I look over to where my brother’s phone sits before him on the table. Why does he always get away with everything? Why are my parents so harsh with me? Because he’s perfect and I’m far from it. He gets good grades and manages to keep them up while dating and doing all his volunteer work. I can barely keep goldfish alive for more than two hours.
He’s responsible, while I’m the complete opposite. Fine, I get it. I just wish my parents would have more faith in me.
I continue tapping my phone, trying to find as much information on Ryan as I can, but he’s like a ghost.
“Artemis,” Dad says in his authoritative, mayor tone. “What did your mother just say?” He holds out his hand. “Give it here.”
“Dad!”
“You can have it after we’re done with dinner. Let’s eat like afamily.”
I groan before handing him my phone. “So not fair. Jason is on his phone, but you’re not confiscating his.”
“Jason has many endeavors he needs to take care of,” Mom explains, for maybe the hundredth time. “He needs to constantly be on his phone, check up on things. You understand.”
Sure I understand.
It’s not like he’s purposely getting away with it, or rubbing it in my face. He probably is legitimately working on stuff. Still, it’s not fair. And besides, I know he’s sneaking in texts to Jenna.
I cross my arms over my chest, huffing. Jason, sitting across from me, lifts his head. “Fine.” He places his phone on the empty chair next to him. “I put it down. Happy?”
At that second, his phone pings.
“You can get that, son,” Dad tells him. It’s probably Jenna.
Jason shakes his head. “That’s okay. If Art can’t have her phone during dinner, then I shouldn’t, either.”
“Thank you,” I say, tightening my arms on my chest. “At least someone in this family cares.”
Mom gives me a look. “Stop being so dramatic, honey. An hour away from your phone won’t kill you.”
Jason’s phone continues to sing, but he makes no move to get it. He’s a good brother as far as brothers go. I still hate the double standards my parents have in play. Not that it’s his fault.
They expect him to follow in Dad’s footsteps. Become this great lawyer, then mayor one day. I have no idea what they want from me. Honestly, I just want a boyfriend and I’ll be happy.
And not just any boyfriend. Ryan Rogers.
***
The next day, I rush into the building and search for the man of my dreams. He’s at his locker, rummaging inside for his books. I decided that today is the day I will get this beautiful, mysterious guy to notice me.
Clearing my throat, I muster all my courage and make my way over to him. “Hey.”
His back faces me, which makes it a little tricky because I don’t want to, like, tap him or anything. Some people don’t like being touched.
“Ryan?”
He doesn’t turn around.
