Fractured Things - Samantha Lovelock Page 0,59
Sunday under my breath, only half-joking.
“You’re famous,” she giggles. “You stood up against the dragon and lived to tell about it,” she intones in the fake British accent she does so badly. I roll my eyes at her theatrics and we all walk over to sit at our usual table, with me making sure I’m at the opposite end from Poe.
“Hey Stell, it’s good to see you,” Heller grins down the table at me.
“It’s good to see you too, Surfer Boy.” The affectionate nickname I gave him when I first started school here rolls off my tongue with ease. I can tell he’s relieved he’s not on the outs with me like Poe is.
A pair of bright green eyes and a dazzling smile sit down across from me.
“May I admire your verbal throw down with She Who Shall Not be Named this morning?” Raff asks.
“You may.” I play along with him and nod regally, enjoying the easy camaraderie between us.
“Well played, madam, well played indeed.” He stands and gives me an elaborate bow, complete with a hand flourish that has me chuckling before he sits back down.
I continue to enjoy my lunch and the company of my friends while still ignoring Poe, though I can feel his eyes on me now and then. Abruptly, the conversation on the other side of the table stops, and four sets of male eyes are peering suspiciously behind me. I nearly topple out of my chair when a hand reaches out and taps me on the shoulder. Twisting around, I raise my eyes to the warm sherry colored ones looking down at me. Something about the position feels really awkward, so I push back my chair and stand, acutely aware of the stares boring holes in my back.
“Uh, hi. Can I help you?” I ask with polite uncertainty.
“Stella, right?” The voice is as warm as the eyes and instantly puts a person at ease, like real maple syrup on fresh pancakes. At my nod, he continues. “I’m Wes. I don’t think we’ve met before.” I smile at him, encouraging him to keep talking because I still have no idea what he wants. “I know you’re pretty new in town, and I was wondering if you’d like to go out sometime. Catch a movie or dinner maybe?” His question has a hopeful lilt to it that’s quashed before I can even answer, thanks to the King of the Jackasses behind me.
“Move along, Opie. She’s neither available nor interested,” Poe all but growls. I have no idea how, but the asshole manages to look menacing even though he’s casually lounging in his chair, arms crossed over his chest.
“Thanks dick, I can answer for myself.” I half snarl at him.
“Still the only dick in the room, Star, as far as you’re concerned,” he chuckles. Infuriated, I turn back to Wes.
“Sorry Wes, now’s not really a good time. Do you think we could talk later?” He smiles down at me and I can feel the jealousy absolutely pouring off Poe. So, of course I reach my hand out and touch Wes’ arm, because I can play the asshole game just as well as he can. “Thanks so much for asking me. I’m flattered.”
My potential date gives me a last grin and walks off to join the line for the pasta bar. I spin around and Raff, Heller, and Payne all immediately become very interested in the food left on their plates, while the arrogant prick at the end of the table stares right at me. Seething, I lean forward and forcefully plant my palms on the table in front of me.
“Listen here, asshole, because I’m not one for repeating myself. You had your shot and you blew it—you violated my trust and now we’re done. So, fuck you very much, and feel free to let me live my life.” I storm out of the cafeteria and run into Aylie just as she’s about to go in.
“Hey, did Wes find you?” she asks.
“That was your doing? He found me alright, and boy oh boy, Poe was not pleased.” I tell her.
“Good. That was the point. I told you he needed to be reminded that he wasn’t the be all and end all—now he has been.” She smiles angelically at me and then walks into the cafeteria, leaving me staring after her open-mouthed and a little in awe.
Well alrighty then. Apparently feisty things come in small packages.
I shake my head, a small smile on my lips as Sunday comes running