“I need to be valedictorian.”
I laugh. “Youneedto be? Sorry, but I’ve already earned it, and I’m not giving it up.”
He steps closer to me. “I don’t think you understand. Iamgoing to be valedictorian.”
“Uh, no, you’re not. You may get good grades, but mine are better. I have the highest grade point in school. I confirmed it with the office.”
“There’s still a semester left.”
“Yeah, and I’m going to make sure nothing changes. If anyoneneedsto be valedictorian, it’s me. I don’t have rich parents to buy my way into college and grades alone aren’t enough, especially at Harvard.”
“Harvard?” He folds his arms over his chest. “That’s where you’re going?”
“Maybe,” I say, knowing my chances of being accepted there are a million to one.
“Long ways from home.”
I shrug. “Nothing keeping me here.”
“Being valedictorian doesn’t help you get into college. Admission letters will be out in March, maybe earlier.”
I know that, but I didn’t know what else to say. I don’t understand what’s going on here. This is why we’re meeting? For him to tell me he wants to be valedictorian?
“It could help me get a scholarship,” I say.
“You’re poor. They’ll give you scholarships just for that.”
“I’m not poor. I’m just not filthy rich. My dad has his own business. He makes good money for what he does.”
“Then why do you live in such a shitty house?”
“It’s the house my dad grew up in. And it’s not shitty.”
“He could sell it and make a million just for the land.”
“Maybe, but he’s not selling. Could we hurry this up? I need to get home.”
“I already told you what I want.” He takes another step toward me, then leans down, getting so close I feel his breath on my face as he stares at me with those royal blue eyes. “I need to be valedictorian.”
“And I told you it’s not going to happen,” I say, staring back at him. “What exactly are you asking for here?”
“I’m asking you to back the fuck off.”
“Meaning what? Fail a class so you can rise to the top?”
“If that’s what it takes.”
“You’ve gotta be kidding me. Why the hell would I do that?”
“Because I’m telling you to.”
“Like I’m going to listen to you?” I huff. “Despite all the shit you say about me, you really don’t know me. If you did, you’d know I don’t follow orders, especially from rich pricks who think they can have whatever they want.” I cock my head, eyeing him. “Why do you want this so bad, anyway?”
He looks away. “Because it’s expected.”
“By who? Your parents?”
“It doesn’t fucking matter.” His eyes snap back to mine. “You’re doing this or else.”
