what could get you hurt, too.”
“I need this scholarship, Lo. Even if it means getting hurt,” I said firmly.
“Well, I hope it doesn’t, but I’m still rooting for you.”
“Thanks,” I replied, feeling my guilt melt away. As long as my best friend was still on my side, I was confident I had things under control.
“Now fill me in on everything else I’m missing,” Lola demanded. “I’m bored out of my mind.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Layne
The rest of the week flew by as Wyatt and I fell into a comfortable routine.
It was strange to go from being a loner to a duo, but thanks to my strict work ethic, Wyatt and I were inseparable. It was starting to stir rumors about us at school. But Wyatt didn’t seem to mind. He seemed happy to be by my side from practically the moment I woke up until I collapsed into bed.
He showed up bright and early with our now standard coffee, tea and hot chocolate order to help me get Robby off to school, then he chauffeured me to Northwood High as promised. We spent every waking moment that we weren’t in class either talking about rehearsing or rehearsing for the competition—not kissing even once, thank you very much.
Though nothing could curb Wyatt’s particular brand of suggestive humor, he remained a gentleman. And I was beyond happy to see how seriously he was taking the competition.
I couldn’t believe it was only a week away. But we were making a lot of progress. Especially since we’d been going back to Wyatt’s house after school each day to get in more practice time.
That’s currently where I was heading.
It was Saturday morning and my mom had the day off, so she’d let me borrow her car. Wyatt and I planned to record a song for the next part of the competition—the popular vote.
I swallowed my nerves at the thought of putting my music out there for public ridicule. I knew I’d have to do it at some point, but the reason I disliked social media was because of how hurtful people could be when they had such a platform.
Luckily, the sight of Wyatt’s house offered an even bigger distraction than my nerves. I’d just rounded the corner of the endless pine-lined drive when the thick forest opened up and gave me my first glimpse of the house.
House didn’t really seem like the right word.
Manor?
Mansion?
Castle?
I didn’t think I’d ever get used to how amazing his place was. Maybe it was because I was seeing it in daylight today or because I was paying closer attention since I was in the driver’s seat for a change, but Wyatt’s house looked even more breathtaking. The gray stonework glowed in the watery morning light, and spiderwebs glistening with dew adorned the ornate ironwork gate I pulled up to.
I hit the intercom to announce my presence, still amused that Mrs. Nash now made sure the gate was closed so visitors couldn’t catch her off guard. I guess one facemask meeting was enough for her.
Wyatt buzzed me in and met me at the front door.
“You brought food?” he asked, rushing over to take the pink bakery box in my hands.
“You’re not the only one who can bring breakfast,” I teased, passing him our drink orders as well before hauling my guitar case out of my car.
“You, Penny Layne, are an angel,” he said, already digging into the box. He pulled out a donut and stuffed it into his mouth.
“I didn’t bake them,” I replied.
“I don’t care,” he said licking his fingers. “You’re still heavenly for bringing them.”
I laughed and followed him into the house, setting my things down in the kitchen so I could dig into the donuts as well.
“Hands off,” I said, swatting at Wyatt when he reached for the angel cream. “That one’s mine.”
“See, you really are an angel,” he teased. “Angel cream for the angel.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Do your cheesy pickup lines actually work?”
“I don’t know, why don’t you let me know?” he replied, waggling his eyebrows.
“You are ridiculous.”
“I think you mean adorable,” he said, taking a bite of jelly donut. He moaned, closing his eyes in pure pleasure.
I instantly felt my cheeks heat and took a gulp of my tea to distract myself.
Wyatt demolished the donut then flipped the lid of the box closed to read the label. “Sweet Pea’s? Is this place in town?”
“Yeah, it’s in the back of that old antique store on Main Street.”
“Really? I’ve never noticed it.”
I shrugged. “A lot of people say