Was I just kidding myself that there was something more here? Maybe it was all one-sided. Maybe she didn’t feel the same way I did. Maybe I was fooling myself.
I waited. Waited. I wasn’t asking for a whole bucket of water. Just a drop. Just a drop was more than enough. Just one look.
Turn around and look at me.
But she didn’t.
I was about to turn away, feeling a heaviness in my chest, when I saw her stop. She just stood there a second, two, three.
And then she turned, just a little so that I saw her glance at me. There was a small smile playing on her lips before she disappeared down the corridor.
I think my grin almost broke my face.
God, I wanted her. I wanted her like I’d never wanted anything before in my life.
I yearned to be a part of her world. I wanted to be hers.
And after that glance, after that small smile from her, it looked like there would be more. Definitely more. Man, I’m in trouble. It wouldn’t be easy, and I knew the ride would be rough, but that was okay.
She was worth it. I just knew it.
Chapter Thirteen
Veronica
“Five bucks says someone will change that boring-ass movie we’re supposed to watch to porn.” Kara took a sip from her milk shake.
I choked on my drink, shaking my head. I really hoped she was wrong.
The school grounds were illuminated by three tower spotlights, blinding anyone who looked directly at them. More than half of the parking lot was already filled with parked cars. Alcohol wasn’t allowed, but I’d seen empty beer bottles scattered on the ground.
“I’m sorry I made you postpone your visit to the nursing home, Kar.”
Her grandma had lived in a nursing home for years and had passed away, but Kara continued to visit there. She acted rough and tough, but inside she was a soft teddy bear.
She shrugged. “I’ll bring them some damn whiskey next week, and they’ll love me again,” she replied.
“I’ll throw in some gin. I owe you.”
“You owe me your firstborn.”
“Thanks, really,” I said, then looked at her more closely. “Why is your face shiny?”
Her brows drew together. “Are you for real? This is what you would call a highlighter. I’m a princess. I glitter. I sparkle. I rule over the land.”
“The land of glitter.”
“Exactly. Now you’re learning. Where are you going?”
I stopped in my tracks. “Don’t they practice at the North Gym?”
She shook her head and steered me in the other direction. “Unless it changed, it’s always been at the South Gym. Trust me.” Her voice turned cold. “I know.”
I felt guilty. I knew it would be hard for her to see Cameron again.
“Kar—”
“I’m absolutely fine. I’m made of steel,” she said with confidence. She paused at the entrance and took a deep breath. “Steel, baby.”