CHAPTER33
But I don’t find out. Neither Brett nor Corey are at lunch, and Shane just teases and flirts with me, which is much better than any kind of verbal abuse, and he doesn’t shower money on me either like I’m his hooker.
“What are you doing after school today?” he asks.
“I have to work.”
“Ah. Working hard for the money?”
“You know I do,” I say dryly.
A guy glances over at that.
“She works on bikes, you dipshit,” Shane says.
“Polishing fenders?” the guy asks, rubbing his ass.
“I’ll polish your fender,” Shane threatens.
“I don’t need you to stand up for me,” I tell him.
“I didn’t do that for you. Jason’s a fucking asshole. I hate him. Have since the second grade.”
“Why? What did he do?”
“He didn’t pick me on his football team.”
“So you were picked last?”
“No, Kyle picked me next.”
“So…”
“I should’ve been picked first, not second.”
“Ah. Was Brett picked first?”
“No.”
He doesn’t expand on that, and I drop it.
We part ways as soon as we leave the classroom. Mr. Cunningham is lingering in his classroom, so I enter the first empty one I find, and I call the number on the flyer.
“Yes, hi. This is Erika Armstrong. I’m calling about the apartment on… Yes. I would love to be able to see it… A lot of interest? Oh, I’m sure. How many months’ rent would be—Three? Yes, of course. I’ll come by on Saturday morning. Thank you.”
Shit. I’m far from having enough money from the place.
I head to work. Max seems to be in a good mood. Seems Emma will be back from vacation early. I mean from her business trip.
“I’m trying to save up for an apartment,” I tell Max.
He grunts. “Good for you.”
“Did you buy the ring?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Almost have enough.”
“Good, good.” I wince.