Page 75 of Bad Boy
LINC
Monday was a much-needed reprieve from any drama, fighting, or violence. Connor was a no-show at school, and Gus was pretty tight-lipped about everything. Remi tried to get some information out of him, but Gus is not a sharer. He won’t budge.
The hallways pulsed with whispers of what happened, creating a living, breathing thing that morphed into wild rumors like a horrible game of telephone. Remi doesn’t mind. He seems proud of his reputation.
Now it’s Tuesday morning, and I’m standing at the bottom of the steps, waiting for Remi to pull through the roundabout and pick me up for school.
The neon green Camaro comes speeding up the driveway, coming to an abrupt stop in front of me. Without needing an invitation at this point, I open the passenger door and slide into the buttery soft seats, smiling at Remi.
“Good mornin’.”
“Missed you,” he replies, leaning over to peck me on the lips. It’s so casual, like something a boyfriend would do, and I know the lines are starting to blur.
Every cell in my body thrums in excitement at the thought of being Remi’s boyfriend.
Could that really happen?
“Missed you, too,” I whisper back shyly, a warm, fluttery feeling inside.
“Tryin’ out the Camaro again?” I ask, smoothing my hand along the supple leather. I need to change the subject before I read more into his words than I should.
“Nope. She’s mine now. Gramps cornered me after dinner last night and made me choose. First thing that popped into my head. And I think she’s a winner.” He pats the steering wheel lovingly.
“She is,” I agree. The vibrant car is a show-stopper, just like Remi himself. It’s a perfect fit.
“How’s Betsy Anne?” I ask about my own beloved ride.
“Should be back from the shop any day now. I’ll drive her over.” He grins at the wide smile stretching across my face. I miss my moped, and there’s not too much time left before winter sets in. Although, I like carpooling with Remi more.
“Thank you for handlin’ that so my parents didn’t find out. They didn’t want me drivin’ a moped in the first place, and I can’t deal with anotherI told you so.” I don’t tell him that the only reason they would even care is because they don’t have another heir. There’s no one else to take over Anderson Holdings. Just me. Whether I want it or not.
“No problem, Preppy. And it was Gramps, really. You know how he is.”
I nod in understanding because, yes, I do know how he is. Unmatched generosity.
As we arrive at the academy and park, I notice a crowd of people forming in front of Caldwell Hall. We immediately jump out, and I sling my messenger bag over my shoulder, smoothing down my slacks and straightening my blazer. After a few days of casual hiking clothes, it feels weird to be back in uniform.
Remi and I walk side-by-side toward the commotion. He runs his finger down the center of my palm, causing a little thrill to shoot through me.
“Twenty bucks says it’s Connor and his busted-ass face.”
I giggle at that, not taking the bet because I’m pretty sure he’s spot on with that guess.
Sure enough, Connor leans against the flagpole with Gus and Brandon on either side. Half the football team surrounds them, along with what appears to be half the senior class.
He has a split lip, two black eyes, and a huge nose brace taped to his face. His arms are folded across his chest, and he looks pissed as he sees us approaching. Maybe a little scared, too.
I glance at Remi, and the giant grin on his face is just asking for all kinds of trouble.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” he roars, cupping his hands around his mouth like a megaphone.
Oh no. This can’t be good.
“To clear up any rumors for those who weren’t there Saturday night. This. . .” And then he motions toward Connor’s face. “This is what happens when you talk shit to me and think you can bully my friends. And if you wanna try me, take it to Gus. I’ll pencil you in.”
Connor’s already mottled face turns bright red, and he lunges toward Remi. Gus holds him back with a thick arm, and Brandon just sneers at me.
Coach De Luca takes this moment to storm out of the front doors, his booming voice cutting through all of the shouts and jeers. “Enough!”
