Page 21 of Honest With You

He reminds me of Nam Joo Hyuk from Start-Up. He’s endearing and charismatic with a smile that doesn’t quit and the kindest eyes.

He is the complete opposite of Vanessa’s boyfriend who is an absolute narcissistic jerk. I have absolutely no idea how they’re such good friends. But according to Ryder, they were neighbors, so it was just natural for them to bond and become friends.

“You alright there, Ava? You seem a little jittery.”

I bark out a small laugh. “Is it that obvious?”

His smile grows wider and his almond eyes twinkle like he enjoys the sound of my laughter.

“Not really. You just seem… distracted?”

I muster a shrug. “Just hungry, I guess?”

Dimples pop in his cheeks, and I’m mesmerized for a second.

I have a thing for dimples.

Especially a specific one on a certain blond boy.

“Perfect timing, huh? Wanna sit with me at lunch?”

Pursing my lips, I tip my head towards the hallway to my left.

“I have to switch out my books real quick. Can I meet you there?”

Nodding his head, he gestures behind me. “I’ll save you a seat.”

“Sounds good!”

His hand grazes my shoulder before he walks past me to head to the cafeteria.

I released a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.

There’s something about being in the presence of Ryder Kim that’s unnerving. He reminds me of those K-pop idols Reese loves. Seemingly perfect in every way.

I shake my head, reminding myself of what I needed to do as I round the corner to my locker. I’m still reeling from the events of the day. One more class after lunch then I can hightail it out of here, pick Reese up from school and lock myself in my room.

I quickly unlock my locker, grab my history book and stuff the other two in there when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out, momentarily distracted by my locker not wanting to close and that’s when I see it.

A note is stuck in between the vents.

Meet me for lunch at the gym? - Jesse

I look behind me, like somehow Jesse will materialize. I had already promised Ryder I’m meeting him for lunch and to not follow through with that promise feels rude.

I press my phone to my ear, answering the call that’s come through.

Jesse’s husky voice comes through the line.

“Please?”

“Jesse?” Stupefied, I shut my locker and lean on it.

“I just wanna talk? Can we do that?”

His voice sounds louder this time. Comically, I angle the phone away. I hear him chuckle but it’s not coming from the phone. I shake my head in disbelief when I spot him thirty feet away, leaning his shoulder on a locker, legs crossed at the ankles and his eyes trained on me.

He looks like a rom-com cover model. Like from one of those romance novels Yaya Ella got me hooked me on.

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