Page 223 of Prickly Romance

Vanya gives me the biggest one.

“Thank you,” I say, my voice muffled in her neck.

“Of course. You and the girls were there for me during a hard time too.”

“What hard time?” I ask.

Her eyes shift to the side. “We can talk about it later.”

I nod and close the door behind them.

In the silence, I get ready for bed and fall into the comforters that still smell like Sazuki, mint, andusno matter how much I’ve washed them.It’s one of the reasons why I haven’t been able to fall asleep lately.

Can I trust him?is the question that’s been running through my mind every night.

But after the girl chat, the question has changed a bit.

Do I want to live in a world where I don’t at least try?

* * *

Groaning,I roll to a sitting position and stare at the sun as it makes its way through my bedroom.

Another new day.

I check my phone.

The group chat is exploding with pictures of all the kids at the talent show, and all the couples hugging each other. I scroll for pictures of Sazuki and find one where he’s alone with Niko.

My fingers caress his face.

My heart pangs.

Ugh.

It’s going to be another long day.

I plod to school and find my seat in Mr. Howel’s class.

Taylor sashays past me, one hand on her school bag and the other twirling her blue hair. “It’s been a while since Sazuki picked you up after school, Darlene. Are you and daddy fighting?”

I wrap my headphones over my ears and ignore her.

If she keeps talking, I’m going to smack her in the mouth and then I’ll lose my scholarship. As satisfying as the thought is, I’ve learned my lesson after tussling with the reporter. My actions have consequences far beyond me.

Plus, she isn’t worth threatening my entire future.

Taylor laughs and trots away.

I glare into her back when she’s not looking. The moment graduation’s over, I’m going to find her in a dark alley and let her have it.

Until then…

I flip through my music theory book, the words blurring.

Mr. Howel enters the classroom. His eyes go straight to me. “Miss Williams, I’m still waiting on Sazuki to call me back.”

So am I, dude.

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