Page 27 of Breaking the Rules
The Kane place is right on the beach in Venice Beach. No doubt it's worth multiple millions now. Brendon and Emma's parents had money.
All our parents did. It was five-figure tuition or scholarship to attend our fancy high school. And none of us were the scholarship type.
"Relative to Mr. Brooding Bad Boy," I say.
"If you follow all his orders, you're basically him."
"But I won't complain when you blast emo music."
"Thank God I have that."
My lips curl into a smile. It's weird talking with Emma.
Familiar but different.
I've seen her a dozen times in the last few years. But it's always been quick things. Her and Brendon at my birthday party. Or me at his. Or…
Well, it's always been parties.
And I've always been too busy drinking and starting shit to really talk to her.
"All right, you're babysitting me," she says.
I nod.
"So I guess we can talk."
"Horrible."
"I know, right?" She makes a show of groaning.
I can't help but laugh. She's vibrant. Bright. Full of life.
"This was your first day at Inked Hearts, huh?" she asks.
"Yeah."
"Why is it Brendon recruited you?"
"It's not obvious?" I motion to my face.
She laughs. "Yeah, that must be it. Your beauty. How could I not see that?"
I try my best easy shrug.
Her laugh gets louder. Heartier. "You should stop with that. The shrugs don't suit you."
"No?"
"No." She takes another sip. "They make you look more uncomfortable."
"That doesn't fool me."
"What doesn't?" She turns the corner. Walks past the house next to hers. Then to hers.
"You turning it around. It's not gonna get me so disoriented I forget you're going to your old place to get your stuff."
"No idea what you're talking about."
