Private (Private 1)

during one of my many dazed-in-space jags.

“Did you do anything interesting yesterday?”

“No. I was just . . . trying to figure out this equation,” I said,

“Fine, fine, and no. Not really,” I said lightly. I was getting used looking down at my trig book and blushing.

to Taylor’s questions and learning how to answer them as vaguely as

“Yeah, right. You’re so in love you can’t even stop smiling,” she said.

possible.

“I’m not in love,” I said flatly.

“Yeah, right. I hear you and Thomas Pearson got nasty last

“Yes, you are!” she teased.

night,” Noelle said, amused.

“Let’s just study,” I said.

My mouth opened slightly, but nothing came out. How did she

Constance’s face fell and she went back to her work without a

always know everything?

word. I instantly felt guilty for shutting her down, but didn’t know

“Thomas Pearson?” Kiran said, raising one perfect eyebrow.

what to say. When was I going to learn?

“There’s a good idea.”

I took a deep breath and tried to concentrate. I really did. But Right. Like your Dreck boy was such a wise choice.

five seconds later, I was with Thomas again. I definitely had it bad.

“Did you know that the Pearsons donate two hundred and fifty

Lunch hour could not come fast enough. Thomas always showed

thousand dollars to the school every year? That’s on top of his up for lunch, however briefly. I was salivating at the thought of see-tuition,” Taylor offered.

ing him.

Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars? Two hundred and fifty

I approached the Billings table uncertainly as I always did, wait-thousand dollars?! How rich were these people?

ing for them to tell me it was all a joke and to go away. When I

“Taylor. Really,” Ariana scolded. As if talking about money was slipped into my chair without incident, I let out a sigh of relief.

just that wrong.