“Now, about that secret…”
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re too fixated on my new leaf. It makes me wonder if you think this is just a phase.”
“Is it?”
“It will be if I keep getting questioned about it.” He purses his lips and then shrugs. “You have a hard time trusting people, don’t you?”
“Yes,” I murmur.
“Which is why you rejected Rob, isn’t it?”
My mouth dry, I nod.
“And then we all ganged up on you… Fuck, no wonder you hated us so much. Saying I’m sorry isn’t enough, is it?”
“This new leaf of yours could go a long way.”
“Just tell me what you need,” he offers.
I hesitate. “What I need is a do over.”
“All right.” He holds out his hand. “Hi. I’m Zac Stryker. Nice to meet you.”
I smile despite myself and shake his hand. “I’m Katie Quake. Very nice to meet you.”
“You look like you could use some chocolate. Want to head over to the café for some dessert?”
“That sounds great actually. Thank you.”
“No problem. You know, not all chocoholics are females.”
I laugh, feeling a bit better even though I probably shouldn’t. “Thank you.”
“You keep showering me with gratitude and I’m going to get a fat head.”
“Who says your head isn’t fat?” I tease.
“Maybe my heads are both fat.” He winks at me, and I groan. “Too much?” he asks.
“A bit.”
CHAPTER29
Dessert with Zacis actually a good time, but as soon as he leaves, I feel as if my chest is caving in, as if I can’t breathe. The radio silence from my mom is enough to make me want to rip out my hair. I try calling my mom again and again as I remain sitting in the nearly empty café. It’s starting to be really late, and I didn’t get any homework done today, no progress on any projects or essays. Today has been mostly terrible, although, much to my surprise, the good parts have come from the Grim Reapers of all people.
My phone rings, and I stare at the unfamiliar number for only a second before answering.
“Hello?” I ask softly, a bit nervous.
Because what if it’s my father on the other end?
“Katie.”
“Mom! I was trying to call you, and you didn’t answer, and I was afraid…”