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I rolled my eyes, then said smoothly, “That freak nerd is going to bank-roll you in one year. Trust me. He could own Third Wave in another ten, max.”
That drew her up.
“Really?” Aidrian asked, perplexed. “He’s a nerd.”
“He’s a computer nerd who’s going to save my life. So no, he’s not a nerd.”
“Oh.” She was at a loss for words. “I thought…I mean…he’s a nerd!”
“He’s going to be one of those hot nerds. Hot and rich. Mark my words,” I remarked, walking away.
Crystal burst out laughing as I passed her. She fell in line, “I’m in awe of you. I mean, really, truly, madly, deeply. Just awe. Almost idol worship awe.”
“She’s entertaining,” I remarked dryly.
“Hey,” she stopped me.
I heard her tone and I knew what was coming.
“No,” I spoke first, “it’s great that you know what hell my weekend was. It’s great that you think I shouldn’t be here. But really—I’m fine.”
She looked taken aback. “Okay, fine. I just…I just wanted to say that if you ever want to get stark raving drunk, look me up.”
I relaxed slightly. “Thanks. I might take you up on that,” I said, gentling my tone, but I couldn’t erase the impatience I was feeling.
The rest of the morning passed and everyone knew to stay away from me. It might’ve been announced over the P.A. system. Swear. I’d walk down the hallways and people would scatter, making a path for me.
It might’ve been the scowl on my face.
“Miss Matthews, you are wanted in the principal’s office.” Of course, my teacher had to tell me this at the end of class.
“Now? At lunch?”
“It’s important.”
So off I went. As I traipsed through the hallway, I saw Amber and Jasmine giggling over something. Sasha stood just to the side, glaring at Jasmine’s back. Tristan was at her own locker, with her own following already malingering around her. The girl worked fast—she’d be ready to usurp Amber’s power in a week.
“Miss Matthews,” the receptionist greeted me.
“I got a note.”
“Yes, Principal Marshalls is waiting for you in his office right now.”
He wasn’t alone. I saw Coach Hailey with one empty chair beside her. Guess that had my name on it.
“Miss Matthews, take a seat,” Principal Marshalls offered, gesturing to the chair.
As we both sat, he started, “Ms. Hailey tells me that you had a less than professional attitude with her Friday morning.”
“Well, yeah. Mandy couldn’t go to the game and so I tried telling her that, but she told me I was full of it.”
“I did not!” Coach Hailey gasped.
“Yes, you did. You told me you wouldn’t accept that Mandy couldn’t be there and you’d expect her at the Dome when you arrived. Your exact words. So yeah, I had an attitude because you had one first,” I stated matter-of-factly.
Principal Marshalls cleared his throat, sending a beseeching look Hailey’s way. “I think the more important matter is your sister. Where is she, Taryn?”
I shrugged.
