Page 98 of You Said I Was Your Favorite

Anger rushes through my blood as I snatch the brochures from her desk, rising to my feet. “Thanks for the guidance,” I say, my voice full of sarcasm.

I’m out of the office in seconds, frustrated with my outburst. Frustrated more with how her questions hit home.

Maybe I’ve never stood on my own in life because I’m barely eighteen. Has she ever thought about that? Or how damn hard it is to shake the reputation the Lancaster name brings with it?

The ease of everything it brings? Being a Lancaster opens doors. Opens eyes. Opens legs.

I could have whatever I wanted with a snap of my fingers. I’ve never had to work hard for a single thing in my life. Not even school. I’m smart as fuck and barely have to apply myself. Hell, I don’t apply myself and I’m still ranked second.

The realization smacks me in the chest as I head across campus, the trill of the bell sounding, indicating first period is over.

I’ve never worked hard for anything in my life before—until Daisy.

That girl makes me work. It’s a struggle, one I’m willing to throw myself into. She’s the one prize I’m determined to win. Forget being number one in my class. Forget being the most popular guy on campus. Who cares about any of that shit? Not me.

I want Daisy.

And nothing else.

I spot her bright blonde head exiting a nearby building, walking alone, the look on her face contemplative. Wait, I take that back. She appears worried.

Probably wondering where I’m at. I never got a chance to tell her I was meeting with the counselor because Peebles sent me a text early this morning, asking if I’d come see her first period instead of going to class. I was running late—as usual—and forgot to text Daisy like the asshole I am.

I run up on her, noting the way her face brightens when she spots me. Her golden eyes dancing as she tries to keep it together at my approach.

“Hey, Daze,” I call to her.

“Hi.” She smiles, slowing her pace. Ducking her head as I fall into step beside her. “You weren’t in class.”

“I had a last-minute meeting with Peebles.” I shove my hands into my pockets as I walk with her to the admin building, nodding and smiling at people who pass by us, their gazes curious. People still don’t expect to see us together, despite me walking with Daisy to second period every single day for weeks.

“Oh yeah?” Curiosity rings in Daisy’s voice, though I know she’s not going to ask. She’s not nosy like everyone else I know.

“She let slip a tasty little fact.” I catch Daisy’s glance over at me, her brows drawn together in question. “You don’t know?”

“What are you talking about?”

I slow my steps when we reach the admin building and she does as well, turning to face me. “I’m not number one in our class anymore.”

“You’re not? Oh.” Her frown deepens, realization hitting her slowly. “Oh.”

“You’re number one now.” Reaching out, I tug on a piece of hair that whips across her cheek with the wind. It’s getting cooler outside, especially the mornings. “Congratulations.”

She averts her head, like she wants to hide the massive grin stretching her pretty lips, but there is no mistaking the pride on her face. The absolute glory at hearing she’s number one. “Um, thank you?”

“Why do you say it like that?” We head up the steps, me glancing down at her, suddenly feeling protective. She’s small and sweet and when she gets out into the real world, the lions are going to eat her whole. And there are a lot of lions out there, more than ready to take a bite out of her.

Why I’m thinking about lions, I’m not sure but damn it, I rub at the center of my chest to ease the sudden ache I feel there. The idea of not being with Daisy next year hurts. She has plans and goals, while I have nothing, and I don’t think I fit into those plans of hers.

I don’t know how I’ll ever fit in.

“I’ve been working so hard, especially the last couple of years, to be number one in our class and now I am? It feels surreal.” She sounds a little dazed too. Like she can’t believe it’s all happening.

We enter the building and head straight for the office, me breathing a sigh of relief that the room is empty and Matthews’ door is closed. No Viv in sight, meaning I can make a semi-move.

I grab Daisy’s hand and pull her into me, giving her a too brief hug. Wishing I could feel her cling to me versus quickly pulling away. “Congrats, Daze. If I had to be number two to anyone, I’m glad I’m number two to you.”

“Thank you.” She grins at me, barely able to contain her joy, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy. And it’s at my personal demise.

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