Page 7 of Hate to Love You
As if to answer my silent question, a few actually squeal and wave their hands in the air. Yep, this is what I’m dealing with.
Instead of feeling irritated, I should thank them because they’ve created the perfect opportunity for me to make a hasty escape.
“It would seem that your adoring public awaits,” I comment.
Slipping from beneath his arm, I hustle down the steps. The more distance that stretches between us, the easier it is for me to breathe. With any luck, I won’t see Brody until Monday.
At ten a.m., to be exact.
And not a moment sooner.
I’ll need at least that long to decompress.
“Aww, Davies, come on. Don’t run away.” Humor simmers in his voice as he shouts at my retreating backside. “I promise, there’s plenty of me to go around!”
Without turning, I sense the full-blown grin on his lips. I’m sure his dimples are out in full force. I don’t break stride as I flip him the bird.
His laughter follows me as I slip into the crowd.
Chapter Three
Natalie
“Hey, girlie, what’s the word?” Zara smiles up at me.
With a sigh, I drop my bag on the bench across from my roommate and slide in on the other side of the booth with my tray.
Zara has the appearance of a wood sprite. She stands a few inches over five feet and is slender as a wand with mink-colored hair that is short and pixie-like. Not many women could pull off the look, but Zara totally owns it. She may give off the delicate and tiny vibe, but she’ll kick your ass if the occasion calls for it.
I’ve been on the receiving end of her foot more than a few times. It never feels good.
We met the summer before fourth grade when her family moved in down the block from mine. By the time school started, we’d become thick as thieves. I’m lucky to have Zara in my life. She’s a good friend who has been there for me through hell and high water. When my parents’ marriage fell apart nine months ago, it was Zara who picked up the shattered pieces. One month after that, when I discovered that my boyfriend, Reed Collins, was cheating on me, she threatened to cut off his junk. I declined the offer but appreciated the sentiment. Any friend who’s willing to do that is one you hold onto for dear life.
Boys will come and go, girlfriends are forever.
“Annoying,” I huff. Normally I’m able to shake off my run-ins with Brody. But my blood is still boiling from our exchange. “The word for today is ‘annoying.’”
She laughs and spears a piece of lettuce and a cherry tomato with her fork. “Uh-oh, should I even bother to ask?”
“It’s probably better if you don’t.” Plus, I don’t really want to spend time talking about Brody. I pick up a fry and dredge it in ketchup before popping it in my mouth. If I have one weakness, it’s French fries. Coffee is a very close second. “I’m doing my best to forget the entire unpleasant episode.” Which isn’t easy. Brody lingers like a bad stench that’s stuck in your nostrils.
Luke, Zara’s newly-minted boyfriend, slides his big body in next to her.
This is their first public appearance. At least in front of me, it is. I’m not going to go so far as to say they were hiding their relationship from me…
Fine, I’ll say it. They hid their relationship from me.
Zara knows how I feel about the hockey players at this school. Especially after the whole Reed debacle. In fact, I was under the impression we were of one mind on this topic.
Apparently not…Because now she’s dating one.
Luke meets my gaze from across the table. He gives me a chin lift in greeting like I’m one of the guys and us meeting up for lunch is a normal, everyday occurrence. “What’s up, Natalie?”
Ha! As if I would let him off the hook that easily…
I don’t think so.
“You mean, other than my best friend sneaking around behind my back with her new boyfriend?” I bat my eyelashes and give him an innocent look. “Not much. What’s up with you?”