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“Thanks,” I laugh, glancing at the open door. God, I hope Mom isn’t lurking around in the hall. “Text me when you get back. Love you.”
She blows me a kiss as she walks out the door. “Love you too.”
***
I knock lightly on Eli’s office door and wait for his reply. The hall is empty, but I’m still nervous about being seen with him. He calls out, so I push the door open and sneak inside. He’s sitting at his desk. His face softens when he sees me and he stands up.
“How are you?” he says, walking over to my side.
I smile as he touches my cheek, then leans down to kiss me.
“I wanted to call, but with your mom . . .”
I nod, because I understand. “I’m okay. Still a little shaken up, but I’m better than I was. I wanted to say thank you for coming to get me from the party. I know how much of a risk that was for you, because anyone could have seen us. I just want you to know I appreciate it.”
“You always come first, Jill. I didn’t give a fuck about my job. All I could think about was you.”
“What if someone did see you?” I ask, nervously. “Jamie was there.”
“Then we’ll deal with it.” He shrugs. “Why worry about that now?”
I nod. He’s right: worrying isn’t going to change anything. I lean over and press my mouth against his. We avoid each other as much as possible in school, so I want to make the most of the moment I have with him.
“I’m running late for a class,” he mumbles, kissing my lips. “And I’m sure you have class. Call me tonight, okay?”
I nod and pull away from him. He watches me as I back out of his office, a smirk on my lips.
I check my watch and realize I am running late. I was supposed to be in Chemistry as of four minutes ago. Shit. Maybe I should’ve gotten Eli to give me a late pass. I laugh at the thought of asking him for one.
I see Jamie standing in the hallway ahead of me, and my heart begins to pound faster. I’m hoping to God he didn’t just see me leave Eli’s office. His eyes narrow as I near him, and he steps forward, blocking my path.
“Running late, are we?”
“Looks that way, huh?” I retort, my voice stiff.
He chuckles and falls into step next to me.
“What do you want, Jamie?” I sigh. I’m getting sick of his games.
“Hey, I just want to talk,” he says, throwing his hands up. “I was thinking how little we really know about each other.”
My grip tightens on my backpack as I pick up my pace. “Yeah, and I’d like to keep it that way,” I mutter.
“That’s not very neighborly of you, Jill. You didn’t seem to mind listening in on my private conversation with my dad the other week.”
My skin prickles at the reminder. He laughs at my reaction, enjoying my discomfort.
“If it were that private you wouldn’t have been yelling at the top of your lungs,” I snap. “You know what? This ends now. Whatever you think you have on me, just let it go. I’m not going to let you get under my skin anymore. I have no idea why you hate me so much, but please, do me a favor and leave me out of your stupid little games.”
“Yeah, it’s stupid until I start telling people,” he replies, his eyes hooded with anger. “Like your dad. What do you think he would say if he knew?”
Something inside me snaps. I turn around and shove him. “You got me, Jamie.” I hold my hands up, sarcasm dripping off my voice. “Do whatever you need to do. Tell my dad about Eli. Tell the whole world, I don’t care—”
“Wait, what?” His eyes widen, a little smirk creeping across his lips. “What exactly are we talking about? You and Eli? You and a teacher?” He laughs as though he can’t believe his luck, and shakes his head. “You’re fucking kidding me.”
Oh, shit.
“What do you mean?” I say, frustrated. “You’ve been all but telling me that you knew since last fucking semester.”
