Sarah
The week slogs on. Excruciatingly slow. Everett keeps texting me and I keep ignoring him, much to Jasmine’s disapproval. She’s also not thrilled about the new friends I’ve made. Mar from photography and Ty from French are the only two students with whom I’ve genuinely connected. They’re down-to-earth, a little artsy, a little different, but fun to talk to. And it turns out they were already friends, which means I’m not awkwardly caught in the middle. If anything, I’m the third wheel.
On Thursday, Maggie picks us up after school because Jasmine really, really,reallyneeds to get new earrings for tomorrow’s football game.
“I want to go to Hi-Lites,” Jasmine says from the back of the SUV. “So park there.”
“I’ll be so glad when you two have your licenses and I don’t have to be your personal chauffer.” Maggie groans and pulls into a parking lot near the small open-air mall outside of the downtown stretch. Until today, I had no idea this little shopping center even existed. According to Jasmine, it’s one of two hangout spots for the kids in town, with the lakefront serving as the other.
Jasmine blows a bubble with her gum and then pops it with her finger. “Yeah, well. You could’ve just let Ryan borrow the car, you know. She could drive us. Right, Ryan?”
I hesitate. It’s been a long time since I had a mother to go shopping with, and Aunt Maggie is the next-closest thing, so truthfully, I don’t mind the lack of freedom. “Maybe next time.”
Maggie turns off the engine and glances at me before I can open the passenger door. “I forgot to mention—I’m looking for some help at my office after school, maybe a few afternoons a week. Just filing, answering messages, and updating listings. Jazzy is too busy with cheerleading, so I thought I’d ask you. Are you interested? I’d pay you fifteen bucks an hour.”
“Seriously?” I’ve been thinking about getting a part-time job, but I assumed it would be in fast food. This would be a lot better. “Sure, I’d love that. Thanks.”
“Fabulous! How’s Monday to start?”
“Great.”
We all hop out of the car, Jasmine going on about how Hi-Lites has the cutest earrings and clothes. When we get to the storefront, one glance at the flowered sundresses in the window tells me it’s not for me.
Connor points toward a sporting goods store. “I’ll be there,” he says, and walks off.
As much as I want to fit in with the Shipley women, trying on frilly dresses feels like a fate worse than death. I spot a coffee shop in the center of the square, a cool locally owned one that looks more inviting than the Starbucks. “Can I just go over there? I didn’t have lunch today and I’m starving.”
Jasmine’s face falls, but Maggie says, “Sure, if that’s what you want.” She holds up her phone. “Check your texts.”
“I will.”
The coffee shop is packed. I get in line and order a caramel latte and a muffin. As I’m spinning around with my order, searching for a table in the corner, I see two gorgeous boys walking through the door.
Everett and Chase.
There’s no way to avoid them. They notice me almost instantly.
“Hey, Gemini,” Everett drawls.
Awesome. Now he thinks that because I call him Everest, he can respond in kind. I should’ve known that would happen.
“Hey.”
He motions to Chase. “You know Chase?”
“Yeah, we’re in a class together,” I say vaguely.
“Two. English and calc,” Chase mutters.
He’s in my calculus class too? How is this guy able to show up to school sporadically and not get kicked out?
“Cool,” Everett says, a corner of his mouth lifting to reveal a sinfully cute dimple. “Given any more thought to that dinner invite?”
“It’s all I think about.”
That makes him snicker. “You think the sarcasm turns me off, but it really doesn’t.”
Beside him, Chase stares at me. His body language tells me he’s dying to get away from this conversation.
