Private (Private 1)

“I’m sorry, Natasha,” Noelle said innocently. “But I’m afraid

Constance scanned the room and I knew she was looking for me,

that’s going to be impossible.”

wondering why I had left so early and without her. I felt a stab of Natasha rolled her eyes and followed Leanne through the double

guilt as she finally found me and did a double take. I managed an doors. So all was not harmonious behind the walls of Billings.

apologetic smile as she walked by me, looking stunned. Missy and Somehow, knowing this only made it all the more intriguing.

Lorna whispered to each other and, if possible, Missy’s nostrils Someone grabbed the door just before it closed behind Natasha

flared even wider. The envy was clear.

and my heart caught, hoping to spot Thomas. All I saw were a bunch So far this was a good morning.

of guys from yesterday’s classes. I sat back in my seat and glanced

“Do you play a lot of sports, Reed?” Taylor asked out of nowhere.

instinctively at Ariana. Sure enough, she had lowered her book and Here we go again. I tore my gaze away from Missy’s. Taylor was

was studying me openly.

systematically gutting her bagel, piling all the dough up in a moun-

“What?” I said, flushing slightly.

tain on the side of her tray.

“Dash, is Thomas coming to breakfast?” Ariana asked.

“Just soccer and lacrosse,” I said.

My heart practically stopped. What was she, a mind reader? She

“Just like you, babe,” Dash said, slinging his arm over Noelle’s looked at me meaningfully and I knew for certain that she had

chair.

asked the question on my behalf.

Noelle stared at me. “Again I can’t help but say, ‘Gee.’”

“Oh God, Ariana. You’re not going there, are you?” Noelle Wow. Guess that respect I gained on the soccer field yesterday asked.

really didn’t translate to the real world.

“Why? What’s wrong with Pearson?” Dash asked.

Leanne laughed again and Natasha squirmed in her seat.

“I think the more appropriate question is what’s not wrong with

“Leanne, would you kindly remove your nose from my ass? It’s

Pearson,” Noelle said.