Page 79 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

Lachy’s eyes widen. “Where are you going?”

“Over there.” I point at Katrina. “You’ll be fine.”

He looks like he’s going to be sick, and I feel a little guilty. I walk quickly to my seat, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention to myself.

“What’s wrong with Lachy?” Katrina whispers. “He looks a little green.”

“He’s nervous. He doesn’t like giving interviews.”

“Oh poor thing.”

“I didn’t know. He could have told me. I’d have understood if he didn’t come.”

“Girl... you still don’t know how those boys operate?”

I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”

She laughs. “He wouldn’t sit this one out and let Jake and Ryan show off to you.”

“Oh...” I turn my attention to Principal Prescott, who’s busy doing her little speech.

A minute later, the student questions begin. The first ones are all about how they started their careers, advice, etc. Lachy is a little shy in the beginning, but Ryan’s and Banksy’s antics end up putting him at ease.

“Lachy seems to be enjoying himself now,” I say.

“Yeah. He doesn’t look like he’s going to piss his pants anymore.” Katrina laughs.

“You’re so mean.”

I relax as the guilt leaves my body. I’d feel terrible if Lachy didn’t have a good time. I don’t know why I was so anxious about their visit.

“I have a question for Jake,” a female student says. “Did you watch Miss Summers on the Jumbotron and fall in love right away?”

I cover my face. “Oh my God. Someone, kill me now.”

“Oh Vanessa, you little turd,” Katrina mutters under her breath.

“One of yours?” I ask.

“Yep.”

Jake clears his throat, making me look in his direction. “Well... no. That happened later, but notthatmuch later.”

“Aww...” goes the female portion of the crowd.

Even though I’m embarrassed as hell, I hold Jake’s stare. My face is certainly redder than a tomato.

“Go, Miss Summers!” a boy shouts, and everyone laughs.

The boys laugh too, and my mortification slowly ebbs away.

“Let’s stay clear of personal questions, everyone,” Principal Prescott interjects.

“Yes, please,” I whisper.

Katrina taps my arm. “It wasn’t that bad. And Jake just told everyone here he luuvs you.”

“Did you see how Lachy and Ryan reacted? I wasn’t looking in their direction.”

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