Charlotte sighs. “Okay, fine. If that’s how you want to play the game, that’s all right by me. I know your parents refused to pay your tuition. I also know you need a scholarship. But those are only given out at the beginning of a new semester. Which brings us to the question of how you’re going to financethissemester. And no, I’m not expecting an answer, because I already know. You’re not. You have no money, Jase. You’re broke. And you can’t get a credit card because your daddy very carefully blocked all your options.”
I wait for him to deny it, because it can’t be that bad, can it? His parents won’t pay his tuition, but he must be able to get a loan. He’s Jase Winslow, and half the city knows his family. But Jase doesn’t say a word. His teeth are grinding, and the look of annoyance on his face transforms into murderous fury.
“And that brings us to the offer that I can make you,” Charlotte says, casually tossing her shiny black hair over her shoulders. “Myparents will pay your fees for this semester. Plus, my mother can help you get a scholarship. She knows a few people on the board and can put in a good word. The only thing you have to do is be my partner. That’s all.”
I make my presence known by clearing my throat before Jase can answer. I don’t want to hear what he’s going to say. If he really wants to trade partners, I’m screwed.
Charlotte and Jase both turn in my direction. Charlotte’s eyes flash with anger, but Jase looks almost amused.
“Where were you?” I ask him, ignoring Charlotte as much as I can. “We had an appointment, remember?”
He shakes his head and gives Charlotte a regretful smile, which I don’t buy for a second. “Sorry, I have to go.”
Her smile is just as fake. “Think about it. My offer stands.”
Jase doesn’t answer. I find my key, and together we leave the auditorium, then the theater building.
“Eavesdropping is rude,” he says once we’re outside.
I repress the excuse that’s on the tip of my tongue, because he’s right. But I’m not sorry. So I shrug. We enter the practice studios and silently climb the stairs to the little studio under the roof, not saying a word.
This time, I’m the one to break the ice between us. “Are you thinking about accepting Charlotte’s offer?” I ask. I have to know. I hope his answer will be no. But I can’t be sure.
Chapter 22
Jase
What’s most important to you?
Ballet. And your family. And telling you my secrets.
—J
Part of me wants to answer Zoe’s question with a yes, because it would make everything easier if I took Charlotte up on her offer. Aside from the fact that I’d have to deal with Charlotte. But otherwise... My problems would disappear in a snap and dissolve into thin air. Still, I can’t do that, and I think Zoe knows it just as well as I do.
“No.”
She looks at me skeptically. “Why not?”
“Because I don’t like to be blackmailed,” I say, leaving out the whole truth, which I won’t admit, not even to myself. Charlotte is the most manipulative bitch I’ve ever met. She may always get what she wants, but I’m not some designer handbag she can buy with her parents’ money.
“Your life would be a lot easier if you did.”
“I know.”
“Then why didn’t you say yes? You need money, and she offered it to you.” Zoe looks at me as though she really can’t understand. But what is she expecting me to say?
“Do you want to get rid of me?”
She shakes her head. “I want to understand you.”
This time I won’t ask her why. I don’t answer at all, instead opening the door to the little attic studio and kicking off my shoes. Zoe follows me in, tossing her jacket in the corner and stepping in front of the mirror without being told. I stand behind her.
“No music today?” she asks, and her voice carries a slightly sarcastic undertone that I don’t recognize at all. I roll my eyes but pull my phone out of my pocket and connect it to the Bluetooth speaker. “Any requests?”
“You can choose.”
I hesitate for a moment before searching for Harry Styles on Spotify and randomly clicking on a song. I know Zoe loves them all. She needs to relax, and music helps with that, doesn’t it?
