Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Is six more days spent pretending we’re together worth peace until graduation?
Yeah, it is.
He slides into a parking spot in the first row. “My behavior is why you left the party in the first place and hitched a ride with Austin. I’m just glad he got you home safely, and I should have told you that the other day.”
You’d think after the first couple of apologies, it wouldn’t be so shocking to hear contrition weaving its way through his voice.
“He did.” What I won’t mention is that we sat in his SUV and talked for hours, getting to know each other on a deeper, more personal level as we discovered how much we have in common. It’s the first time I’ve really connected with someone at Hawthorne Prep.
It was nice.
“Good.” He gives me another slight smile before killing the engine.
We grab our bags and exit the vehicle.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say, heading toward the front entrance of the school. “I’m glad we got a chance to talk.”
In a shocking twist, I actually mean it.
“Me, too. If you don’t mind, I’ll pick you up for the rest of the week. If people find out we’ve split, it’ll spread like wildfire. Then it’ll only be a matter of time before my parents find out. Like I said, Mom’s already stressed out with the caterers and event planner. She’s like a bridezilla without the wedding part.”
My lips lift at the description of Kristina. Honestly, I don’t know her very well. Whenever I’ve been forced to interact with his parents, I always got the feeling she thought I was beneath her son. But Jasper has been really cool about this, and I’m appreciative of his maturity. It’ll make the rest of the school year bearable.
“Sure, I guess that’s fine.”
“Great.” Instead of hanging around and prolonging the conversation, he jerks a thumb toward his teammates loitering in the parking lot. “I’m going to hang with my friends. I’ll catch you later?”
I nod, relieved that I don’t have to stick by his side until the bell rings.
As much as I wish this were a clean break, I’d rather we part on friendly terms. So, if that means I need to paste a smile on my face and stand by Jasper’s side for a little longer, then I’ll do it.
In the end, it’ll be worth it.
DELILAH
“Would you mind copying these papers before you leave for the afternoon?” Ms. Pettijohn sets the thick stack at the edge of the desk I’m working at.
I rise to my feet. “Sure, I’ll take care of it right now.”
“Thank you. That would be helpful.”
I scoop up the pile. “Not a problem.”
“Were you able to get through all the freshman quizzes?”
“I finished third and fourth hour. I’m halfway through fifth hour. Then I’ll enter the scores in the grade book.”
Her lips bow into a slight smile.
With Ms. Pettijohn, that’s akin to a full-blown grin.
“I’m going to miss you when you graduate. In all my years at Hawthorne Prep, you’re the best TA I’ve had. Your attention to detail is impeccable.”
Pleasure floods through me. “Thank you. I’ve really enjoyed the experience. What I’ve learned from you has only solidified my decision to become a teacher.”
Her lips curve just a bit more as she nods. “You’ll make an excellent one. Perhaps you can come back and student teach here.”
Yeah…there’s no way in hell that’s going to happen. But I would never tell her that. She’s been wonderful.
“Maybe,” I say lightly.
She glances at her slim wristwatch before shooing me toward the exit.
Since it’s sixth hour and everyone is still in class, the hallways are silent. The soles of my shoes echo off the shiny black and white checkered marble floor as my mind replays the past few days.
If I thought Jasper would quickly revert to old patterns of behavior, he’s managed to shock me yet again. It’s reminiscent of how he acted when we first got together.
During lunch the other day, one of his friends cracked a joke at his expense and instead of blowing up, he laughed it off. Yesterday, he showed up at my house before school with a cup of my favorite coffee and a scone from a little shop in town.
Had he behaved like this during our relationship, we probably wouldn’t be breaking up. But as pleasant as he’s being, it doesn’t alter my decision. Once Sunday morning rolls around, we’re parting ways.
Even though he hasn’t mentioned anything, I suspect he’s trying to win me over.
Why else would he be so nice?
As I turn the corner and the copy room comes into view, my pace automatically slows. A tiny part of me is concerned that I’ll stumble across Mom and Mr. Pembroke making out again.
After our awkward conversation Saturday morning, neither of us has brought up the subject. Mom’s pretending like it never happened, which is annoying. I get that she’s embarrassed, but maybe she needs to think about the reason for that. She shouldn’t be sleeping with her boss who is a married man.