“Ouch, that bad, huh?”
“I don’t know if I’m cut out for this, but fortunately, it’s just the one year, right?”
“Right. Look, you’re beautiful and nice…you’re smart. It might take time, but I think you’ll find your crew. You only need one true friend to make a difference. Join a few clubs, see if you can find your people.” She smiles and takes a sip of her hot chocolate. “And call me if it gets to be too much.”
I nod, looking down at the napkin that I can’t stop picking apart. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this stressed and not had a drink. “I know you’re right. Thank you. This has helped.”
“Every day is a new beginning.”
“There’s the mantra.” I laugh and she gives me a fake scowl before laughing too.
I hope she’s right. I already need a new beginning at Longlake.
Chapter Three
The next morning, my mom is still home. Is she purposely trying to ruin my life? I’m not used to her not being a full-time porn star. I think some of her edge is due to her retirement…and the lack of orgasms she’s “faking” these days. Do I sound bitter much?
I’ve already ignored a call from my dad today—he’s three hours earlier than we are and sounded agitated to be leaving a message. I’m not ready to talk to him yet. The problem is I never will be. I hate that he even knows where we are.
I pour a cup of coffee and brush past her to take it upstairs while I get ready, when she stops me.
“I told Ashton’s mom you could use a ride to school this morning.”
I freeze. “Mom, seriously? That’s so embarrassing. And so obvious,” I let out a long groan. “Let me get to know the guy first before pushing me on him. We don’t even know him. I thought you wanted me to have nothing to do with guys. Remember that?”
“I wanted you to have nothing to do with Luke. There’s a difference.”
“What about us fitting in? This is desperate.” I throw my head back, staring at the ceiling. “I’ll drive myself.”
“Give him a chance. I’m not asking, Gabriela, I’m insisting.”
“Mom.” I shake my head. When I’m upstairs, I set the coffee down and try to still my shaking hands. I’m too mad to think straight. Why do I let her get to me?
I leave without saying bye to her, something I’ll hear about later, but I hope to get out of here before Ashton shows up. I don’t want to make him mad, but I’m not comfortable riding with a guy I still don’t know.
He pulls in just as I’m opening my car door. Damn.
His muscular body fits the whole sports car vibe and I reluctantly slide into the passenger seat. The smell of fresh soap and pine hits me when I close the door. He eyes me appreciatively and my nerves relax somewhat. If he wasn’t always hanging around Raf, I’d think he was a nice guy.
“Looking good this morning, Gabriela.” He buckles up and then leans his back against the door to look at me. “I can drive tomorrow too if you want.”
“That’s okay.”
“I mean, I’m not gonna turn down a chance to hang out with you,” he says.
Heat rushes up my neck and face and it gets hotter as he chuckles.
“So what are the people like at Longlake?” I ask as we pull out of the driveway. I don’t see Raf, which is a relief.
“Most just want to have a good time, honestly,” he says. “What was your first impression?”
“So far it seems like there are a lot of privileged brats.” I shrug. “And bullies.”
His groan is loud and I grin in spite of myself. His laugh is contagious and surprisingly sets me at ease.
“Sorry about Raf. He’s…tortured.”
“What do you mean?”
I glance at him and catch him staring at my chest. With a porn star mother, my boobs are nothing in comparison, considering hers are fake, but they’re more than a handful. Still, most guys I’ve met never look me in the eye. He seems embarrassed when he sees that I noticed and I turn back to the road, ignoring my nerves. It would be nice to have someone interested in getting to know me. Maybe my mom is right—maybe Ashton can help.
“Just that he’s not as bad as he seems, but he can also be a real asshole at times. Case in point, the lasagna.”
“Oh, you think?” I shake my head. Unbelievable.
“I don’t know why you seem to set him off.”
“So it’s my fault.”
“No. That’s not what I mean at all. I’m sorry for the way it’s been so far for you at Longlake. It’ll get better.”
When we pull into the parking lot, speak of the jerk himself. Raf and Henry are leaning against Raf’s car, arms folded and looking like a magazine layout. Raf’s eyes narrow when he sees me in the car with Ashton.
“We have some of the same classes, so I’ll see you later,” I say before getting out of the car.
“Yeah. Hey, Gabriela? Watch your back, okay?”
I get a chill across my skin and nod. So many questions, but now is not the time or place. He steps in place next to me as we walk toward the school and I glance at Raf as we walk past. He looks ready to explode. I sigh.
“Your friends are waiting. Thanks for the ride.” I give Ashton a little wave and he starts to say something but I rush off before he can.
Things get worse at lunch. I’d hoped my table partners would keep walking and not do a repeat of the day before, but I’m not so fortunate. Raf and Henry walk up and Henry says something under his breath that sounds like, “Sweet tits,” but I can’t be sure. Raf punches him in the arm and Henry’s tray nearly goes flying. He gets a grip on it before
