Seriously? Miles gapes, staring at me. Like, for reals?
I sigh, tearing my sandwich to shreds as Haven says, Trust me, words cannot describe the extreme measure of hotness. The only ones who can even come close are Damen and Roman, but then, theyre pretty much in a class by themselves, so they dont really count. How old is he anyway? She looks at me. Seems too young to be a boss.
Nineteen. I shrug, not wanting to talk about work, Jude, or pretty much anything else on that list. This is exactly the kind of thing Damen warned me about. The kind of thing I need to avoid. Speaking of hotties, hows Josh? I smile, making for a pretty awkward segue but hoping itll work.
Watching her aura waver and flare as she focuses on her cupcake and says, It ended the second he tried to give me the kitten. You shouldve seen him, smiling as though it was some miraculous gift. She rolls her eyes and rips her cupcake in half. I mean, seriously. How clueless can you get?
He was just trying to be nice Miles starts, but Haven isnt having it.
Please. She scowls. If he truly understood what I was going through, he never wouldve pushed some Charm replacement on me. Some adorable kitty thats only real destiny is to die once Ive grown extremely attached to her so I can experience the maximum amount of pain and suffering.
Miles rolls his eyes as I say, It doesnt always have to be like that
But she cuts right in. Oh really? Name one thingone living thingthat doesnt either die or leave you or both? Last time I asked you that question, you choked. So, Miles, you with the rolling eyes and smirking lips, go ahead, knock yourself out, name one thing that
Miles shakes his head, hands raised in surrender, hating all confrontation and gladly forfeiting the game before it can start.
Haven smirks, satisfied with our combined failure when she says, Trust me, all I did was beat him to the chase. It wouldve ended eventually anyway.
Well. Miles shrugs, returning to his text. For what its worth, I liked him. I thought you were good together.
Then you date him. Haven smirks, tossing a cupcake sprinkle his way.
No thanks. Too skinny and cute. He smiles. Now Evers boss on the other hand
I glance at Miles, checking his aura and seeing hes mostly jokingmostly.
His names Jude. I sigh, resigned to the conversation coming full circle again. And as far as I can tell he only likes girls that dont like him back, but youre welcome to take your best shot. I close my lunch pack, zipping it shut with an uneaten apple, bag full of chips, and a shredded sandwich inside.
Maybe you should invite him to my going away party, Miles says. You know, so I can treat myself to a nice long good-bye. He brushes his hand through his cropped brown hair and laughs.
About that Haven says, eyes partially obscured by the false eyelashes shes been experimenting with. My mom just tore up the denlike literally tore it up. Carpet ripped out, furniture cleared, walls knocked downwhich, on the one hand, is nice since theres no way they can sell the house when its all ripped up like that, but it also means theres no way we can party at my house so I was hoping
Sure. I nod, met by two faces so shocked Im ashamed. Realizing their regular visits to my house, our Friday-night pizza eating, Jacuzzi-soaking ritual, ended the moment Damen entered my life. But now that hes goneor at least determined to stay away for a whilemaybe its time to start up again.
You sure Sabine wont mind? Miles asks, voice hopeful but cautious.
I shake my head. As long as you dont mind Munoz dropping by, its all good. I roll my eyes.
Munoz? You mean the history teacher? They gape. My two best friends looking as shocked and bug-eyed as I was when I first found out.
Theyre dating. I nod, knowing as much as I hate it, I certainly cant stop it.
Haven pushes her royal blue bangs off her face and leans toward me. Waitlet me get this straight, your aunt Sabine is dating the hottie history teacher?
Whos hot for teacher now? Miles laughs, nudging her arm.
But Haven just shrugs. Please. Dont act like you havent noticed. I mean, as far as old guys go, especially ones who wear glasses and khakis, hes smokin.
Please dont call him smokin. I laugh in spite of myself. And just so you know, at night he ditches the specs and swaps the Dockers for designer denim.
Haven smiles, rising from the bench. Thats it then. Party at your house. This Ive got to see.
Is Damen coming? Miles slips his phone in his pocket, eyeing me carefully.
