- What's all this bullshit? You wouldn't happen to be trying to imitate me? - Tiffany asks with her arms crossed and a frown on her face. - Because if it is, I'll let you know you're failing too much.
I turn to her, smiling with disdain.
- No, not at all! - I answer - Even because, to imitate you I would have to spend weeks in an aesthetics clinic and I'm terrified of needles, so be calm, because your copy is still unique.
The whole room falls into a loud laugh, including his entourage of genetically modified Barbies, while Tiffany looks at me furiously. She smiles with disdain, then, with audacity, she grabs Aron, sticking her tongue in his mouth with will. I stare at them with a disgusted look and a face, while Aron grabbed his ass in public.
- What idiots! - I whisper as I swing my head and go through the papers again.
Aron releases a snitch when he sees me ignoring both of them and they proceed to their seats. Tiffany knew how to humiliate people and that was pretty embarrassing. Distracted by my thoughts, I hear a whistle. Ready to get rid of Shane again, I turn towards the door and am surprised when my gaze intersects with Ryder's, standing with one hand on the stopper. The other day he was carrying... books?
- Oh, boy. If I had known that this class was taught by such a hot teacher, I would have come much sooner. - he says smiling.
I had researched the Cavanaugh family yesterday when I came home from the race. Melanie had been married to Charles until Ryder turned 18 when they divorced. The newspapers said he had remarried, but did not release photos of Charles' new wife. I believed the motive would be discretion, since he was a very famous judge. What was known was that his wife was much younger than Mel. There were also subjects with photos of Ryder next to a brunette girl, until at least two days before the divorce. She had very straight black hair up to her buttocks and Latin features, with dark skin. His eyes were greener than mine and his smile was perfect. She was thin and almost Ryder's height. The story announced that she was his fiancée and Ryder looked very happy in the photo. She must have been about 18 at the time and she was extremely beautiful.
After the divorce news, there was nothing more about Ryder in the media, including the coverage of Mel's exhibits. There was nothing about his life in the social columns from the age of 19, only about Charles, who constantly appeared because of some great case he would preside over as a judge.
Ryder walks into the room and hugs me from the waist, giving me a little seal on my lips. I'm amazed at his attitude and he smiles asking me to relax.
- Hello, sunshine! - he says as he lifted me up in his lap.
I let out a laugh when he starts swaying me from side to side.
- Stop Ryder! Or I'll pee from laughing! - I say squirming with the tickle he gives me. - What's the matter with you?
I was confused, because we looked like best friends.
- I've decided to make things easier. - he responds by putting me down. - I think it'll be easier for us to work together if we're more friendly. Besides, I still have the pleasure of pissing off your ex-friend.
I sign, turning my eyes. Now I was really convinced that Ryder didn't like Aron.
- All right! All right! But you still have my hours to go.
Ryder snitching by passing his hands over his head.
- Ah! Yes! Those stupid schedules!
I smile at the lamenting tone in his voice and slapped his arm. Mr. Keller piggybacking the door, drawing our attention.
- I'm glad you decided to join us and made friends with Miss Evans, Mr. Taylor! - says he's getting close to us. - Just try not to exaggerate all that affection in my classroom.
Ryder lets out a laugh while I lower my head to hide the red face. Ryder, then go sit down and I'll hear a buzz. All the girls whisper while they shoot me with their eyes. I had no idea why, after all, he wasn't anyone's private property.
Aron kept looking at me, which was making me feel uncomfortable. Every time Ryder realized, he'd make a face and I'd start laughing. At the end of class, everyone leaves the room, leaving me alone to turn off the equipment. I was distracted with my headphones in my ear when I sat a hand on my shoulder. I just jump in, startled and turn around and take my headphones out of my ear.
- I'm sorry! - Aron says it in a calm voice and puts his hands in his coat pocket. - Can I talk to you?
- Yeah, but be brief, because I have an appointment. - I say sighing in a serious tone. - Would it be something about the class?
Aron gives me a smile that I used to love and that now seemed just a smile.
- Actually, no! I'm having a party tonight and I was wondering if you'd like to come to my apartment later?
I frown by changing the weight from one leg to the other. Aron never invited me to his apartment, much less to a party there. I was amazed, because I didn't even know he was a party boy.
- It won't be possible because I already have an appointment. - ...I
