Page 17 of Fractured Mind
“You’re popular here,” I mention casually.
“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
I believe him. It would be my worst nightmare. “And why is that?”
“If I’ve learned anything, it’s that trust has to be earned because people are fake. They only want to be my friend because I’m good at football.”
I frown. It explains why they’re only a group of five.
Our conversation stops as the teacher starts to talk. While I’m listening, I notice from the corner of my eye that a girl three rows away is staring. Annoyance flickers through me, and when I can’t take it any longer, I risk a peek, only to see her icy glare still on me.
The bell rings for lunch, and I sigh in relief. I’m trying to leave the classroom, but all the girls are moving at a leisurely pace. I wonder what’s going on until I see Ashton. He’s leaning against the wall.Now I know.They don’t approach him like they do Levi and Roman, and they’re more subtle about checking him out, but there’s still the same desire in their eyes.
When Ashton’s eyes land on me, a smile curves his lips, showing his straight white teeth. He’s gorgeous when he smiles. When I reach him, I tease, “So it’s your turn to be my chaperone now?”
“Yeah,” he responds. “I guess I am.” His phone rings, and his smile falls when he pulls it out of his pocket and looks at the screen. “Sorry, I’ve got to take this. Do you know how to get to the lunchroom?”
“I know where to go. Answer your call.”
His gaze pierces mine like he’s trying to determine whether I’m telling the truth.
“I’m okay,” I say through a smile, trying to reassure him.
He lifts his chin, so I gather he believes me, then turns and leaves.
After placing everything in my locker, I go to the lunchroom. It’s buzzing with conversation. I search for somewhere to sit until someone whistles and calls out, “Over here.” It’s Ruby, and she’s waving her arm.
I walk over to her and take a seat, aware of the scrutiny from others. I lean closer to her. “What’s with everyone staring?”
“Huh?” She looks around. “Oh, yeah. I don’t notice it anymore.” She shrugs. “You can blame the guys for that. Peopleeither fear or respect them, and the girls... well, they are obsessed with them.”
“Why are they staring atmethen?” I ask, confused.
“Anyone who went to school with us knows how close you two were, and I’m sure everybody knows that now. Ashton is a big deal around here and has never shown interest in anyone.”
A heavy pressure pushes on my chest at what our friendship was like. I wish I could remember.
Levi’s laugh distracts me as he playfully shoulder barges Roman. The four of them sit around the table. Ashton sits beside me.
“How was class?” Ashton asks. As his body inches toward mine, my gaze latches on to his lips, which are... I can’t even remember what he said.
“Yeah... how was class?” Levi mocks. His eyes sparkle with delight. I scowl, which only makes him smile more broadly. “That good, hey?” Levi taunts again.
“What accent do you have?” It’s distinctive, with a nasal twang, but I’m at a loss as to what it is.
“Take a guess,” he replies, mid-bite of his burger.
Beside me Ruby whispers, “British.” It’s not, but I’m curious to see his reaction.
“British?” I repeat, trying not to smile.
His face twists. “I’m Australian.”
Ruby bursts out laughing while clapping her hands. “His face,” she giggles, “is priceless.”
Levi’s lips press into a line while he stares daggers at Ruby.
Roman frowns. “Your class with me wasn’t that bad, was it?”