Curvy Girls Can't Date Bad Boys - Kelsie Stelting Page 0,24
can’t make you, can he?”
I lifted my gaze toward the ceiling, her question one that I’d wondered myself many times. “It’s different in Indian culture. Family is everything, and he’s all I have.”
Callie frowned. “So, it’s either marry Ryde and have the family you’ve always known or don’t and be alone. Completely.”
Sadly, I nodded. She put the dilemma into words I didn’t even have for myself. The totality of the situation struck me harder than ever.
Rory’s look was full of emotion. “You know you always have us, right?”
Tears threatened to return as I nodded. I knew I had my friends, but could that replace what I would lose? I wasn’t so sure.
Sixteen
There was a note on my door when I woke up the next morning.
I had to go on a business trip, and I expect you to behave while I’m gone. I get back Friday and will meet you at the house at 6 p.m. to ride together to dinner with the Alexander family. – Dad
I let out a sigh and crumpled the note before throwing it in the trash. I didn’t need to keep the reminder about dinner with the Alexanders. I’d be dreading it all week. Not only would I have to suffer through a meal with Ryde, but I’d get to see Merritt on her home turf, along with her cheerleading coach mother and double-dealing father.
The whole family was a shark pit, and Dad was asking me to walk the plank and become a part of it. I was practically chum to them, and I didn’t feel like being ripped to pieces.
I brought my phone to the bathroom and started a song playing while I got ready for the day. Through the Bluetooth speaker, I could make the music loud enough to drown out my own thoughts. Something I desperately needed right now.
The music paused for a moment and then came back at full force. I jumped for my phone, hoping it was a text from Ronan. I’d responded the night before, and my heart had been strung tight waiting for his response.
Ronan: When can I see you?
Zara: Tonight.
I paused the music, waiting for his response, which quickly came.
Ronan: Where?
Zara: Seaton Bakery. 6?
Ronan: I’ll be there.
Those three words brought an anticipatory smile to my face. I couldn’t wait to see him tonight and learn more about the guy on the motorcycle who made my heart beat faster than ever before. The date had me actually looking forward to the future instead of dreading it.
I finished getting ready with the music playing and then went to school. I couldn’t wait to get to my friends at the lockers and tell them who I was going to see that night, but Merritt blocked my way only a few steps down the hallway.
“Hi, Zara.”
“Merritt,” I said and kept walking to go around her.
She stepped in front of me again, followed by Tinsley and Poppy. Were they training to move in formation now?
I rolled my eyes and said, “Get on with it.”
A muscle in Merritt’s neck ticked before a placid smile replaced her look of frustration. “I heard about what happened this weekend, and I just want to let you know, if you break my brother’s heart, you will pay.” Her eyes narrowed, and her full, glossy lips formed what she probably meant to be an intimidating look.
Honestly, I couldn’t help but laugh. She thought I was afraid of what she’d think? She had nothing on my father.
“I mean it,” Merritt threatened.
“I’m shaking. Can’t you tell?” I took advantage of her stunned silence to continue on to my friends.
Merritt might have been queen of the high school, but that was nothing compared to the world that was waiting for me after graduation. She wanted to throw cupcakes at me? Have fun getting suspended right before graduation. Wanted to make everyone hate me? Go for it. I probably wouldn’t see half of them after we crossed the stage.
I half-expected her to yell “you’ll be sorry for this” as I walked away, but she didn’t, and I was glad. Unfortunately, she had blocked me from actually telling any of my friends about the date. I grabbed my books from my locker and sent a quick message to the group chat.
Zara: RONAN AND I ARE GOING TO SEATON BAKERY TONIGHT!
Jordan: AHHH!!!
Ginger: Eek! That’s awesome!
Callie: Does that mean Jordan can go check him out and tell us how hot he is?