UmI dont knowmaybe. I shrug, pressing my lips together and scratching my arm so fervently I may as well wear a sign that says: HEYCHECK ME OUT! IM LYING! I mean, hes pretty busy these days looking after the twins and all
Is that why hes blown off school all week? Haven asks.
I nod, mumbling some nonsense about taking his finals early, but my heart isnt in it, and it shows. Seeing them nod in assent, but only to appease me, their eyes and auras say otherwise, theyre not buying a word of it.
Just make sure Judes there, Miles says, the mere mention of his name making my stomach dance.
Yeah, Ill need him as a backup in case my date doesnt work out like I hope. Haven smiles.
You have a date? Miles and I both say, voices blending as we take a moment to gawk.
Who? I ask.
Just as Miles says, That was fast!
But Haven just smiles, waving over her shoulder as she heads for class, singing, Youll see!
CHAPTER 36
Since I kept my promise to Munoz by attending history (which was way more awkward for me than it was for him), and since I made no such promise to any of my other teachers, I skip the rest of the day and head for the store.
My thoughts drifting to Damen as I cruise Coast Highway, visualizing him so clearly he manifests in the seat right beside me. Gazing at me with those dark, smoldering eyes, lips parted, enticing, as he presses a spray of red tulips onto my lapcausing an ache so palpable, I banish him well before he can fade. Knowing a manifest Damen will never do. Not when the real one is out theresomewherewaiting for three months to end.
But I cant wait. I refuse to wait. The only way to rid myself of this hollow empty feeling is to get Damen back. And the only way to do that is to crack Romans code. Get my hands on that antidote once and for all and then all of my problems are solved.
But short of returning to his house, Ive no clue where to find him. Like Damen, hes pretty much blowing off the last days of school.
I pull into the alley and claim the small space in back, storming through the door with such speed and force, Jude glances up in confusion as I head behind the counter and reach for the appointment book.
Trust me, if Id known you were ditching, I wouldve scheduled some readings, but as it stands, I got nothing.
Im not ditching, I mumble, even though we both know I am. Okay, maybe I am. I shrug, glancing at him. But its the last week of school so its really no biggie. You wont tell anyone, will you?
He dismisses the thought with a wave of his hand, lifting his shoulders as he says, Just wish Id known. I wouldve brought my board.
You can still get it. I head for the shelves and begin rearranging some books. Wanting to put some distance between us so I can avoid the enticing wave of calm his proximity brings. Seriously, I add when I see hes not moving. Ill keep an eye on the place.
He looks at me, gaze steady, focused on mine. Ever he starts.
I look at him, sensing where this is going and eager to dispel any fears before he can get there. You dont have to pay me, I say, arms loaded with books. Im not here for the overtime. In fact, I dont even care if you pay me at all.
He narrows his gaze for one beat, then two. Tilting his head to the side when he says, You really dont, do you?
I shrug and return all the books, taking a moment to line them up perfectly before answering, Nope, I really dont. Feeling good to unburden yet another illusion of mine, no matter how small.
Exactly what are you here for? he asks, voice catching in a way I cant help but notice. The book?
I turn, feeling all nervous and squirmy as my gaze settles on his. Is it that obvious? I lift my shoulders, forcing a laugh.
Relieved when he smiles and jabs his thumb over his shoulder as he says, Go ahead, have fun. I wont tell Damen what youre up to.
I shoot him a look making it clear Im over the Damen jokes, until I see that hes serious.
Sorry. He shrugs. But its pretty clear hes not into it.
I shrug, neither confirming nor denying. Theres no way Im discussing Damen with him. Heading for the back room and settling in at the desk, just about to unlock the drawer with my mind when I see that hes followed.
Oh, um, I forgot that its locked, I mumble, feeling false and ridiculous as I motion toward the drawer, knowing Im the worst actress ever but still going through the motions.
He leans in the doorway, shooting me a look that makes it clear hes not buying it. Didnt seem to stop you the last time, he says, voice low and deep. Or even the first time I found you in the store.
I swallow hard, unsure what to say. Admitting my abilities is breaking Damens most cardinal rule. The weight of Judes gaze heavy on mine as I say, I cantI
He lifts a brow, knowing I very well can.
