Page 2 of The Boy I Hate

He finally released her hand, allowing her bottom to settle comfortably on the soft, cushioned chair. She took a deep breath, hoping the action would cause her heart to slow to a normal speed, then opened themenu. “Good.”

* * *

The restof the evening went by without any surprises. It was filled with conversation, mostly about Steven and his news about the new position: the recognition, the honor. And like before, he reminded her of how rare an opportunity his internshiptrulywas.

Connor and Associates was the most prestigious Law Firm in Los Angeles, representatives of the rich, the famous, and the top secret. They allowed exactly five openings outside of Ivy League schools per year.Five. Which meant that Steven, who graduated summa cum laude out of UCLA’s law program and would have a bright future ahead of him no matter where he went, had just had the granddaddy of opportunities fall into his lap. This opening would never come again. There was no questionaboutit.

The more he spoke, the brighter his eyes became, and Samantha loved it. To watch his face glow. To see him actually giddy with excitement, like he’d gotten an autograph from his boyhood idol—or better yet, been asked to play in a game with his favorite team. It was awesome, because she’d practically grown up with Steven…and he was her best friend outside of Renee. Samantha was proud and excited for him, and she wouldn’t let her disappointmentdiminishthat.

* * *

It was latethat evening when Steven finally pulled alongside the curb outside of Samantha’s apartment. She leaned forward, fetching her bag from the floor of his Prius where the long strap had somehow gotten tangled aroundherfoot.

“Are you sure you’re not mad at me about the trip?” Stevenasked.

He normally wasn’t so considerate, and the fact that he was made her glance up, finding him subdued and contemplative. She untangled the strap of her bag, took her time slowly rising in her seat, and narrowed her eyes “You mean about the internship? No, why wouldIbe?”

He lifted his shoulders. “You said everyone wasexpectingme.”

She bit her bottom lip, looking down to her lap before responding. “They’ll getoverit.”

“Willyou?”

She met his kind brown eyes that were honest and sincere. “It’s a gift, inaway.”

His eyes narrowed, but he adjusted in his seat to humor her. “Howso?”

“Ammunition.”

“Ammunition?”

“Yep. I’ll be able to hold this over your head for alleternity.”

He laughed. “Is thatright?”

“It will go something like this: ‘Honey, I want a new car… Oh, and do you remember that time you ditched me?’, or ‘Steven, go get ice-cream, oh yeah, and do you remember that time you forced me to drive cross-country alone?” Samantha beamed. “See, it’s a gift that keeps ongiving.”

Steven shook his head, leaning forward to take her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “And I’ll give you everything, Sammie,” he whispered. “Not because I ditched you, but because you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips, reached for the automatic locks, and unlocked the door. “Now get out of my car so I can get someshut-eye!”

She smiled and leaned back intheseat.

“You think I’m joking,” he began again, “but I need to be at work in eight hours.” He leaned across the passenger seat and shoved thedooropen.

“On a Saturday,really?”

“They’re working on a big project and I said I’d help.” He raised his chin to the door and widenedhiseyes.

“Okay, okay…” Samantha laughed, dragging the strap of her messenger bag over her head before climbing out of the car. “Call me tomorrow and let me know howitgoes.”

“Will do.” He smiled. “Now get your cute buttupstairs.”

She rolledhereyes.

“I’mserious!”

She straightened her back, throwing her hand to her forehead in a salute. “Yes Sir! Whatever yousay,sir!”

“Smart-ass.” He lifted hischin. “Go.”

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