But that’s life…bad shit happens and the only thing you can do is deal with it.
Since I’m desperate to switch the subject, I bring up my plans for after school. “I’ll probably be home a little late tonight. I want to go job hunting.”
She raises one perfectly tweezed eyebrow. “You don’t have to worry about money. I told you—”
I hold up a hand, cutting her off. “No. I can’t let you do that.”
I appreciate her offer to pay for everything this year, but I’m not her kid.
I’m his.
And given my father’s currently sitting in a jail cell and the government seized his house along with every dime he had; I officially have no choice but to fend for myself.
I’ll be eighteen soon anyway.
“It’s your senior year, Dylan. I want you to enjoy the best time of your life, and I want you to have time to study so you can get into a good college.” She sighs. “However, I know telling you not to do something will only make you want to do it more, so how about we compromise?”
I reach for my messenger bag. “I’m listening.”
“You can work on the weekends and one day during the week. Deal?”
I shake my head. “No one is going to hire me with that kind of schedule.”
Her eyes twinkle. “Well, I happen to know that Mrs. Dickinson is looking for a little extra help at Top of the Muffin. I can swing by while you’re in school and put in a good word for you.”
“Top of the Muffin?” It must be new because I’ve never heard of it.
She laughs. “It’s a coffee shop…bakery. I’m not really sure, to be honest. But Mrs. Dickinson is the most adorable old lady. You’ll love her.”
I shrug as I leave my bedroom. “If you say so.”
It doesn’t really matter where I work or how adorable my boss is. I’ll scrub toilets if I have to. A job is a job.
“Oakley.”
I knock on his door again when he doesn’t answer. “We’re gonna be late.”
“His car isn’t in the driveway,” Crystal says behind me. “I think he left already.”
Of course he did. The douchebag.
She ushers me down the stairs. “I’ll give you a ride.”
I’m not sure why my aunt was so worried about my hair when it looks like every other girl at RHA is violating the school dress code.
Their plaid skirts are shorter than sex with my ex.
“Don’t be nervous,” Crystal says as I open the car door. “Guarantee you’ll be the most popular girl here by the end of the day.”
My aunt clearly doesn’t know me. She might have been popular in high school, but those genes weren’t passed down to her niece.
“See you later,” I mumble over my shoulder as I exit her convertible.
I’m typically not an anxious person, but I hate venturing into unknown territory and I downright despise being the new girl.
I had to do it four years ago after I left Royal Manor and the adjustment period sucked.
By the looks of things…this one is going to suck more.
My mouth feels dry as I walk across the parking lot leading to the cream-brick building with high archways.
So far, I don’t see anyone I recognize from back in the day. Not that it would matter much if I did. I wasn’t exactly Miss Social.
In fact, the only true friend I ever had was…
My heart beats out of my chest and my knees buckle as I zero in on the tall figure leaning against a royal blue Lexus.
Jace Covington.
My breath catches as I take in those intense eyes, sun-tanned skin, full lips, and the dark stubble grazing his strong jawline.
Jace was always cute, but now he’s…
So attractive it almost hurts to look at him.
I shake my head, feeling like an idiot for gawking like every other female in the vicinity. This is Jace. My Jace.
As if he feels my presence, he looks up and smirks. Jesus. That smirk is as dangerous as he is.
“Hey, you,” he drawls in a husky voice that makes my cheeks heat. “Long time no see.”
And just like that, all of my problems, all of the bad shit I’ve been dealing with and keeping inside no longer matters.
He’s my person. He’s always been my person.
The only one who can reach me when it gets too dark. When it hurts too much.
For the first time in four years, my universe feels right again.
I give him a smile so big my cheeks hurt. “I kn—”
A force pushes past me. “Very funny. I was with