If I’d Known (Cursed 1)

He appears confused. "What did you say?"

"Get off the stool. Go back to your table. And leave me alone." I glare at him, all humor gone. "I'm serious. Get the fuck away from me."

His eyes tighten like he can't believe I just said that to him. "So you're going to be like that, huh?" He smirks like he knows something I don't. "See ya."

Wearing a cocky grin, he stands from the stool and struts back to his table. Paola sits down next to me just as Mr. Tilman walks in the door, flushed and disheveled. Guess he took a long lunch.

"What do you think about checking out a party in Oaklawn? At least until Nina gets out of work," Tori asks me as I shove books into my messenger bag.

I stop what I'm doing and stare at her in shock. "Lincoln asked you? And you said yes?"

"You knew?"

"He asked if I thought you'd go. But I didn't think you'd say yes." I really didn't.

Tori tends to go for the older, bad-boy types. And there are definitely plenty of those in Sherling. Lincoln doesn't really fit into that mold. He honestly doesn't fit in here at all now that I think about it.

"He's sweet. And hot." She offers this like it explains everything.

"You don't do sweet," I remind her.

Tori laughs. "I know. That's what's going to make this so fun."

"Oh no. Are you going to destroy this poor guy?" I ask, suddenly worried for him.

I don't know much about Lincoln, but he doesn't deserve to be one of Tori's clawing posts.

"I'm not like that."

I give her a knowing look.

"All the time," she finishes, trying to look innocent. I laugh just as she informs me, "You're going too."

"He's not interested in me."

"He said something about a friend."

"Don't even," I warn her.

She knows how I feel about being forced to be with a guy because my friend is hooking up with his friend. I'm the worst wing-girl.

"I know. I know. But you'll do this for me, right?" she pleads, batting her thick lashes.

"I guess," I reply reluctantly.

She reveals a wicked smile. "We haven't been to a high school party in a couple years. And never in Oaklawn. No matter what happens, this is going to be a night we'll never forget."

I can't argue with that.

"How are we getting there?" I ask. "Let's not go with Lincoln and his friend. I don't want to be stuck with them if you lose interest or if they want to stay and we don't."

"I'll figure something out. Tony might be able to drive us."

"I doubt your brother will want to drive us all the way to Oaklawn."

"He will if you flirt with him." Tori grins suggestively.

"You're awful," I say with a laugh.