Chapter 38

Chapter Thirty-Eight

GREY

Normally, I'm treated like a leper by the staff at Redwood Prep. The teachers suddenly showering me with attention, praise and coffee made my head spin. I barely managed to give them the slip.

The day is already starting off on a weird foot. I am not looking forward to my first class.

Honestly, I don't expect anyone to be there, which is why I take the risk and sneak into an empty stairwell so I can call Finn.

"I told you I'd let you know when it was done," he answers impatiently.

I wince. "I know. I, uh, actually, wanted to call and say thank you."

There's a sharp silence.

I clear my throat. "You're missing school this morning because of me. You didn't get any sleep…" I shuffle my feet, chewing on my bottom lip. "My relationship with Zane doesn't have anything to do with you and neither does my investigation. You don't have to do any of this."

"You think Zane would let me live if I didn't help you?"

"Even if you're doing your brother a favor, you don't have to do it this well or put so much effort into it."

Finn lets out a breath. "It's okay."

"No, it's not." I swallow hard. "You keep your feelings close to the chest, but that doesn't mean you don't have them. I know more than anyone what it's like to be the quiet one in the room. Dutch and Zane are louder and, uh, pushier…"

He lets out a laugh.

"But I wanted you to know that I see you, Finn."

There's another beat of silence.

"Honestly…" Finn hesitates over the phone. "I can't fix the flash drive. I took it to a repair shop and they said the same."

My stomach sinks.

No, no, no.

"There's one more option. It's a long shot. And really risky."

"Yes."

"You haven't even heard what I want to do yet."

"Yes."

"What if you regret saying yes to this?" he challenges.

"I trust you."

Silence rings out.

"Finn?"

"I think I get it," he says with an amused voice.

"Get what?"

"How you wrapped Zane around your pinky finger."

"I'm going to take that as a compliment."

He doesn't respond, but the silence is enough of a confirmation.

"I need to get to class. You'll call me if there's a breakthrough?"

"I already said I would," he answers but the tone isn't as impatient as it was when I first called.

After hanging up on Finn, I walk the empty hallways in the direction of my class. On my way, I notice students watching me from inside their classrooms.

Why is everyone staring at me?

I check to make sure I'm not dragging toilet paper under my shoes or having a wardrobe malfunction, but everything is fine.

This is so weird.

I walk a little faster. Maybe I should have taken Zane up on his offer of staying in the hotel room. I'd at least be having more fun than this.

Sloane, where are you?

My best friend being a no-show is starting to get to me.

I pick up a low hum of voices when I near my classroom. Steps quickening, I approach the door, stunned to find every seat in the room filled.

"Good morning, Miss Jamieson," the class calls in unison.

My eyebrows cinch together. "G-good morning."

What is going on right now? My pulse thumps loudly in my ears. I try to make sense of what I'm seeing. There are several faces that do not belong in my classroom, yet everyone is seated, books open and waiting primly for me to begin.

"Uh, you." I point to a boy in the front row.

He shoots to his feet. "Yes, Miss Jamieson!"

I cringe at his loud tone. "You're not in this class."

"No, ma'am, I'm not." He stares straight ahead, arms rigid at his waist.

"So…" I glance around. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for class, ma'am."

"You're not a senior. I've never seen you before."

"I'm a freshman, ma'am."

"A freshman?" I gasp.

"I've always wanted to take your class, ma'am, but I was told you might not be here after this semester and if I want to be taught by you, I need to sit in one of your lectures now."

"Who started that rumor?"

The boy casts his eyes to the ground.

I catch the eyes of a girl I recognize from the student council. "You."

She rises unsteadily. "Yes, Miss Jamieson."

My heels click on the ground as I approach her. "Who told you I wouldn't be teaching here next semester?"

"Um, I heard it from a friend."

"And who told your friend?"

"I don't know."

Well, I do.

I whirl around and call Zane instantly.

A ringing sound beeps outside of my class.

I look up and find the tall, magnetic drummer for The Kings standing in the hallway, wearing his Redwood Prep jacket and a handsome grin. His ocean-blue eyes gleam.

"What is this?" I whisper into the phone, unable to hide my smile.

"One."

"One?"

"That was one smile. I'm going to earn two more smiles from you by the end of the day."

My heart flips and then does a cartwheel.

"Have a nice class, Miss Jamieson. I'll pick you up for our date after school." He hangs up and walks down the hallway.

I keep the phone to my ear, spell-bound, my eyes locked on his retreat.

Zane Cross is a dangerous, dangerous force.

Because, against all odds, against every stroke of common sense and decency in my body, I think I might be in love with him.