I cant do it in front of you, I finish, knowing its foolish to keep up this ruse.
Does this help? He places a hand over each eye and grins.
I gaze at him for a moment, hoping he wont peek through his fingers, then I take a deep breath and close my eyes too, seeing the lock spring open, before retrieving the book. Placing it on the desk as he takes a seat, head cocked to the side, foot balanced on his knee when he says, You know, youre pretty special, Ever.
I freeze, fingers hovering above the ancient tome, heart beating overtime.
I mean, your gift is special. He looks at me, eyes squinting, shoulders lifting, the color on his cheeks deepening as he adds, Ive never met anyone with abilities like yours. The way you absorb information from a book, a personand yet
I gaze at him, throat tight and hot, sensing the beginnings of something Id rather avoid.
And yetyouve no idea of who stands beside you. Right beside you, in fact.
I sigh, wondering if this is the moment when he thrusts a pamphlet at me and goes into full-blown testimony mode, but he just motions to my right, smiling and nodding as though someones right there. But when I turn to look, all I get is blank space.
At first I thought for sure youd arrived in this store to teach me. He smiles, reading my expression when he adds, You do know theres no such thing as coincidencethe universe is far too precise for random events. You came here for a reason, whether you realize it or not, and
I was led here by Ava, I say, uncomfortable with where this is going and wanting it to stop. And I returned to see Lina not you.
But he just nods, completely unfazed. And yet, you returned at a time when Lina wasnt here, making it possible for you to find me.
I shift in my seat and focus on the book since I cant look at him. Not after what he just said. Not after my trip to Amsterdam with Damen.
Ever hear the phrase when the student is ready the teacher appears?
I shrug, glancing at him briefly before looking down again.
We meet the people were supposed to when the time is just right. And even though Im sure I have plenty to learn from you, Id really like to teach you something if youll let meif youre open to learning.
I can feel his gaze, heavy and intense, and knowing my options are few, I just shrug. Seeing him nod and look to my right, tilting his head as though someones there.
Theres someone who wants to say hello, he says, gaze fixed on that spot. Though she warns me youre skeptical so Ill have to work extra hard to convince you.
I stare at him, neither blinking nor breathing. Thinking that if this is a jokeif hes tricking me in some waythen Ill
Does the name Riley mean anything to you?
I swallow hard, unable to speak. My mind speeding backward, searching every conversation weve ever had, looking for the moment when I might have revealed that.
He looks at me, patient, waiting. But I just nod, unwilling to offer anything more.
She says shes your sisteryour younger sister. Giving me no time to reply when he adds, Oh, and shes brought someone with heror rather He smiles, pushing his dreads off his face as though to see better. Or rather somethingits a doga yellow
Lab, I say, almost involuntarily. Thats our dog
Butterball. He nods.
Cup. Buttercup. Eyes narrowing, wondering how he got that one wrong if Rileys truly standing beside him.
But he just nods, going on to say, She says she cant stay long since shes keeping quite busy these days, but she wants you to know that shes with you, a lot more than you think.
Really? I fold my arms and lean back in my seat. Then why doesnt she show herself? I frown, abandoning my vow to keep silent and indulging my frustration with her. Why doesnt she do something to make herself known?
Jude gives a half smile, lips quirking the tiniest bit when he says, Shes showing me a tray of He pauses, squinting as he continues, brownies. She wants to know if you enjoyed them?
I freeze, remembering the brownies Sabine made a few weeks ago, and how the smallest piece was marked with my initial, the largest with Rileys, just like she used to do back when my mom used to make them
I look at Jude, throat so tight no words can get past. Struggling to compose myself as he says, She also wants to know if you enjoyed the moviethe one she showed you in
Summerland. I close my eyes, fighting back tears, wondering if my blabbermouth sister is going to tell him about that, but he just shrugs, and ends it right there.
Tell her I start, voice so hoarse and scratchy Im forced to clear my throat and start again. Tell her yes to everythingall of it. And tell her thatthat I love herand miss herand to please say hi to Mom and Dadand that she really needs to help me find a way so I can talk to her againbecause I need