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And now my cheeks blush as I press one to my shoulder, smiling sheepishly. “You’re too kind.”
“What can I say? I’m a gentleman.” He and Riley share a look before he heads for the door. “See you two tonight.”
I wave goodbye while Riley hides her face.
As soon as the door closes behind him, I’m on her. “Spill. Now.”
“What?” She fights to avoid eye contact, so I grab her arm and spin her around. “He came here like an hour ago. Didn’t know you got detention. I told him he could wait and we started talking. Turns out, we have a lot in common.”
“You were flirting,” I tease.
“I can’t help it. Did you see that guy?” she says, grinning from ear to ear. “But if he is into you and vice versa, I’ll totally back off.”
I laugh because it’s laughable. “Elias isnotinto me and I’m certainly not into him. We’re just friends.”
She lifts a brow. “Does he know that?”
“Well, I’d say he does now.Especially since my roommate was hitting on him.”
Riley’s cheeks flush again. “I’m sorry. It’s just been so long since a guy has even cared enough to have an in-depth conversation with me.”
“Well, I for one, am glad. In fact, I think you two should continue getting to know one another. I’m just mad at myself for not realizing it sooner. But, I did say I’d find you a date tonight. So, you’re welcome.”
Her expression goes serious, and she places her hands on my shoulders. “Look me in the eye and promise me you’re not into him.”
“I. Am. Not. Into him.”
She brings her hands together excitedly. “Thank God because he’s so hot and so my type.”
I open my mouth, searching for the words because I wouldn't label him as hot. “He’s…very attractive.”
Eliasisa nice-looking guy. Not much brawn, but I can tell has the brains. He’s got this sexy nerdy look going for him and I can totally imagine them hitting it off. It’s actually perfect. Now, it keeps her away from The Lawless.
There’s a knock at the door that has my eyes shooting to Riley. “It’s Melody,” she says. “She’s here to pick up my cheer uniform to get dry cleaned.”
As she’s getting her uniform together for Melody, I use this time to sneak my phone into my makeup bag, so I can call my mom.
When Riley opens the door, I slip out past Melody, who’s giving me a snarky look. I return the gesture and stick my tongue out at her like a petulant child.“I’ll be back. Need to use the bathroom,” I tell Riley.
Instead of going right to the bathroom, I go to the end of the hall and onto the small balcony outside. I’m well aware that phones are not permitted here, but there was no way I could go all school year without hearing my mom’s voice and checking on Maddie. After everything that’s happened surrounding her accident, she’s heavy on my mind, and I need to know she’s doing okay.
Fully expecting a lecture from my mom, I tap in her number on the prepaid cell.
I’m not surprised she doesn’t answer, due to this being an unknown number, so I leave a message, hoping she’ll call me back right away.
“Hey, Mom. It’s Scarlett. I know what you’re thinking:how are you calling me?Don’t worry. No one knows. I just need to talk to you. Call me back, please. Love ya. Bye.”
I end the voice message, stick my phone back in my makeup bag, and I wait.
With my palms pressed to the railing, I look out at The Academy property. The snow is really coming down now, but thanks to the overhead, I’m only getting hit with a few flakes.
It’s so beautiful here. So peaceful when I allow it to be. If only every day could be still and silent, I might learn to love this place.
My buzzing phone quickly reminds me that silence is a rarity here. I pull it out of my pocket and answer immediately.
Before I can even say hello, my mom begins tearing into me. “Scarlett Gwyneth Sunder! Where in God’s name did you get a phone to use there? You know the rules. Are you trying to get yourself kicked out?”
She doesn’t even give me a chance to answer all her questions, so I listen, and I listen some more.
