A loud noise comes from somewhere in the house, and I scramble to get up. “They’re home!”
“Fuck!” He jumps to his feet. “See ya.”
“Wait, you’re just walking out the back?”
“There’s no other way out.” He grabs my face, kisses me, then smiles. “Maybe you could sneak down later.”
He leaves, and when I look out at the patio, I don’t even see him. He’s fast. I bet he’s almost home by now.
There’s a knock on my door. “Rumor?”
It sounds like Maria. “Yeah, just a minute.” I race to the door and open it. “You’re working on a holiday?”
“Just picking up the dry cleaning. Do you have anything?”
“No.”
She stares at me, smiling. “Did you just get off the phone with your boyfriend?”
“We’re not together anymore,” I say, realizing that’s the first time I’ve said that without crying. “Didn’t Shayla tell you? I texted her last night.”
“She didn’t mention it.” Maria pulls me into a hug. “I’m sorry, honey.”
“Thanks,” I say as she lets me go.
“You doing okay?”
“Actually, yeah. I’m feeling a lot better now.”
I’m not going to tell her Jackson is the reason I’m feeling better. I’m not going to tell Shayla either until I’m sure I can trust her.
“Good for you,” Maria says. “I always tell my daughter not to cry over some boy. They’re not worth your tears.”
“And does she believe you?”
“Of course not,” she says, tossing up her hands. “She never listens to her mother.” She pats my shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’ll find someone else. Someone better.”
I already have, but I don’t know how I can be with him and keep it hidden. Trystan’s watching my every move. Braden’s suspicious of me. And I’m not sure Maria would keep quiet if she found out.
I’m still going to do it. I like Jackson. I want to try dating him. If I get caught, what’s the worst that could happen?
Chapter 22
“Get your ass in the car or I’m leaving without you,” Braden yells, banging on my bedroom door.
“I’m coming!” I yell back. “Just give me a minute!”
It’s Tuesday morning, the first day of class. I’m staring at myself in the mirror in this stupid uniform. Black pleated skirt. White polo with the school’s green and black emblem on it. Ugly white shoes. I can’t believe I have to wear this. If Axl saw me right now, he wouldn’t be able to stop laughing.
A text pops up from Jackson.
Ready for your first day?
Not really,I text back.
Bet you look hot in the uniform.
I smile.
