Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
I turn as he moves closer to me. Shit, he’s going to see me. Then he’s likely going to hit on me. I’ll turn him down and then he’ll say some asshole things to save face only for himself because no one else is around. I swear he doesn’t have two brain cells to rub together. I begin to go through comebacks in my mind to prepare myself for whatever it is he has to say. Seconds before he reaches me, he gets distracted and turns to talk to someone. I can hear their voices going back and forth with one another. At first I don’t place the other voice but then it dawns on me that it’s Brad’s.
Mark almost looks threatened by Brad but then as the conversation progresses they seem to come to an agreement. One that includes Brad hacking into the school’s mainframe to change Mark’s grade for way too small amount of money. They agree and shake on it, with Mark promising to get Brad the cash by the end of tomorrow.
Mark turns to head my way and that’s when my eyes meet Brad’s. They go wide for a moment and I think he’s almost embarrassed about being seen with Mark or maybe it's the hacking into the school thing. I debate if I should say something to him or keep my nose out of other people's business.
A girl comes bouncing up to him moments later, pulling his eyes from mine.
“Can I have five dollars? I want a cupcake.” She points at Missy’s. Brad’s eyes go soft on her and I know he’s going to give.
“I thought you wanted ice cream.”
“I need a sugar injection. Puh-lease.”
“Is it going to put you in a better mood?” he says but he’s already reaching for his wallet. The girl must be his sister. They have the same brilliant eyes.
“When am I not in a good mood? And don’t say five minutes ago.”
I bite my lip to keep from smiling at the girl’s tartness.
“Next he’ll ask if you’re fine,” I say, making the girl turn to look at me.
“He alllllways asks that.”
I laugh and she throws her head back, too.
“I can’t ask if you’re fine?” His eyes bounce between us.
The girl drifts over, running a hand over the chestnut brown hair hanging over her shoulder. “Your hair is really pretty,” she says with a wistful note.
“Thank you.” I open my box. “I got one of the last unicorn cupcakes. You can have one if you like.”
“Yes!” She reaches into the box and grabs one.
I shut the lid and stare challengingly up at Brad. “Sorry, hot shot. The rest are for my mom.”
“I think I’ll live.” His sister sits down on the bench next to me. Brad sits on the other side. I know it’s not the time to bring up what I heard but now I kind of feel like I have to. I can tell with how they are acting that they are close. The last thing this girl needs is her big brother thrown in jail. Brad is likely one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. I’m saying that after only spending a small amount of time with him. I think he might have Ally beat and that’s saying a lot. A little bit of cash isn’t worth ruining his life over. It’s dumb and he doesn’t seem dumb, but maybe he’s one of those geniuses that runs around without his pants on because his head is too filled with genius thoughts. I can’t relate, but I can give him a sweet. Because I feel sorry for him and not for any other reason.
“Here. Have a cookie.” I reach into the box, giving him one of the two cookies. He quirks a smile at me.
“Tomorrow I’ll bring food to tutoring. You seem nicer when fed.” I can’t help the laugh that pops from me. “If you color my sister’s hair?”
“For real?!” The girl bounces up from her seat like a bunny. It’s adorable.
“We can do the wash out. It only stays in for a week. See if you like it,” I suggest. She hops up and down. Mr. Hot Shot full-on smiles at his sister’s excitement.
“I’m so excited.” She dances all around. Brad mouths a thank you to me. I smile back, knowing what it’s like to be her age. Middle school is brutal.
“Thank you for helping me today,” I say back. This time I get a smile. This might not be a truce but at least now we don’t hate each other. Not saying that we ever really did.
Chapter 7
Brad
Belle and Melody decide that the hair coloring has to happen immediately. I text Mom that Belle and I are going to catch dinner together and not to worry. She won’t see it for a few hours, but knowing what we’re up to while she works the second shift at the washing machine plant lessens her anxiety. Melody’s house is exactly as I expect it to be—huge, rich, intimidating. Belle’s jaw drops to her chin as we pull up.