Page 26 of Séance

“Did I get it?”

The guys nod obediently.

Gunner scowls down at my plate, then nudges it toward me. “Eat.”

It’s impossible to disobey, and I take a small bite. He narrows his eyes dangerously, grunting when I swallow. Desperate for a change of topic, I take a sip of water, then glance at Ellis and Hicks. “Which college are you attending?”

“We decided to go to the state university so we could all stay together,” Hicks answers, then he takes a careful forkful of food like a gentleman.

Something about the cautious way he sits and the meticulous way he eats is telling. I suspect he’s been through the same training as myself—punishment if not done right. I glance around the table and notice Ellis has perfect posture as well. When you know the signs, it’s easy to tell who comes from money.

It’s more than just clothes and fancy cars. It’s the smaller mannerisms, like the way a person speaks or holds themselves. It’s been drilled into us at birth. Even when Hicks tries to act relaxed, it looks slightly uncomfortable.

Gunner is the opposite, as if he’s more comfortable in his own skin. The twins fall somewhere in between.

“So you’re all heading off in a few weeks?” I’m incredibly disappointed, and my shoulders slump slightly. Although I only just met them, I’m going to miss them, and a pang of loneliness and self-pity pierces my chest.

“Yes.” Excitement gleams in Ellis’ eyes. “Gunner is going part-time, but classes start in two weeks.”

“We move into the house in five days,” Hicks corrects him, though a frown mars his face.

“Where are you going?” Jaceson leans forward, and everyone pauses to listen to my answer, as if genuinely interested.

Despite my disappointment, their interest warms my heart. “I’ve been taking classes online.”

“Can you switch?” Jameson asks almost before I finish speaking.

The thought of going to campus and being surrounded by thousands of people is beyond intimidating. It would be a nightmare, but that doesn’t mean I’m not tempted.

“I’m not sure,” I hedge, then I answer truthfully. “I’m not enrolled at state.”

“Hicks knows someone on the board of directors.” Jameson’s expression is earnest. “If you want to go with us, I’m sure we can figure something out.”

Everyone turns to Hicks, including me, only to find him staring at me intently. He must see something in my panicked gaze, because he covers for me. “Admissions for freshmen have been closed for a while. I would have to check into it.”

“Then it’s settled.” Jameson bulldozes ahead, a pleased expression on his face, and he practically rubs his hands together. “We’re going to have so much fun.”

I’m already shaking my head. “Um, I’m not a freshman. I’ve been taking online classes for a while.” A blush fills my face when everyone glances at me again. While Hicks looks disinterested, Ellis appears curious, and Jaceson just looks like he’s listening to be polite. Gunner and Jameson are attentive, but their focus is on shoveling as much food into their mouth as possible.

My hands are sweaty as I fiddle with my fork, suddenly anxious that they’ll make fun of me. “I’m a senior majoring in business with a minor in economics. I have two semesters left, but I am taking some computer classes as well.”

Ellis perks up at my announcement. “Hicks is enrolled in business classes, but I’m focused on computers. What kind of classes are you taking?”

“Oh, just some basic programming,” I say innocently. I don’t mention that the computer class is a special master class from Caltech, where you have to hack into a website to even be eligible to enroll in the class.

“But you’re only eighteen,” Jameson exclaims, a furrow appearing between his brows. “What happened to high school and dating and partying and stuff?”

“Seventeen,” I mutter, taking a drink of water to avoid looking at anyone. I shrug at the other part of his question. “I’ve never been to school. I’ve had tutors.”

I grimace at the reminder of my nightmarish tutors. They were my father’s minions, handpicked by him for their brutality. Hell, one even thought that women didn’t need to be taught and acted particularly brutal whenever I failed to grasp anything.

Another life lesson from dear old dad.

Let’s just say that I never skipped my homework. After a while, even a dog learns to do whatever it takes to avoid a beating.

“That’s just wrong!” Jameson looks offended and heartbroken, then he narrows his light blue eyes, a determined glint entering them. “We’ll have to make up for lost time.”

My smile breaks free, along with a spurt of excitement and a touch of nerves. “Really?”

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