Page 35 of Bad Reputation

But to preserve our fragile truce, neither of us says it.

She keeps her eyes on the hem of her dress. “Not really. There are a few guys that my mother thinks will be a good match, whatever that means.”

“That’s… good.” I honestly can’t think of anything else to say.

“What about you?” she asks, looking up at me.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean like… you know. Who are you dating?”

Something like hope shimmers in those emerald green eyes of hers.

“No one.” I shift in my seat, beyond uncomfortable with this line of questioning. What I want to say, what I should say, isthere will never be anyone else for me but you.

But I don’t. She bites her bottom lip.

“I see.”

I really doubt that she does, but I’m eager to let it go.

“Are you ready to go find somewhere to study?” I ask, getting to my feet. I start to gather the paper plates on the table.

“Sure,” she says. I glance at her, and I can see that something is weighing on her. But I don’t want to talk about any of it anymore.

So I throw the paper plates out and thank the food cart dude. Then I lead Emma back out onto the street.

13

Emma

I’m on the street in front of the pizza place that Jameson took me to, chewing on a nail. I don’t want to be here. I especially don’t like the fact that I am dressed up — wearing a skimpy black body con dress, no less.

But my mother nagged me about going out with Rich enough times that I finally threw my hands up and agreed. I know that it is a bad idea, but I do it anyway.

Anything to please the family, right?

I’m not certain about any of that now, as I am standing here sweating my ass off while I wait for Rich to show. He’s almost fifteen minutes late, and I am seriously about to call an Uber.

If he can’t be bothered to be on time for our first date, it doesn’t bode well for the future.

“Emma?”

I turn to find Jameson and Forest walking up. I can feel Jameson’s eyes all over me in such a conspicuous outfit… of course, with him it feels sort of naughty.

“Hi?” I say, brushing back a lock of hair. “I didn’t expect to see you two today.”

“David invited us,” Forest says. “You look nice, by the way.”

I flush. “Oh, thanks. I’m, um… I’m on a date.”

Jameson’s expression turns dark as a thundercloud. “Here?”

I bite my lip, glancing over my shoulder. It takes a deep breath before I can answer. I try to smile, turning on the charm.

“Yeah. I mean, he’s late, but whenever he gets here.”

Jameson just glowers at me, which makes me feel like total trash. I couldn’t have known that he would be here today, though.

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