voice rose with each word. “When were you going to mention it?”
JerRic put his arm along the back of the couch. “I thought I would wait until it came up.”
“Well, it's came up.” I leaned back, arms folded. “A little heads up would have been nice.”
“Honestly, at first it didn't make sense.” JerRic made a face.
“I can't wait for this.” I frowned.
“I know you're new to all of this, but I grew up in it.” His eyes were sincere. “Everyone who is a Storyteller, has a Story related last name. Poveste is the most common, but there are Récits, Dastans, Writes, Pages, and a lot of others. Your last name is Justice. That has nothing to do with a Storyteller.” He paused.
I nodded.
“So, when I became a Storyteller... I did what most of us do and Storytold that I would know my soulmate.” He held my gaze.
I held my breath.
“And this picture of you appeared in the sand. You looked familiar, so when I saw you at school the next day... I kind of accidentally on purpose bumped into you.” He flashed me a grin. “You were really nice and had a great laugh.” He paused.
I reminded myself to breathe. I wasn't angry. It was just a lot of information to process at once. I remembered the day well. He was one of the popular kids. I was an art geek. It didn't take me long to notice that he was funny... nice... and kind of thoughtful. He was a little rough here and there, but who wasn't?
“I didn't know what to do. I figured I'd play it out until you were 17 and see what happened. I didn't want to be a creeper, but I wanted to get to know you too.”
“Is that why we're in all of the same classes?” I raised my eyebrows.
“Guilty.” JerRic's expression turned sheepish. “And why we're lab partners.”
I nodded.
“I thought, if something went wrong... it wouldn't be a big deal. On the flip side, if you found out that you were a Storyteller, then you would already be used to me. You know?” His hands moved with his words.
I mulled over his words.
JerRic reached for my hand. “Look, Annabeth. I really like you. You are absolutely amazing. We've been dating like a day, but I want this to continue.”
“It sounds like a lot of pressure, Jer.” I could feel his heartbeat through his hand.
“No pressure here.” JerRic shook his head.
I stared at him quietly.
“Right now, I'm happy to call you my girlfriend.” He paused. “Will you still be my girlfriend?”
I thought about JerRic, and how my life had changed since he came into it. He made life seem less lonely. I didn't dread going to school in the morning like I used to, because he was there with a teasing smile.
“I guess so.” I rolled my eyes.
“Kiss on it?” He grinned.
I chuckled. “I guess so.”
I leaned forward and so did JerRic. When our lips touched, it was like the entire room hummed with electricity. JerRic's eyes had darkened as he pulled away.
“I don't want to live without you, Beth.” His eyes were sincere.
“It has nothing to do with keeping your Storyteller Abilities?” I was curious.
“Nah, I have an in with Zamfira. She likes me. I'm pretty sure I could keep them either way.” JerRic was nonchalant.
“Zamfira?” I was surprised at the feeling of intense jealousy that ripped through me.
“Yeah, my sister-in-law.” JerRic nodded.
The jealousy faded as quickly as it came. I was in trouble. I already felt like JerRic was mine.
“You were serious about marrying me, weren't you?” My thoughts flashed back to yesterday.
“Yeah, very.” He nodded.
“Jer, no one is going to take you seriously if you keep acting like everything is a joke.” I frowned.
“I don't care about everyone, just you. Why? Did you want a serious proposal?” JerRic's teasing tone was gone.
“Jer?” I was horrified.
“Because I can do serious when it's someone that matters.” JerRic continued.
My curiosity got the better of me. “Okay, prove it.”
“Okay, just remember, this was your idea.” JerRic flashed me a mischievous smile.
“Jer.” I shook my head no. “I never...”
“Too late.” He reached for his necklace.