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“Fine, whatever,” I relented.
Sometimes, it was just easier to give her what she wanted.
After enrolling at Wellington, I’d quickly learned that Brittany Arnold was used to getting what she wanted. She had guys practically falling over themselves to date her and girls kissing her butt wherever she went. But she also had a softer side, one she didn’t let many people see. We became friends. I was upfront about not being interested, and she seemed cool with that.
“So, why are you up here instead of downstairs at your party? Which, by the way, rocks. Your uncle Ant outdid himself.”
I rolled my eyes. These people were always so impressed by money: who had the biggest pool, the fastest car, the most popular party. It was exhausting and fake, and it wasn’t who I was. I couldn’t give a shit.
“Yeah, it’s pretty great,” I replied flatly.
Brittany sat on the edge of the bed next to me and nudged my shoulder. “Don’t sound so excited. What’s eating you?”
My eyes flickered to the envelope balanced against the lamp on my desk. “Nothing.”
“You’re a tough nut to crack, Blake Weston.”
I didn’t reply. Sharing and caring wasn’t really my thing, especially not with the way our class gossiped.
Silence filled the room. Thick and heavy and as awkward as fuck.
“Shit,” I said, feeling too bummed out to deal with Brittany. “Maybe you should just head back down to the party.”
A soft hand glided across my knee and rested there. “Sometimes sharing helps. Try me. I can be a good listener. I promise,” Brittany said, and I swore I heard a nervous quiver in her voice.
Was the queen bee of Wellington nervous?
Around a guy?
Around me?
Not possible.
I turned slightly and half-smiled at her. “Thanks for the offer, but trust me, you don’t want to hear about my fucked-up life.”
“Blake…” Brittany paused, and her gaze dropped to my lips. The next thing I knew, she was leaning into me and pressing her mouth against mine.
Guilt fired through me.
And then I remembered Penny’s card.
Happy 18th Birthday, Blake.
You finally made it.
I hope you’re happy. You’ve waited for this day for so long, and it’s here.
Go live, Blake.
Be everything you can and more.
I’ll never forget you.
Penny
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
Her lips moved awayand then came back in for more, and some of the guilt peeled away, filling me with a numbness I welcomed.
