“Hey, everything okay?” Felicity was waiting for me.
“Yeah, just the usual. Newsflash, did you know ninety-six percent of the student body at Rixon High are white?”
“She said that?”
“Yep.”
“Wow, that’s… I don’t really have any words.”
“Welcome to my world,” I grumbled as we made our way toward class.
“So, me and Hailee were talking at the weekend and we think we should do something epic for New Year.” Felicity looped her arm through mine.
“How epic are we talking?” I gave her a sideways glance. “Because the last time you wanted to do something epic you got a very real, very permanent tattoo.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Not that epic. But Rixon on New Year’s Eve is hardly anything to shout home about. Usually, Asher has a big party and everyone gets so wasted they can’t even remember what year it is the next morning.”
“I thought you never went to his parties before this year?”
“We didn’t. But people talk.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I told you about the time we went to New York with the guys?”
“You mean the time you gave it up to Jason?”
“Ssh!” She hugged me closer. “That is not the point right now. Asher’s cousins are super rich and know all the best clubs. And this time, you can come with us.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure. That sounds kind of—”
“You have to come. Even if we don’t go clubbing, we can stay in the swanky penthouse again and have our own private party. It’s our last New Year’s before college. We’ve got to make it one to remember.”
“It sounds kind of expensive.”
“Oh hush, we’ll probably just throw in some cash for gas. Asher’s dad will handle the penthouse and the guys will buy all our drinks. The only thing you’ll really need is a killer outfit.”
“It’d just be the six of us?”
She shrugged again. “I guess, unless Vaughn and Riley join us again. But I’m not sure how I feel about her coming around Jason.”
I grabbed her hand, inspecting her nails. “Is that your claws I see coming out?”
“Uh, Mya, you didn’t see her. She was like a freakin’ model.”
“Hmm, have you looked in a mirror lately? You’re gorgeous, girl. Besides Jason loves you.” Even I couldn’t deny Rixon’s star quarterback loved my friend something fierce. He’d softened a lot since they’d finally got their act together.
A bolt of pain shot through my heart but I ignored it.
“Yeah, you’re right. You’re totally right.” She gave me a warm smile. “Oh look, class calls. See you at lunch?”
“Yep, if I survive two hours of biology.”
“Good luck with that.” She chuckled.
We parted ways and I headed into class. Felicity knew bits and pieces about my past, about Jermaine. But she didn’t know all the gritty, painful details.
No one did.
And I never wanted them to.
Before I joined Felicity and Hailee in the cafeteria for lunch, I headed to my locker to trade some books. Once I was done, I finally caved and checked my cell phone, instantly regretting it. Four messages. Three from Jermaine, and one from my girlfriend, Shona.