“I was wondering the same thing before I walked in here. I know nothing about you, but if you want out of this hellhole a semester early, that’s something I understand. The only reason I’m still here is because I need my senior year of lacrosse. I’m committed and have a scholarship. My college coaches want to see their prospect perform. But you…” He shakes his head and pauses a moment. “I’m going to make it my mission to get you out early.”
My breath catches. “You are?”
He doesn’t answer, but he reaches for his cell. “Give me your number.”
“Why?”
His soulful eyes narrow, and I lose sight of the emerald flecks. “To communicate. What if you have questions?”
Oh, I will not be bothering Levi Hollingsworth with chem questions outside of this room. “Google. YouTube.”
“Give me your number, Carissa.” His tone is demanding. Insistent. Final. “You’ve stopped what we were doing three times to message other people. I know you’re capable of communicating.”
My expression falls, but my defenses are strong. “I wasn’t Snapchatting my friends back home. It was my brother. And when it comes to him, I never hesitate to answer. I’m sorry if I offended you, but he’s a priority.”
The man-boy, who’s had my undivided attention besides the three times Cade texted me about Louise, relaxes into his chair. I’m gifted with his full hazel eyes again, and his voice hits me low and smooth—so much so, goosebumps prickle my arms under my cardigan. “Give me your number.”
There’s something about him. Besides the harsh impression that radiates off him when he stalks down the hall, I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the library this afternoon.
But Levi Hollingsworth wants my number.
You know, for chemistry.
I spout off the ten digits that will connect me to him.
Besides a lift of his chin, he doesn’t move.
Something short of a mini-panic rises within me. “Aren’t you going to write it down? Add it to your contacts?”
For the first time, Levi gives me something new. His lips tip north. Though just on one side and only by a fraction.
A hint of a smile—a satisfied one.
My panic isn’t mini any longer. I’ve never been picked on or bullied, but that doesn’t mean Cade hasn’t. I recognize it a mile away. “Seriously? You just wanted to see if I’d give it to you?”
This wins me a full smile, and he leans forward on his forearms. “I thought we’ve been through this, but you don’t know me, remember? When I get a piece of important information, it’s burned on my brain. I don’t need to write your number down. But now I want to know why that freaked you out.”
Well.
Shit.
“Oh.” It’s the only thing I can think to say.
Levi stands, towering over me. “I’ll get with you soon, and you’ll have my number in case you have any questions. I’ll be here Wednesday after school.”
My chest rises and falls. “Wednesday.”
I get a chin lift again before he slings his backpack over his shoulder, but he doesn’t say another word.
He’s gone.
My phone vibrates in my pocket again. When I pull it out to look at it, it’s Chuck, Louise’s helper. I don’t even know what to call him, because he does everything from mop the floors to maintain her property. I’m surprised he doesn’t cook for her. He’s her yes man—if Louise barks an order, he’s there. She doesn’t even add a please.
I’m going to remind her of that the next time she throws our manners in our faces.
Chuck – I’m waiting in front of the school, whenever you’re ready.
Because I like Chuck—and I’m not a total bitch—my manners come out in spades.
Me – Thank you. I’ll be right out.
Chuck has worked for my grandmother for as long as I can remember. My grandpa died before we were born, and she has proven that she doesn’t lift a finger other than to cook boring, tasteless meals.
I stuff my things in my backpack and make my way out of the library. I’m almost to the front door when my phone vibrates again.
Unknown – See? I’m a microchip. Now we can … communicate.
I stop in the middle of the commons.
A microchip.
Communicate.
Well, I’ve never seen a six-feet-plus microchip who looks like a powerhouse dressed in athleticwear that could be couture, they’re that nice and stamped with the priciest of logos.
I would know. My mom buys me anything I want.
Or, she used to.
My fingers hover over the unknown message.
I need to be chill. To not try too hard. You know, be … not awkward.
Me – Which is why you’re the tutor, and I’m driving the struggle bus.
There. I gave him kudos for being a brainiac, while being a little self-deprecating at the same time. Who doesn’t like that?
I move to the front doors. Chuck is parked front and center in my grandmother’s shiny, new Cadillac sedan.
Unknown – No more struggle bus. You can ride with me from now on.
A chill rolls over me, and it has nothing to do with the frigid Virginia winter. I have no idea how to respond. But I don’t want to make Chuck wait, so I move to the car and climb in the front next to him.
“How was your day, Carissa?”
I buckle up and tell him the truth. “More interesting than it has been since I got here. How is Cade?”
Chuck pulls out of the snow-lined parking lot. “Pretty good. Not very talkative, but I tried.”
“Thanks for that. That’s more than Louise does.”
My comment silences the car. I know I should bite my tongue, but I don’t care when it comes to my grandmother. She sure doesn’t care about us and hasn’t done my mom any favors. And my mom could use a few right now.
“Oh, I was going to ask if you’re working this weekend? It’s been long enough that I want to see Mom. It would be good for Cade too. Will you take us?”
Chuck glances at me when he pulls onto the county highway that leads us farther out of the small town. “You’ll have to talk to your grandmother about that.”
“She’ll say no,” I spout.
He keeps his eyes on the road. “Maybe your mom isn’t ready. If your grandmother says no, I’m sure there’s a reason.”
“I doubt it,” I mumble and look down at my phone to read my uber-smart, hottie tutor’s message again.
Life has turned to shit. Besides making sure Cade is as happy as he can be, I’m going to do what I want for a change. I’m not going to worry about my dad’s demands, how my mom wants me to act in public, or what anyone thinks of me—especially my grandmother.
Fuck them all.
Me – I might take you up on that.
I get immediate bubbles, followed by a quick response.
Unknown – I’ll hold you to that.
I smile and make it official, typing in the name of the most mysterious guy at school.
I officially have a direct line of communication to Levi Hollingsworth.
3
SCANDAL
Levi