That I was ruined.
But that’s not true. The life that was ruined was Justin’s. He’s the one with no future, and I won’t let him take mine as well.
Still worried, I ask, “Did you have nightmares?”
Mrs. Reyes nods. “The first two weeks were the hardest, but with my husband and family’s support, I got past it.”
I gnaw at my bottom lip, then admit, “I’m returning to classes on Monday. Everyone on campus knows what happened.”
Mrs. Reyes’ expression turns stern. “And it has nothing to do with any of them. If someone approaches you, make it clear your life is not open for discussion.” Giving me an encouraging smile, she adds, “And honestly, even if they whisper behind your back, don’t let it get to you. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, Mila. I kept reminding myself only the opinion of my loved ones mattered. Surround yourself with your friends. They’ll take good care of you. And you have us. We won’t tolerate anyone making this harder for you.”
I nod as I listen to her advice. Still, I know it will be challenging, but it helps to hear I have the Reyes family behind me. No one would dare go up against them.
Just then, Jase and Mr. Reyes walk into the room. Jase goes to hug his mother and wanting to give them some privacy, I move to the side and glance around at the plants.
“Mila,” Mr. Reyes says as he comes to stand by me. “I’ve spoken with the dean. If anyone gives you any trouble, report them, and they’ll be dealt with swiftly. Or tell Jase, and he’ll take care of it.”
Smiling at Mr. Reyes, I say, “I’m sure everything will be fine but thank you for caring.”
“You ready?” Jase asks as he walks toward me.
I nod, and I’m about to thank Mrs. Reyes when she comes to give me a hug, and she whispers, “Call me whenever you need to talk.”
“I will. Thank you so much for everything.” Feeling more comfortable around her after hearing what she’s been through, I tighten my hold on her for a moment before I pull back.
We say goodbye to Jase’s parents, and I wait until we’re in the car before I glance at Jase and say, “No wonder you’re so damn good with me. Gosh, I never knew your Mom went through something like that.”
Jase doesn’t start the engine but instead slumps back against the seat, shaking his head. “I didn’t know before tonight.”
“What?” The word explodes from me, and my hand darts out to take hold of his.
His face is filled with disbelief as he looks at me. “My dad just told me while my mom was talking to you.”
“Crap, I’m sorry, Jase.” If I had known, I would’ve been more sensitive about mentioning it to Jase.
He shakes his head and smiles at me. “All that matters is that my mom’s okay. And I got some good advice from my dad.”
“Yeah? What did he say?”
Jase starts the engine, and placing his right hand on the back of my seat, he looks behind us as he reverses the car. Before putting the car into drive, his eyes lock on mine, and he grins, “My dad said I should go back to flirting with you. The sooner things are normal again, the better.”
I pull a disgruntled face. “Don’t you dare. I’m so over fighting with you.”
Steering the car down the road, Jase reaches for my hand, and picking it up, he brings it to his mouth so he can press a kiss to the back of my hand. “Nah, you love flirting with me.”
“Fighting,” I argue, but I can’t stop the smile from tugging at my lips.
“Flirting, fighting, it’s the same thing,” Jase says, his sexy grin back.
Damn, I missed seeing that grin.
When we get to the dorm, Jase practically drags me to his room.
“I have to work on my assignments,” I warn him.
“I know,” Jase says as he sits down on the bed, dragging his own laptop closer. He glances at me and pats the space beside him. “Sit your sexy ass down so we can get some work done.”
Shaking my head, I grab my laptop and make myself comfortable on the bed while grumbling, “Should’ve known you’d be back to your old self in no time.”
Truth be told, I’m glad. Jase seems more at ease after the visit to his parents.JASEWhen I’m done creating the graph and filling in the details needed, I glance over at Mila. She’s frowning at the laptop like it grew two heads.
“What’s wrong?” I ask as I lean over to see what she’s working on.
“I’m struggling with the depreciating cost.”
I glance over what she’s done, then explain, “You need to deduct the total cost, but instead of doing it all in one year, you write off a certain percentage over five years.”