Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 54383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
“So…” She sips her coffee. “How’s your senior year going?”
“Good. Yours?”
“Pretty effin awesome.” She smiles. “I’m homecoming queen for another year in a row, and I’m sure that prom queen is next. Speaking of prom, you don’t have to come with me and mom to the next trips to Nashville unless you want to.”
“What’s the reasoning?”
“It’s top secret, so you have to promise not to tell first. Not even Kevin.”
“I promise.”
She looks around as if someone may be listening. Then she leans forward and whispers, “Vera Wang is launching a new Southern Belle line for affordable evening wear and they’re sending me four gowns to choose from. I get one for the spring formal and one for the prom.”
“That’s amazing, Tully,” I say. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you!” She leans back. “The only thing that sucks is that I have to send them back for alterations and color adjustments, and the tuxedo shop that Easton is using may not be able to match his boutonnière to mine in time.”
“I’m sure they’ll find a way to get it done.”
“Who are you taking to prom?”
“Um…” I pause. I haven’t told her or my mother anything about London. I have a feeling that one, they won’t care, and two, they’ll try to talk me out of it for their own selfish reasons.
“I’m not sure who I’ll go with yet,” I say. “I have a few offers on the table.”
“Well, Jeremiah Sanders is beyond interested.” She smiles. “He’s fucking hot, and you should totally take him up on that. We could all ride there together!”
“Maybe.”
“Yayyy!”
“Yay.” I take a large gulp of my coffee.
We stare at each other, searching for something to say, a way to keep this weak conversation going, but there’s nothing.
Eventually, she takes out her phone and taps the screen, and I listen in on the couple arguing at the table next to us.
Thankfully, Jeremiah and Easton walk through the doors minutes later, saving us from ourselves.
“Come over here for a second, Scarlett,” Tully motions for me to sit next to her.
I stand up and Jeremiah whispers, “I’m taking you home tonight, no matter what,” as I pass by.
Tully insists on posing for a few pictures together, and when we’re done, Easton clears his throat.
“Scarlett, can I talk to you outside for a second?” he asks.
“She’s right there, Easton.” Tully kisses his cheek. “She can hear you just fine.”
“This is personal,” he says. “We need to go outside.”
“I don’t see how personal it can possibly be since you barely know her.” Tully shrugs. “You can say whatever it is in front of everyone, I’m sure.”
“No.” He’s staring at me. “I’m sure that I can’t.”
“She already told me about her on-and-off again boyfriend, and going out with college guys here or there,” Jeremiah says. “I know you’re tempted to grill her about me, but we talked about everything last night. We’re fine.”
“You’re talking on the phone to him now?” Easton tilts his head to the side. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” I smile at him even though I feel my heart aching in my chest. “He’s lucky to have someone like you who does everything he can to make sure he doesn’t get hurt…”
“Yeah, Easton really is the best friend I could ever ask for, but he’s been a bit off all week,” Jeremiah laughs. “He’ll be fine, though. Anyone want a pumpkin spice latte?”
“Me,” we all say in unison.
“Okay. Be right back.” He leaves the table and I immediately look down at my phone to avoid conversation.
Against my better judgment, I click on Tully’s profile and check the response to the picture she just posted of us.
Half a million likes and counting…
Then I click on the one she just posted of her and Easton. A short video of her kissing his cheek.
Two million likes and counting…
I can’t watch shit like this anymore. I’m far too jealous.
My heart has had a taste of Easton Rush, and it refuses to indulge in any other flavor. The best thing for me to do once and for all is to put an end to this—to us—once and for all.
I have to go to England in January.
My heart won’t survive otherwise.
21
EASTON
When I pull into Scarlett’s driveway the following morning, she’s standing over a bike and buckling a helmet.
“Scarlett?” I roll down the window. “You’re more than welcome to ride with us this morning.”
She doesn’t look at me.
“We can skip first period to grab a coffee and talk.”
“I’ll pass.” She picks up her backpack. ‘Thank you, though.”
I start to get out of the car, but Tully steps onto the front porch.
“Scarlett—” I keep my voice firm. “I would really prefer it if you got in my car and rode to school with me this morning.”
“I’ll still pass. Thanks.”
I glare at her, waiting for her to look my way, but she doesn’t cave in the slightest.