“Yes, try it sometime. It will help that puny brain of yours grow.” Ford’s hand trails down my back and he pinches my butt, making me jump. “What was that for?” He cocks an eyebrow, nodding toward Jack. “Are you serious?” In response to that question, I get two raised eyebrows. “Fine.” I humph, crossing my arms.
“You were saying?” Jack has a giant smile on his face.
“Your brain isn’t puny. I’m sure it’s around three and a half pounds, like everyone else’s brains.”
Both Jack and Ford bust up laughing. “Only you, Clark, can make an apology sound arrogant,” Jack says.
“You just need to up your game, Fitzgerald,” Ford says, taking my backpack from me and opening the front door.
“It’s hard when she’s been sparring with you since middle school.” Jack slings his backpack over his shoulder, grabs his keys and follows us outside. “I’m pretty sure you’re the one who’s created the monster.”
“I’m not a monster,” I say.
“I’m speaking figuratively. Chill, Clark,” Jack yells, getting into his car.
“Yeah, yeah,” I pout.
Ford opens the door for me and then leans in, giving me a kiss. “How are you this morning?”
I tap his chin with my thumb, gliding my fingers up his jaw. “I’m good, and you? Any drama last night?”
“No, after I got home from Cameron’s, I talked to my mom for a while. I told her I didn’t want to live with my dad, and she was relieved. She’s headed to Boise today. That’s where her lawyer is. She didn’t think she would be home until the end of the week. She did promise to be home for my game.”
“That’s good. I’m glad you, too, had a pleasant conversation with her.”
“You’re not going to say anything about her not being home all week?”
I shrug. “I hate you being alone, but we’ve already had that conversation.”
Ford gives me one more kiss, then gets in the driver’s seat.
Mrs. Hammond doesn’t use her usual method of testing. Instead, she uses the AP standardized test with multiple-choice questions and a stupid bubble sheet. She also gives us three essay questions. I don’t mind essays, but she usually only has one. I’m putting the final touches on the last one when the bell rings. Mrs. Hammond marches up to my desk, holding her hand out, looking irritated at me. I glance around the room, and it seems like everyone else is done. Ford is waiting for me by the door. “What was stuck up her butt?” I ask, taking his hand. “She told us we had the entire period to take the test.”
“She’s just a grumpy old lady. I always thought she liked me, but this year she’s always staring down her nose at me, and giving me irritated looks.”
“Don’t worry about her.” Ford twirls the bottom of my cheer skirt in his hand while I dig into my locker. “Why are you wearing your cheer uniform today?”
“There’s a volleyball game after school.”
“What about your dance class tonight?”
“I’m teaching, but I’m wearing my uniform to support the volleyball team.”
“I guess I know what I’m doing tonight.” Ford smirks, glancing down the hall at where Jack and Leah are flirting with each other.
“Supporting the volleyball team?”
Ford wraps his arm around me. “Yeah, something like that. I’d say it’s more of supporting my friends.”
I laugh. “You’re a good friend.”
The next three class periods drag. Right before chemistry ends, Ford passes me a note.I Have something I need to do right after class. I’ll meet you in the lunchroom at our usual table.I look at him and mouth, ‘what,’ but he just smiles and gives me a thumbs up. He’s up to something, and I can’t even fathom what it might be. As soon as the bell rings, Ford bolts out of the room like he’s on fire.
“He wanted out of here fast.” Landon Phillips says, coming up to me.
“Yeah, I’m not sure what he’s doing.”
“What did you think of the test in English?”
