Page 217

Everyone looked so happy. This seemed like maybe the perfect time to tell everyone my news. I couldn’t wait to see Adonis’ face. I just needed to wait for my mom.

She finally rounded the corner into the living room, carrying a tray of appetizers.

Adonis wrapped his arms around me and whispered in my ear. “I’m feeling like my wife is in this room tonight.”

I laughed. “Stop it.”

“I’m serious.” He nipped at my earlobe.

I was smiling so hard it hurt. I tilted my head back on his chest so I could look up at him. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He kissed my cheek.

And then I cleared my throat. It was time for my big announcement. I couldn’t wait to see Adonis’ face when I told him the good news.

“The appetizers are finally ready...” my mom started and looked up from her tray. Her eyes landed on Adonis and she dropped the tray onto the ground.

Food went in every direction and Uncle James pulled Aunt Penny out of the way so she didn’t get hit.

“Babe,” my dad said. “Are you okay? It’s fine. Five second rule.” He leaned down to help pick up the mess.

But my mom was frozen in place, staring at Adonis.

Why did she look horrified?

She stepped back almost like she was scared of him.

“Hey, Miss H,” Adonis said, as familiar with her as he was with everyone. He dropped his arms from around me.

“It’s Mrs. Hunter,” my mom said firmly.

Why was she being so rude?

“Right. Miss Hunter,” Adonis said.

“Mrs. Hunter!” my mom snapped, correcting him.

Adonis smiled. “Whatever you say, Daphne.”

“Don’t call me by my first name!” she shrieked.

“Babe.” My dad stood up. “Are you okay? I told the kid to call me Rob. He’s just being friendly.”

“No he’s not being friendly!” she yelled and pointed to Adonis. “He...I...” She shook her head. “Dimitri, what the hell are you doing in my house?!” She stepped back again. “Do I need a restraining order?!”

What the hell is happening?! And who the hell is Dimitri?!

“Oh, come on now, Miss H,” Adonis said. “Don’t be that way.”

“Get out!” my mom screamed at him.

“Mom,” I said. “What are you doing? This isn’t Dimitri.” Whoever that was. Was she having a stroke or something? “This is my boyfriend.”

My mom shook her head. “No. No,” she said more sternly. “Your boyfriend’s name is Adonis. That’s Dimitri. The worst student I’ve had in the history of teaching.”

“What?” I asked. “He’s not your student. He goes to Empire High.”

“Because he got kicked out of my school because he’s a menace!”