Last Christmas (Private 0.60)

over the looming buildings that dotted the grounds. In the eerie afternoon light, Easton Academy looked

deserted. Ariana braced herself against a sudden gust of wind, trying to ignore the feeling of dread that began

to weigh on her as she headed back toward Billings. She hadn't even thought about what she'd say when she

saw Noelle. Noelle, who could read her with a single glance.

Ariana steeled herself and headed into the wind. The next few months were going to be one big act. It

wouldn't be easy, she knew, but her hard work would pay off in September. In September, when she and

Thomas would finally be together for real. Forever.

219

NO GOOD REASON

***Ariana shifted uncomfortably in the vinyl booth, staring at the laminated menu in front of her. She had

agreed to meet Daniel for lunch after her morning class. Predictably, he'd chosen 24/7, an overcrowded diner

that served greasy burgers and fries to Easton Academy students twenty-four hours a day. In all the time that

she and Daniel had been together, they'd never tried another restaurant for lunch. Never mind the fact that the

only vegetarian dishes on the menu were the fries and a weak attempt at a side salad. He had never once asked

if she wanted to try something different. And she had never complained.

"Order up!" a cook yelled from behind the counter, startling her. She checked her watch. Daniel was ten

minutes late. She'd give him five more minute

s before she headed back to campus. They had been back for

less than a day, and already he was keeping her waiting.

"Hey, babe." Daniel appeared next to her, leaning down to give

220

her a quick peck. His lips were rough against her cheek. "Sorry I'm late. Coach wanted to see me after class."

He slid into the booth across from her and rested his hands on top of hers, giving them a squeeze. "Been here

long?" His cheeks were flushed from the cold.

Ariana shook her head, trying to shake the disappointment she felt at the very sight of him.

"I was running late too," she said with a small smile.

She lifted her hand to her chest, touching the subway token that hung on the chain beneath her cashmere

turtleneck, and searched Daniel's face for any sign that he knew. Nothing.

"Good." He pulled a menu from behind the silver napkin dispenser and opened it on the table. "God, it feels

good in here. It's freezing out there," he said, rubbing his hands together and blowing into them. "Did you