Page 65 of Lyrical

“That’s because he was at that Craze place last night. Some old hair band was there. He was screaming too much and lost his voice.”

My eyes widened. “For real?”

She nodded. “That’s what I hear.” We both laughed as we filed into our room. He was a buttoned-down suit from Stephen’s work. Goes to show you don’t really know a person till you know ’em.

There were a few other people already there, but we basically had the room to ourselves. My stomach rumbled so I beelined to the food trays, snatching a mini chicken sandwich. Perry was crouched down, digging in the fridge for something fruity to drink.

“Oooh,” Perry said, “It’s so fancy in here. How much do you think this bottle of champagne goes for?” She passed it to me, and I passed it back.

I laughed. “You say that every time, and I have no idea. Can you grab me one of those waters, please?”

“They even have Grey Goose up there.” She pointed to the counter, handing me back a Fiji.

“No, water’s fine. I’ll eat plenty to make up for it.”

My stomach growled loudly again, despite the sandwich. I was so ready to do nothing but eat and watch baseball for the next three hours.

Wish you were here. Love you.

I typed out the quick text and set my phone down before heaping my plate with salad and egg rolls and mozzie sticks and whatever else I could cram in without it falling off. I didn’t expect a response for a while because he was in class, but as I was grabbing a fork, I heard the ding. I looked down at the screen:

You and me both. Have fun. Love you more, beautiful.

My heart flip-flopped.I sincerely doubt that.I took a bite of egg roll, then put my plate off to the side.

Aren’t you supposed to be teaching something right now? Because if not, you should be here.

They’re taking a test on scores. I’m being a bad teacher and texting under my desk.

You know what else bad teachers like under their desks?

I waited a minute while I nibbled off my plate. I should not be encouraging him while at work. He was teaching grade school, for God’s sake. I needed to reel it in.Ding.

You’ll be receiving a private detention for that remark, Miss Hudson.

I hope it’s soon.

“Whatcha doing?” Perry stuck her face over my shoulder, and I jumped.

“You don’t have to sneak up on me. I almost dropped my phone.”

“I didn’t sneak up on you. You were just too focused on your sexting to hear me.”

“God, Perry. I wasn’t sexting. He’s in class.” But I guess I was implying it. What was the matter with me?

“Ah, young love. It’s worth losing all judgment for.”

“Young love. Literally.” I heard the giggle behind me. Great. Just fucking great. I turned around to see Daniel looking anywhere but me, probably uncomfortable as hell. Cassie waved her hand. “Oh, I was just teasing. I think it’s so sweet.”

I gave a look to Perry, who was shooting poison darts. I hoped one was stabbing her right between her catty eyes.

“Daniel, I’m surprised to see you here,” I said.

I was. Very surprised. I didn’t expect to see them again during the game. How long had they been standing behind me?

Stephen came over, clamping his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “I saw them in the shop. Had a couple extra tickets so I said they could stop up, get some food.”

“We’re not staying long. Cassie just really wanted to check it out. She’s never been in a box before.”

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