Page 31 of Saints & Sailors

Dreux shrugged. “It reminds me of the strength my mom had when she was fighting breast cancer.”

On his wrist, beside his gold chain and beaded bracelet, I was suddenly aware of the pink Breast Cancer Awareness band he wore as well.

Dreux St. Julien was a decent guy.

“Your turn, Saylor,” Cameron went on. “What’s your favorite color?”

As if possibly sharing a favorite color would make us close.

“Don’t have one.” I gathered my Snapple Apple and uncapped it. “I think every color has their purpose.”

Dreux was looking at me funny. “Is that bullshit or real?”

“Real.”

He didn’t say anything, but Cameron got this goofy look on her face as if she’d just found the key to World Peace.

“You up for some baseball after school?” Aidan asked.

Dreux ate some of his sandwich as he agreed to a game with Aidan.

These goody-goodies were cramping my style.

Not too far from our table, I found Bonham and his herd of friends. Bonham was lounging back in his seat, his legs spread apart as he lazily peered around the lunch quarters, bored out of his mind.

When he found me, he stuck his tongue out at me, and I took that as my cue to get up and leave the Breakfast Club.

Everyone said Bonham was fire, but I craved the burn, I wanted the fun, and I wanted the trouble. I needed to feel alive.

Bonham watched me approach him, his eyes eating up my figure as he sank lower in his chair. His wavy hair was a mess, and he looked like a rock star in that leather jacket. It was hard to believe he was Aidan’s older brother. Aidan was Mr. Fundraiser and Goodwill, while Bonham was Mr. Mayhem and Debauchery.

I set half of my muffin down before him, as if I were making an offering to a god. “A gift.”

Bonham threaded his fingers together and rested them on his lap. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” he drawled as he gazed up at me.

His buddies were too busy laughing and mixing their food together to pay us any attention—I thought they were high.

I pouted. “I’m bored.”

Bonham’s lips curled into a smile. “What are you getting into this weekend?”

“Perfecting the knot to my noose.”

“I picture you drowning. You know, captain going down with its ship and all.”

“Drowning is painful and slow.”

“Real men can take it, Say-lor.”

I whistled. “One with the water, what a way to go.”

Bonham chuckled, amused by me. “We can’t be friends if you choose to associate with St. Julien.”

Dreux.

Bonham was definitely serious as he sat back staring up at me.

Boys and their bullshit.