Page 25 of My Twin Sister's Ex

Jessilyn:I’d tell you to talk to her, but that would probably make things worse.

Me:We wouldn’t want that.

Jessilyn:No. Definitely not.

I smiled and tucked my phone into my back pocket. I gathered my books and papers and put them into my backpack. I liked it that Jessilyn was reaching out to me like this. It felt like we were friends now. Was that what she wanted? Or did she just see me as her partner for the Drama Competition? We were talking about a lot more than just drama yesterday at the park. We’d delved into some deeper subjects, and I’d realized that I really liked talking about that stuff with Jessilyn. She was kind and intelligent. Easygoing. So different from her sister in almost every way. Other than their genetics.

It was too bad that I’d just broken up with Jackilyn. Otherwise, I might have considered asking Jessilyn on a date. But the drama that Jackilyn would bring into the situation was enough to keep me from asking her. I didn’t want to start trouble for Jessilyn. And I already had enough issues in my life with my dad.

I said goodbye to my dad, who was eating breakfast, and headed out to my Mustang. I fired her up and connected my phone to the Bluetooth device I’d connected to my radio. I cranked up my music and headed to school.

I saw Jessilyn heading into the building when I pulled in. She had her blonde hair pulled up into a ponytail, and it swept across her shoulders when she walked. She looked beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have her. Jessilyn was the type of girl a guy could get serious with. Smart, funny, beautiful. She treated others with kindness and respect.

I had to remind myself that she wasn’t an option for me. She deserved better anyway. Jessilyn was way out of my league.

I parked my car and headed into the building with my backpack slung over one shoulder. I pushed my way through the crowded hallway. Just a few more weeks, and I’d be out of here for good. With the way things were going, it looked like I might be able to graduate after all. I was getting my lines memorized, and it wasn’t as impossible as I’d imagined it to be. But it was a lot of work. I’d just be happy when all this was over, and I could finally focus on making money for my uncle.

I stopped by my locker and then headed into homeroom. I took a seat next to Callia Brown. She leaned over to me as soon as she saw me.

“Are you dating Jessilyn Martin?”

Shock jolted through me. What kind of question was that? Why would she think that?

“No. What makes you think I am?”

“I heard some girls talking about it. I thought it might be true.”

“We’re just assigned partners for the Drama Competition. It’s for our grade.” Some people really blew things out of proportion. I should be annoyed. But instead, I found myself wishing it were true.

But then I would be in so much trouble.

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