Chapter 10

10

Ryeson

“ S o where are you going to school next year?” I ask the girl whose nose has been glued to her phone since the moment she sat down at the table— talk about rude. If she were texting with family, that’d be one thing, but it looks like she’s on her social media, replying to comments.

“I’m not going to school next year.” She looks up, finally gracing us with her attention. “I’m taking a gap year and just traveling around. I want to grow my social media following and become an influencer, so I’m hoping I’ll get big enough next year that my parents won’t force me to go to college.”

Yeah, I can already tell I’m not interested.

“Well, I hope that works out for you.” I smile and shift my attention towards Willow. “What about you Willow? Where will you be headed next year?”

“I’-I-I’m…” she’s struggling to get the words out, and now I feel bad for putting her on the spot.

“She’ll be at ASU with me,” Brennon answers for her, giving her a reassuring smile while that cousin of hers rolls her eyes. Tierney’s not even trying to make a good impression. Five minutes in and she’s already shown her true colors. Guess I should thank the girl for not wasting my time. Usually, I get sucked into the fake persona and don’t find out the truth until I’m four dates in.

“That’s awesome.” I nod. “I’ll be at Tennessee.” My grades weren’t as good as Baylor’s to get into Florida, so I ended up at my second choice. With how things currently stand between us, I think the distance will do us some good.

“Tennessee?” Tierney asks. “Orange is such an ugly color.”

Wow, I didn’t know I had to base my college decision on color. God, this girl is getting better and better. I give Bren a look, and he tips his chin in understanding, silently apologizing for my date. It’s not his fault. She was promising in the looks department, but I’ve learned you can’t judge a book by its cover.

To be honest, I don’t understand how Brennon’s girlfriend is even related to this girl. Willow is so understated and reserved. And seriously shy. Whereas her cousin is just like all the queen bees that go to our school. Dressed to the nines, the air of snootiness in everything she says, thinking she’s God’s greatest gift to men. But I’m not impressed.

“So, what’s your major going to be, Willow?” I don’t even bother giving Tierney’s comment light. The girl has proved the depth of her personality: shallow, and I have zero interest.

“Willow’s majoring in speech pathology,” Bren states, proudly. “My girl wants to prove to all the kids out there that they can overcome their challenges.”

Now, I completely get why Bren’s interested in her. Not only is she pretty and sweet, but she’s smart and actually gives a shit about others. I smile, reaching my hand across the table to give her a fist bump.

“Mad props. That’s really awesome.”

“How are you going to teach kids how to speak properly if you can’t?” says the girl who may actually be worse than Cassie. Did Tierney really just say that? They’re supposed to be family. Yet, I’m getting the impression this girl doesn’t care about anyone except herself.

Poor Willow. Her cheeks have turned bright red, and when she goes to speak, she’s struggling even more. “Th-th-there are dif-dif-fer-ent j—j-jobs w-wi-th-thin th-th-the f-f-field.”

Bren tenses by my side, which is understandable. If I were him, I’d be fuming from the ears and telling Tierney off. But I get that he’s stuck, not wanting to cause problems with his girlfriend’s cousin. I, on the other hand, am not worried about offending anyone.

“It’s seriously awesome going into a field like that.” I nod. “It’s definitely more noble than posting a bunch of videos of yourself every day.” My stare goes right to the one who’s bristling at my comment, looking like she just ate something sour. I should take a snapshot of her face and tag her in the photo. See what her followers think of her bitch-face.

“I think I’m going to pass on the party tonight,” she states as if she thinks it’s a jab. I hate to break it to her, but her attempt of rejection failed. I was done with the girl from the moment she sat down.

“Yeah. That’s a good idea.” I nod. “You’ll still come though won’t you, Willow?”

Bren’s entire reason for setting me up on this date was so that Willow would agree to come tonight. He was nervous she wouldn’t know anyone, but now she’ll at least know me. “Everyone’s stoked to meet you,” I add.

“Y-y-yes, I w-w-will c-c-come.”

Good. At least the crisis has been averted. Now, I can sit back and eat my dinner without forcing myself to speak to the one who did nothing other than influence me on the fact that high school girls are a waste of my time. They suck— and not with the right amount of suction or a deep enough throat.