But why her?
I could deal with him dating any girl other than one of the Miss Perfects.
At least the last school bell will ring soon. Although, that brings the start of a new kind of hell. The catering meeting with members of high society. Yuck.
I look across the room and watch Milo diligently taking notes. At least he’ll be with me for moral support. Just having him in this classroom puts me at ease.
When the bell finally rings, I resign myself to the fact that King Lear is starting to make sense. I can always ask Milo to read a few pages to me tonight. Perhaps when we’re alone in his bedroom.
I move out of the classroom ahead of Kai. With little thought, I wave goodbye.
“Just hang back,” Kai says, tugging on my blazer. “Tabby’s talking to Ms. Jenkins.”
“I’ve gotta get to the cafe before this meeting starts. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Kai pulls out his phone, distracted by a text. “Why are you running off? I’ll drive you.”
“You don’t have to drive me,” I say. “I was going to walk.”
“Did you not look out the window? It’s raining,” he says, scrolling on his phone. “I’m driving Tabby over, anyway.”
My fingers curl, cracking my knuckles. “Driving her where?”
He looks up from his phone. “To the cafe. Her and her mom are part of the society group organizing this event.”
“You’re kidding,” I mutter.
He gently punches my arm. “Another opportunity for you two to get to know each other better.”
I shake my head. “The thought of being around all these snooty women is already freaking me out. I can’t think about talking to Tabitha.”
“But she knows all these women. Wouldn't it be good to have someone in your corner?”
I scratch my head, swallowing uncomfortably. “I guess.”
“Relax, James,” Kai says. “Just think about it like a regular work day.”
Milo exits the classroom and stops a few feet away, mouthing, “Ready to go?”
Kai notices me looking over his shoulder and turns around. “What’s up, Milo? Need a ride?”
“Oh, no, umm…” Milo stammers, eyeing me for direction.
“Yeah, Kai will drive us,” I pipe up.
Kai turns back to me, and I tell him, “Milo was going to walk with me to the cafe so we can study after the meeting.”
Kai looks back at his brother. “What are you going to do while you wait for the meeting to be done?”
Milo shrugs. “Get a shake and a burger?”
Kai grins. “Sounds like what I need. Okay, I’ll hang with you until Tabby’s done.”
In a flash, Milo and I share an apprehensive look. I want Milo to be there for support. I can’t go up to him for a pep talk when Kai’s sitting in the same booth. Kai will just tell me to suck it up, end of conversation.
Kai’s jaw flexes as he watches me. “No good?”
I smooth back my hair, covering with, “I’m just still freaking out about the pack of snobs. I wish Aunt Maddy was here to deal with them.”
