Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
I hope he texts soon.
Chapter Six
TATE
“Why would you want to switch to Nutrition of Culinary Arts?” Mr. Zeleiski, our school guidance counselor, asks. “It might look better on your transcripts to pick up another AP math if you’re not happy with what you’ve got.”
“Maybe,” I hedge, trying not to show my annoyance. “But I’m wondering if it wouldn't be better to expand my transcript to include something other than the normal requirements.”
“Hmm.” He thinks it over for a second and then clicks on his keyboard. “I can see how that might come across as more well-rounded. I’ll make the changes.”
I’m out of my seat before he has a chance to change his mind. “Thanks.” As soon as I reach the door, he clears his throat.
“Coach mentioned a change in the captain’s seat on the team.” He lets the statement hang between us as he waits for me to speak first. Good luck. After a moment, he sighs. “Want to talk about it?”
“Nope.” I nod to his computer as I open the office door. “Thanks again.”
It’s almost lunchtime, and I’m ready to see Rosemary again. I caught a glimpse of her watching us practice this morning, and I stopped to wave. As soon as Jack came over, she darted into the school. I need to ask her what that’s about and why she gets there before everyone else. She mentioned playing the piano last night when we were texting, and I wonder if she’s getting music lessons.
I should be exhausted after staying up until three in the morning texting with her, but knowing I get to see her at lunch is hyping me up. We talked about everything, and even after I forced her to go to bed, I thought of a million more questions to ask her.
“Hey!” She pops out from around the corner to surprise me, and I jump back and squeak. She falls into giggles at the sound I made, and I’m immediately embarrassed.
“Yeah, yeah laugh it up,” I say, feeling my cheeks burn. “You’re tiny. I thought there was a chipmunk.”
“And you’re terrified of them?” She has to wipe the tears out of her eyes from laughing so hard, and I go over and wrap my arms around her in a bear hug before I lift her off her feet.
“Maybe,” I say, and I’m not sure why I hug her like this, but it feels right. “They have sharp teeth.”
“They do.” Her laughter falls away, and she’s looking at me with an expression I can’t quite name. It’s not anger or anything like that, but it’s serious. “They’re pretty quick too.”
I put her back on her feet, but I’m slow to release her. Her hands linger on my chest, and for a moment we’re stuck in this position.
“Rosie?” I say softly as I bend down.
“Yeah, Tate?”
Everything in me is screaming to kiss her, but just before our lips can touch, I stand up and let her go. “Are you hungry?”
She blinks at me like she’s lost, and then her smile widens. It doesn’t reach her eyes, but she nods. “Starving actually.”
I want to pick her up again and squeeze her like a doll, but I settle for taking her hand, and she lets me. I’ve never dated anyone at school, but I’m well aware of what people will say when they see me holding her hand.
When we walk into the cafeteria, it’s packed, and I notice a few people right away spot us. Trying to ignore them, we get in line, and I have to drop her hand to get a tray. I’m on the football team, so the ladies that work the cafeteria hook me up, and I always tell them thank you. I bring them flowers a couple of times a year, and that seems to go a long way in the snack department.
A few of them look at Rosemary and grin, but all I do is ask her what she wants and hold out the tray.
“I thought you said you don’t like cheese?” I say when she points to the mac and cheese.
“I like noodles, and there’s not a lot of options?” She says it like a question, and I shake my head.
“Mrs. Nelly, do you have any noodles without cheese?” I ask the older lady behind the counter, and she nods. A second later, she comes out with a big plate of buttered noodles and Rosemary looks like she could break down in tears.
“Thank you so much, that’s really, really sweet of you,” she tells Mrs. Nelly.
“You need anything, you come ask me.” She winks at Rosemary and then gives me a big grin.
After I pay for our lunches—even though Rosemary objects—we take a seat in the corner of the cafeteria away from everyone.
‘I’ve got something for you,” I say when we sit down.