The older man’s fitness is on display as he’s mid-hike. I like the way the soft overcast light highlighted the craggy wrinkles on his face. There’s an air of adventurous spirit gleaming in his happy, crinkled eyes.
“I like that one. Great moment.”
“I don’t like to disturb the subject too much. I pretty much just observe and let the scene unfold before me until the right moment to press the shutter.” I eject my SD card from the computer and put it back in my camera. “It really works out for my people watching habit.”
Ms. Huang chuckles at that. “Great work, Gemma. I’m looking forward to seeing your project when it’s completed.”
She moves onto the next student working after school and I lose myself in editing my images, my personal meditative happy place.
* * *
By the time I leave, the sun kisses the horizon and the light is fading fast in the parking lot. I stayed longer than I meant to, but I made good progress on my photo project.
There’s almost no cars left in the student lot. My CR-V sits by itself at the back. I’m distracted as I stroll up, going over a list of photo ideas on my phone.
I halt in my tracks after I unlock my car.
There’s a flat tire—wait, no, shit! All of my tires are flat!
I drop into a crouch to skim my fingers over the deflated tires.
“There’s no way.”
I drag my teeth over my lip and check for slashes. The valve caps are still in place, so no one stole them. Some asshole simply unscrewed the caps and let out the air to strand me.
I groan and scrub my face. “God, really?”
The one thing we don’t keep in the car is an air compressor. We have a way to fix every other problem. There’s a spare tire, but that still leaves me with three flats.
I thump my fist half-heartedly on the side of the car. Footsteps draw my attention and I bolt to my feet.
Lucas walks by, his hair damp and curling across his forehead. He must have showered after practice. His t-shirt stretches over his shoulders and his bicep as he hitches his equipment bag higher. Every nerve ending in my body wakes up at his approach.
I tell every single one of those stupid fuckers to shut up.
Lucas looks my way, disinterest evident in his vacant expression as he takes in my situation.
“Hmm, is this what it looks like when the whole school hates you?”
Lucas tips his head to the side and flashes his teeth.
I chew on the inside of my cheek. I won’t ask him for help. I have my phone, I can just call Alec and see if he’s done with practice, too.
“Do you want a ride?” Lucas surprises me by offering.
“I—”
I clamp my mouth shut and mull it over. Does Lucas want something from me? Is it another trap?
The breeze stirs the trees surrounding the lot, their branches creaking and groaning. I shiver and tug my jacket tighter around my shoulders.
“Yeah, okay. Fine.”
Lucas stares at me with narrowed eyes for a minute, then he bursts out in sharp amusement. He shakes his head and drags a hand through his damp hair, his attractive grin at odds with the way he’s laughing.
“Too fucking bad. You had your chance.”
I jerk my head back, though I can’t say I'm surprised he’s taking another opportunity to bully me. I cross my arms as he jogs to his car.