Page 52 of Spies Like Us

“Of course, dear. We want to give you every opportunity to improve your lot in life,” she replies. “But you should go have a look at that boutique I was telling you about.” She lets her gaze drift down to my outfit. Today, I’m wearing cutoff denim shorts, fishnets, combat boots, and another band shirt—some K-pop boy band that has a hundred and one members that I thought was kind of cool. Sort of ironic now. “It would benefit you to be seen fitting in a little better.”

“Okay, I promise I will. Matthew said he’d pay me weekly, and Saturday will be my first week, so I’ll go on Sunday after church,” I assure her, and she looks thrilled. “It says here I need to submit an essay.” I point to the brochure. “May I please spend the night in the library writing that? I have to work the rest of the week, so it’s my last chance to,” I ask her. It’s perfect timing. I can sneak out and go on my date with Dayton.

She frowns. “How will you get home? I guess James could pick you up, but I think he will be late at work.”

Is he going to be late, or is he visiting a ‘friend?’

“My brother would be happy to give her a lift home after. He should probably spend some more time at the library as well. He has some college application essays he needs to write as well.”

Martha’s eyes light up at the idea of me spending time with Ryland Turner. “Oh yes, that would be wonderful, as long as it’s no trouble for him.”

“None at all, ma’am. Ms. Walsh has shown she has excellent work ethic, so I’m hoping some of it will rub off on my brother.” She preens again like she’s responsible for my good work ethic. I’ve only been staying with her for a week, though it feels like so much longer.

“Yes, her work ethic is excellent. Max has had nothing but wonderful and descriptive things to say about her.” Brock leers at me suggestively, looking between me and Max. I feign a confused look and a blush. It’s not hard, I only have to think about Max bending me over his desk and the blush appears.

“Well, if that’s everything, I have another appointment.” Max pushes off the wall and strides to the door. “I’ll get Ryland to meet you at the front of the school. He can give you a lift to the library as well,” he tells me, and I quickly agree.

“Thank you.”

“We won’t wait for you for dinner then.” Martha stands up and brushes her dress skirt down. “I’m so proud of you, dear. Now we need to hope Miller and Jessica have the same kind of success.”

Max opens the door, allowing us both to leave. We part ways, him going to wherever his meeting is, and Martha and I walking out to the front of the school. It’s almost the end of the day, so there is no point in me returning to PE.

“I’m just going to wait here,” I tell her, pointing to Ryland’s car.

“That’s such a nice car. The Turner boys are Summerville royalty. Make sure you are polite to Ryland. We want to stay on his good side. Help him as much as you can. My niece has big plans for him.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Remember, getting into a good school is just the first step. Improving your image will go a long way toward helping you succeed in life as well. Boys can come later.” I hear the underlying threat.

“It’s okay, Martha. I’m not interested in schoolboys at all,” I tell her, and she raises an eyebrow.

“Make sure you’re not interested in any boys. I won’t stand for teen pregnancy, and your reputation is already shaky. It’s lucky the school hasn’t seen your police record,” she says coldly, her demeanor changing in a flash.

“Yes, ma’am.” I drop my eyes. “I know exactly what men are after. I plan on taking charge of my own destiny.”

The cold glare clears, and she pats my shoulder. “Good girl. Right, I’ll be off. I need to stop by the grocery store on the way home. I look forward to reading your essay before you submit it.”

Fuck. I feel a moment of panic. I wasn’t planning on writing one. I wanted to focus on Dayton. Hopefully Dad has an essay on file or can get one of the analysts to whip one up for me.

“Sure,” I tell her, and she hops into her car and heads out of the parking lot just as the bell rings. I won’t have long to wait, so I drop my backpack on the ground and lean against the fender of the Maserati. I pull out my phone and send Dad a quick text.

Kenzie: SOS, I need a life essay.

It doesn’t take long for him to reply.

Dad: On it! Max already let me know. He figured the foster parents or the guidance counselor might request to read it. You’ll have it by the end of the day. Mom says hi and enjoy your date.

I stare at the response in confusion. How do they know I’m going on a date? I can practically feel their smugness oozing through the phone. Ugh!

“What are you doing?” a voice demands, and I look up to find Sophie glaring at me. Lucy and Michelle flank. Jessica has been true to her word all week. She’s been eating with us foster kids and is like a completely different person now that she’s no longer trying to be friends with Sophie. She’s been subjected to Sophie’s cattiness, but it’s like she grew a backbone overnight and doesn’t let any of it faze her. She’s witty and has a cunning sense of humor. I’ve come to really like her.

“Ry and I are doing college essays at the library after school. He’s giving me a lift,” I tell her, and she squeals and stomps her foot.

“First Miller, now you. What the hell is his interest in you two losers?” she demands as I spy him walking up behind her with Lathan and Miller in tow.

“Well, those two so-called losers aren’t nasty spoiled bitches,” he replies, glaring at her. “I would rather spend time with both of them than listen to you bitch and complain for another minute.”

She whirls around to face him, her mouth dropping open in shock before she raises her finger and pokes him in the chest.

“You watch yourself, Ryland Turner. You may be the governor’s son, but my family is important in this town. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of them.”

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