Page 42 of Only With You

“Hi, Julianna Sparks, the girl with the sparkling personality,” River greets.

I return the smile. “Hi, River Hale, the guy with the corny jokes.”

We haven’t seen each other since last weekend, but we didn’t really get the chance to exchange numbers. I could have looked him up on social media, but I’ve been really busy. I didn’t think about it until now. Though, he could have looked me up and didn’t.

He scoffs with feigned offense. “Corny? I thought they were pretty good.”

I fight back the urge to laugh. “If you say so.”

River’s smile softens and he rubs the nape of his neck. A tinge of pink coats his cheek. “I, uh…I’m probably going to make a foolof myself, and please don’t feel obligated to say yes. But I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me sometime?”

His question renders me speechless. Not to sound cocky, but I’ve been asked out quite a few times, and now I’m able to tell when guys expect something out of our date. Sadly, ninety-five percent of the time, they expect sex.

With River, though, it doesn’t feel that way. So I’m not sure why it shocks me.

As much as I’ve missed sex, I’ve longed for this. Someone who genuinely seems like they’re interested in me and not just my appearance. Someone who doesn’t think I’m some dumb blonde who’s desperate for male validation.

It’s unfortunate, but I’ve had to cut dates short in the past. Somehow, they assumed I wanted to hear them talk about themselves all night, mansplain things to me, and think I’d want to go home with them.

My silence must have gone for too long because he speaks up, cheeks becoming redder. “It’s okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to?—”

I stand, offering him a reassuring smile. “Sorry, I just didn’t expect that, but yeah, I’d love to go out with you.”

Relief washes over him. “I promise no corny jokes will be involved.” He raises his right palm.

This time, I chuckle. “As long as you don’t make angel jokes, then we’re good.”

“No angel jokes. Got it.” He looks at me like he’s making a mental note and then pulls out his phone. “Do you want to give me your number? I’ll text you and we can figure out a day that works for both of us.”

“Yeah, sure.” I give him my number and he sends me a message, letting me know it’s him.

He winces and quickly tucks his phone in his pocket. “Shit, I gotta go. My friends are waiting in the car. We came to supportmy friend. His art was part of the exhibition. Now they’re ready to go. They’re starving,” he explains and points over his shoulder. “I’m over explaining. I—uh, I’m gonna go—but we’ll figure something out.”

“Okay.” I nod, smiling and waving as he practically sprints out.

13

JULIANNA

Me: Everything’s looking good. Grade is at a 90.

That’s nothing but a big,fat lie. My grade is, in fact, not sitting at a ninety, but a fifty-nine.

I shouldn’t have lied, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that I was failing again. I wouldn’t have done that, but he randomly texted me tonight and I panicked. He usually waits for Sundays to text or call me, not Friday night while I’m looking at how miserably I’m failing.

But he had to let me know he wouldn’t be able to reach out. I’d be touched to know he wanted to see how I’m doing, but really, he just needed to know that my grades are where they’re supposed to be.

The only plus side is that he didn’t call me because if he had, I would’ve crumbled.

Dad: You could do better.

Me: I’ll do better.

My stomach knots and a killer headache thrashes hard all over my skull. The panic I felt earlier is nothing in comparison to what I feel now.

Knowing that I’ll have to face not just Dad’s disappointment but also Mom’s, even if she doesn’t care whether I stay in school or not. She’d mostly be embarrassed that I failed at something again.

Closing my eyes, I roll over on my stomach, grab my pillow, and scream into it. This is pathetic, but it’s the only way I can release my frustration. I can’t tell anyone how I feel because I’ll sound like I’m complaining.

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