Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
“She didn’t mention it.” I think Emily would know I wouldn’t want to go. I’m really not the party type.
“Well, you’re invited if you want to come.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper, dropping it down on my laptop. “I put my number on there too.” He winks before strolling back away. What the hell just happened?
I pick up the piece of paper and unfold it to see all the information laid out for a pool party this weekend on it. Then in ink is a phone number. I fold it back up and shove it down into the front pocket of my bag before I pack up the rest of my stuff to head to my next class.
The rest of the day speeds by. A weird sense of dread hangs over me. I keep thinking back to my mom and our conversation this morning about Asher. I wonder how long he’ll be hanging around and if it’s going to make not only me, but my mom feel out of place. I know I have to just get through it. I can always go and hide in my room.
When classes are released for the day, I head toward the main front entrance of the school to catch my ride. Once again, I hear West calling my name. He jogs over to me. I’m not sure what his deal is, but something is off.
“You didn’t text me.”
“Was I supposed to?”
“I gave you my number.” He stares down at me as if I’m the strange one here. We’ve gone to school all year together and haven’t spoken. Now he decides to give me his number and expects me to reach out immediately. I shouldn’t be surprised by this. “Give me yours.” He pulls out his cell phone and waits. Feeling put on the spot and pretty sure people are watching, I quickly spout it off. Even though it’s the absolute last thing I want to do.
“I’ve gotta go. My ride is here.” I point at the vehicle waiting for me.
“I’ll text you.” He gives me another wink before turning to stroll off.
“Is he bothering you?” Grant asks when I slip into the passenger seat. I’d asked him to stop getting out and opening the door for me. It makes me feel more awkward than I already do. I hate the attention it draws to me. Or the perceived attention. Because most of the people at this school either have drivers or own fancy cars. So, it’s not out of the ordinary, but still, I don’t like it.
“I have no idea what that was,” I tell him honestly.
“You want to practice today?” he asks when we pull out of the parking lot.
“I need to study for one of my finals. It’s tomorrow.”
He nods. “Asher is home,” he says when the car grows quiet.
“I heard he’s home for his father’s party on Saturday.” My phone dings. I dig through my bag for it.
“He is. I think Tomas is trying to get him to stay longer.” Grant glances at my phone. “You got a boyfriend now?”
“No!” I hiss. West has already texted me. Crap. No good is going to come of this. West doesn’t look like he’s the type of guy who likes the word no. He’s obviously set his sights on me for reasons unknown. I’ve flown under the radar this entire time, minding my own business and keeping to myself. The end of the school year can’t come quickly enough.
“You’re very defensive.”
“What the heck, Grant?” I laugh. He chuckles along with me. I might find it weird to have a driver, but Grant is pretty cool. Actually, I get along with all of the staff at the house. “Is Asher nice?” I finally ask. My anxiety is starting to grow the closer we get to the house.
Mom has been so happy. I’d hate for this Asher guy to mess that up. I’d hope Tomas wouldn’t let that happen. That said, everything he always says about Asher is in praise. Grant has been with the family for over twenty years, he once told me. So, if anyone knows it’s him.
“Asher is Asher,” Grant says after a long moment.
“Oh gosh.” His response doesn’t put me at ease, it only makes my anxiety grow. I’m not even sure I want to know what the heck that means.
“He loves his family, but his mother Heidi did a number on not only Tomas but Ash too.” Emily never speaks of her mother. Not once has she ever mentioned her. I only know some about her from the searches I’ve done online. It had been a bit surprising to learn about a marriage falling apart because it was the wife who had a handful of lovers on the side. That’s what the gossip columns had claimed.