Page 191 of Forbidden Lessons

Where are you?

Maybe I should walk back to the college. Should only take me an hour. I’m sure I can make it in these shoes. I tap my fingers against the side of my phone and then put it away with an angry sigh.

I should grab a few of those mini burgers to go. Maybe I can leave via the kitchen, wrap up a few snacks without anyone noticing.

Gotten really good at that, too. The diner will no doubt see a rise in profits now that I’m not working there anymore.

Asshole Bastian. I still can’t believe he did that to me. And he thinks one lousy dance can make up for the fact that he’s gone and blown up my life? What fucking planet does he?—

The second my phone vibrates, it’s in my hand and I’m opening Melissa’s message.

@parker.melissa

Meet me out back.

@lee.haven

???

@parker.melissa

DO IT

I’m getting really sick of being bossed around. But she’s my ride home. And, to date, my only friend at AHC.

Glancing around to make sure I don’t spot anyone I know—Kai, Bastian, the dean, God the list keeps growing—I hike up my skirts and speed walk to the ballroom exit.

I take the same route I did with Bastian, passing the restrooms and leaving via the smaller staff EXIT. The donation boxes are still here, and I give them another quizzical glance as I pass on my way around the building.

Unless I’m completely off my bearings, the back of the building should be?—

Melissa waves when she sees me, and I give her a quick, nervous wave back. There’s a large verandah moodily lit with rows of vintage light bulbs where couples have gathered, talking or sipping champagne as they puff on cigarettes or cigars.

Thank God I never got into that shit.

“Hey,” I say as I hurry over. “Can we go? I’m so done with this place.”

“I thought you’d never ask!” She seizes my arm, throws another glance over her shoulder, and then takes me back the way I just came.

Another thing I’m done with? Going around in circles.

“Can’t we just go through there?” I ask, pointing to the verandah.

Melissa snorts like a real lady. “What, you want to leave?”

“Yes.” I realize we’re detouring toward the woods around the same time Melissa comes up short. “Wait. Where did you think…?”

She glances back over her shoulder. Then leans in to me. “The party. We’re going to the party.”

“You’re high,” I tell her. Politely, in the circumstances.

“Not yet.” She wreathes her arm through mine and starts off down some path only she can see, because all I see is lawn. We’re still heading for the trees.

“Hey!” I tug my arm free. “I said I want to go!”

“Trust me, you’re gonna wanna stay.” There’s an edge of childish glee to her voice, like she’s fighting back a giggle.

“You’re high.” Still polite as fuck.

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