The first thing I do after I enter the school building is look for my boyfriend. Of course he’s not here. Ryan likes to come a few minutes before first bell.
But when I reach my locker, my eyes widen as they take in the tall guy leaningagainst the lockers, arms crossed over his chest. I zoom over to him, wanting to fling my arms around him, but then I remember we’re taking things slow. And anyway, it’s no one’s business that we’re together.
“Hi!” I smile brightly.
“Hi.”
Still no smile yet, but maybe he’ll get there one day. “Missed you, boyfriend,” I tell him.
His lips lift a tiny, tiny bit. “Me, too. Want to hang out after school? Maybe get some books?”
“What?”
He shoves his hands into his pockets. “We can read the books together, then watch the movies.”
Can this guy be any more perfect?
“It’s like you speak my language,” I say.
His lips lift slightly higher, only slightly, though. “Cool.” He’s about to say something else, but the bell rings. I quickly get my stuff, then we walk to class.
It’s different walking down the halls with Ryan as my boyfriend. I feel like people are staring at us, like the spotlight is shining on us. But that’s probably all in my head.
He’s the most important person in my life right now and I can’t wait to see where things go with us.
***
When I ask Ryan to sit with me, my brother, and Jenna at our table in the cafeteria, I’m surprised he doesn’t object. I guess he doesn’t want to be alone right now. And that makes my heart soar. He’ll love Jenna and my brother. I bet we’ll all get along great.
Jenna’s jaw drops as Ryan and I plop down across from her and Jason with our trays. I don’t even know what’s on the menu today. I grabbed whatever, not taking my eyes off my boyfriend.
“What?” I ask my best friend.
She keeps staring at him.
“You know Ryan,” I say.
“Yeah…” She bends close to me. “But what’s he doing here?” She exchanges a glance with Jason. “Wait, are you and Ryan…dating now?”
I shrug. “I don’t know...”
Her eyebrows furrow. Ryan turns to me with a lifted brow.
I take a bite of whatever is on my tray, then swallow it down. Some sort of meat, I think. “Fine,” I give in. “We’re together.”
“Oh my gosh!” Jenna gushes. “Really?”
“You sound so shocked.”
“Not shocked. Maybe a little surprised. But so excited. Ryan, Artemis is great.”
He nods. From his eyes, I can tell he wants to smile, but for some reason can’t. “I know. She’s amazing.”
My cheeks are scorching.
“Oh my gosh,” Jenna mouths to me.
“I know!” I mouth back.
