Another sleepless night. I wake heavy-lidded and out of sorts, though Gramps’ hotcakes and the steaming mug of coffee he sticks under my noise go a long way to bringing me around before I head for classes.
The morning is uneventful. I manage to avoid both twins, which is nothing short of a miracle. They’re extremely tenacious where I’m concerned.
As usual, I’m running late for Mr. Grumble’s class. I can’t work up any energy for calculus. I hurry in. Crap. The only empty seat is between Holly and Tyler. I plop my hiney in it as the bell rings and look straight ahead, determined not to draw more attention to myself than possible. Seated between the twins, I should know that’s impossible.
“Hey, gorgeous,” Tyler whispers.
I ignore the flutter in my tummy, scowl, and don’t respond. It’s only one hour, then Tyler will be in a different class. Papers shuffle, Grumble drones on, making mind-numbing equations on the board. Supposedly, next year the students will get iPads and work equations on tablets, but cutting-edge technology is still in the talking stage at Rosemont. My eyes grow heavy. I begin to nod.
I get elbows in both ribs at the same time. I straighten. Geez, what is it with twins anyway? Heat rises in my cheeks as I think of Tyler’s kisses. I hope Holly isn’t psychic.
When the bell finally rings, I stagger to my feet in need of more caffeine. The twins rise with me. I nod at the right moments as Holly chatters about clothes and hair. When we turn right to go to social studies, Tyler turns with us. I stop. My muscles tighten and I bite my lip. “Your class is in the other direction.”
“Yeah, I’ll get there in time. I thought I’d walk you girls to Soc.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.” My jaw tight, I clutch my book bag to my chest. Rick Sabatini is in this class. It’s the reason I didn’t get any sleep last night. The last thing I want is for him to see me with Tyler.
The twinkle in Tyler’s eyes dims. “All right. See you later.”
Not if I can help it. I like the boy, but I’m a big believer in survival. Why can’t he leave me alone?
Holly looks back and forth between us, her eyes wide, her brows raised. I watch Tyler’s loose, lanky stride as he walks away. I feel a moment’s regret. I feel safer when he’s around, less exposed, which is really an oxymoron because my exposure shoots through the roof around him.
A guy and girl wave as they walk by, demonstrating my point.
Holly tugs me down the hall. “Okay, what’s going on? Give.”
“What do you mean?” I try to play dumb but Holly is having none of it.
“Okay, you saved his life this weekend, for which I’m eternally grateful. Have I thanked you yet?”
“Only about a thousand times.” I grin in spite of myself. Holly has that effect.
“Then, he spends all kinds of time at your house. And this morning I hear him tell Josie McAllister—when she asks if he’d like to catch a movie—he’s in a relationship.”
I stop. Students flow around me like water. One girl jostles my elbow, mumbles an apology, and keeps going. Holly tugs my arm. I start moving again. My head reels. Everything looks like rainbow bursts. The cylindrical lighting fixtures give off warm spurts of sunlight. All is right with the world…for about ten seconds. Reality crashes in. This is exactly what I don’t need.
“Really?”
Holly gives a snort of exasperation. “Come on, don’t hold back. When did you and my brother become an item?”
“What are you talking about?” I beat back the heat rising in my cheeks, hoping it’s partially hidden by the glasses, and lift my chin. I give her an incredulous look. At least, that’s what I’m shooting for. I don’t doubt for a moment, these hideous glasses hide my facial expression, except perhaps for my mouth that’s puckered like a prune.
“Piper, what’s your GPA?”
“Say what?”
“What is your GPA?” she repeats in patient tones.
“Have you lost your mind?” I demand, excusing myself as I bounce off a thin boy headed in the opposite direction.
“Answer the question.”
“Four point, if you must know.” It’s the dolphin DNA. They’re extremely intelligent creatures. “What’s yours?”
“Three point nine. But this has got nothing to do with me.”
“Why are we talking about GPA?” I admit I’m confused.
“The point is you’re too smart to think I’d fall for that ‘it’s got nothing to do with me’ routine.” She hoists her book bag, which is sliding off her shoulder.
“Your brother and I are not an item.” I keep my eyes straight ahead. At least the conversation has taken my mind off the upcoming confrontation.
Rick Sabatini is sitting in the front row closest to the door. He stands up as I walk in.