Page 2 of Stuck with You

“Jade…as inJade Moore?”

“Do we know any other Jades?”

I wished we did, and my stomach sank to the floor. “You called Jade Moore? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Jade was one of Mom’s closest friends in town. She came over for margaritas whenever the two of them had a weekend free. Since Mom worked most weekends, it didn’t happen all that often. And though Jade was nice enough, she wasn’t the problem.

“This isn’t a joke, Clarissa.” Mom’s carefree tone was now completely gone, and the fact she’d used my full name only emphasized her point. Her talk of sunshine and the clear blue ocean felt like a distant memory, and I had to wonder if she’d been putting on a cheerful front earlier so I wouldn’t be concerned. It was something only my mom would do in the face of a pandemic.

“I want you to be safe,” Mom said. “And Jade’s a doctor, so I can’t think of anyone better suited for you to stay with.”

“I’ll be safe right here. Besides, don’t you think I’ll be in more danger living with a doctor? She could catch the virus at the hospital and bring it home with her.”

“Jade assured me she’s taking every precaution,” Mom replied. “And even if she did catch it, they’re saying the virus doesn’t make younger people as sick. Someone your age will be fine.”

“So, what, it’s a risk you’re willing to take?”

“Yes, because it’s better than the alternative. I won’t let you stay home alone, and she’s the only person in Harford who would take you.”

“What, you called every other family in Harford?” Because seriously,anyother family would have been a better option.

Mom sharply exhaled. “Look, I don’t want any arguing about this. The decision has been made. She’s coming to pick you up this morning, so you’d better pack a bag.”

My parents rarely threw their weight around with me, but there was no missing the conviction in Mom’s voice. We usually talked things out as a family, and I couldn’t believe this was the time they’d picked to reach a decision without me. I was not okay with this.

I paced around my room, clutching my phone tightly to my ear. “Mom, this is crazy. You guys can’t actually expect me to go live with the Moores.”

“I’ve already told you that Jade working at the hospital is fine—”

“It’s not just that,” I interrupted.

“Then what is it?”

Her question made me hesitate. It was no surprise she’d ask me why, but I wasn’t prepared to explain my reasoning. Why couldn’t Mom just trust me?

“Clary?”

I was going to have to tell her, and I swore under my breath before I responded. “I can’t stay there because it would mean living with Aiden Moore!”

The line went silent for a moment, and I could sense Mom’s confusion. “What are you talking about?” she asked. “He seems like a sweet enough boy to me.”

Of course, he did. It appeared that just like everyone else in our backward town, my mother had been fooled by the charms of the high school’s star football player. All the locals worshiped him like a god, and while he might have looked like the offspring of some heavenly being, he definitely didn’t act like one. He was just about the most annoying guy on the planet, and while I didn’t really hate anyone, I was willing to make an exception for him.

“Mom, I can’t stand the guy. Living with him is going to be torture. Surely there’s somewhere else…”

“I’m sure he’s not that bad. And, torture or not, at least you’ll be safe.”

“I wouldn’t be so certain,” I muttered.

To most of the guys at school, I was invisible. I wasn’t a loser or anything, but I was slightly nerdy and quiet. I easily disappeared into the background around my more outgoing friends. I didn’t particularly want to be the center of attention, so I was completely okay with my place in the world. Guys rarely bothered me, and that was great because most of the guys at our school were immature idiots.

Aiden was different though. He saw me. His gaze always sought me out, and he seemed to relish in taking every opportunity to get under my skin. He was the king of those immature idiots, and I could only imagine how bad lockdown would be with him.

“Look, it’s just for a few days until we can get home.”

“I know, but…” My voice drifted off as the front doorbell rang. My head whipped in the direction of the sound. “Please tell me you didn’t tell Jade to come now! I haven’t even had a shower.”

“Well, you better get a move on,” Mom replied. “We love you, and we’ll call as soon as we have more news.”

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