Page 11 of Secret Love

Chapter 4

Dani

Then

If I’ve learned anything over the last year, it’s how unpredictable life can be. The people drifting in and out of our lives are often not actually drifting at all. They return again and again until, all of a sudden, they’re having overnight sleepovers with your dad.

I suppose it’s not that big of a deal. I never expected my father to stay single forever and I like Cora a lot. She’s fun to talk to and has always gone out of her way to make me feel welcome whenever I stop by Dad’s busy office. I honestly haven’t seen him this happy since… well, ever.

So, why do I feel a sad lurch in the pit of my stomach every time I think about them together?

Come on, Dani. You know exactly why.

I peek around my locker door at the manic teenage hustle between classes. They all rush by in a blur while I focus my tunnel vision at the boy standing by his own locker down the hall.

Fox Fitzpatrick had no trouble fitting in at Belle Academy. Not that I was the least bit surprised. He’s hot and good at sports, which is really all you need to make an impression around here. We’ve barely spoken since last year’s Christmas party, though I suppose I have myself to blame a bit for that. I certainly didn’t feel like making friends after that interaction but if I’m going to be making awkward small talk with his mother at 7 AM, then we might as well clear the air.

I tuck my Biology book into the crook of my elbow and close my locker. As I merge into the hallway traffic of navy-blue jackets and plaid skirts, I spot Fox down the hall again. He’s smiling, but not at me. He’s smiling at the other girl leaning against the locker next to his, Trudy Michaels.

My stride instantly slows, but the flow of the hall keeps pushing me forward.

Just say hi.

I approach slowly and my heart skips as Trudy waves goodbye and takes off. Perfect timing.

I stop behind Fox and clear my throat. “Hi, Fox,” I say.

He peeks over his shoulder, drawn by the sound of his name, but his expression dips when he realizes it’s just me.

I flash a smile as I dig my nail into the spine of my textbook. “Hey,” I say.

“Dani,” he says with a half-nod. “What’s up?”

“Not much. I just…” I nervously tuck my hair behind my ear. “I talked to your mom this morning.”

“Yeah, that makes one of us,” he mutters, his focus now back on his locker.

I chuckle. “Been seeing her around my house a lot lately…” I pause for a reaction, but he just shuffles through some folders instead. “So, I guess they’re—”

He turns quickly. “We’re not gonna be besties just because your father is fucking my mother, okay?”

I ease a step back. “I only thought…”

“Well, think somewhere else.”

Fox slams his locker closed. I flinch as he walks off and leaves me in the middle of the hall. Others stop and stare with curiosity at his sudden outburst while my stomach twists into even tighter knots.

I guess I can forget about ever being friends with Fox Fitzpatrick.

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