Maybe Page 4

  My gaze disobeys and steers to Parker. Once again, he’s already watching me. Sighing, I cut my eyes and whisper to Nia, “Are you sure about staying?”

  She sucks her teeth and whispers in return, “Sydney, they’re okay.”

  “I don’t know, Nia.”

  “Try to enjoy yourself, cuz.” She bumps my knee with hers. “You’re boarding at a prestigious academy. No parents monitoring us. Besides,” She nods at Kawan standing with friends, “he’s sticking around.” Her eyes drink him in like he’s the last drop of water in a desert.

  “Of course. No wonder you wanna stay.” I chortle and shake my head. “Fine.”

  A smile curves her plump lips. “Just relax and mingle.”

  The guys start the fire as the sky darkens, and a bunch of us cozy around it. Nia sits in between Kawan and me on a log. Aubrey is lounging in a folding chair next to Parker on the other side of the fire. He’s busy ignoring her, paying attention to the football conversation with his friends, and Ji-won is chatting with a guy by the dark water.

  Other kids are scattered along the shore, making out in the shadows, or chilling in the sand smoking weed.

  Everyone is caught up in banter except for the guy sitting at my left and me. I figure I’ll at least try.

  “Hey,” I say after a deep breath.

  He doesn’t even look up from his phone when he replies, “Sup?”

  “Um, I’m Sydney. What’s your name?”

  Seconds pass before he finally lifts his head. He bunches his brows, glances across to Parker, and quickly lowers his eyes back to his phone.

  “Okay…”

  My phone vibrates. I slip it out of my shorts pocket. Dad’s picture flashes on the screen.

  Getting up, I walk from the beach, answering as I mosey to the parking area. “Hey, Dad. How’s it going?”

  “Sydney Rain. How do you like Spencer Academy so far?” His voice is always comforting to hear.

  “Dad, it’s only been a week.”

  He chortles. “I know, but it’s exciting, isn’t it? Your aunt and uncle say Spencer is the best school there.”

  “Yeah, I guess it’s okay.”

  I stop by a large rock and sit down. A couple is leaning against one of the cars making out. I turn toward the dark ocean, glimpsing the fire below.

  Dad releases a sharp breath. “Just okay? Terrance loved it, and Nia made it seem so much more when she started.”

  “No, it’s great. I like my classes. My roommate’s cool. Need time to get used to boarding and wearing a uniform.”

  “I bet.” He pauses for a moment. “Truthfully, it’s hard not having you here. But…well…” His voice trails. “Jackie thought it would be great for you, especially with—”

  He can’t finish. It’s always a struggle whenever it’s about Mom.

  “I know, and I want this, too.”

  “I’m glad, honey.” He sighs in relief. “Well, just checking in to make sure you’re okay.”

  That draws a smile. “I’m okay, Dad. I’ll see you soon, all right?”

  “See you, baby girl. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  I end the call and stand. Just as I’m about to head back to the beach, a figure approaches in the shadows, startling me.

  “Relax,” Parker says.

  “You again,” I sputter and touch my heart, still spooked.

  Parker steps closer, so he’s no longer covered by the dark. He has a bottle in his hand.

  A little cold, I hug myself. “What do you want?”

  “You,” he says simply. “Every bit of you.”

  Sucking my teeth, I make to leave, but he grabs my arm.

  “Why is it everyone tells me yes, kisses my ass because they wanna be associated with the Prescott name, and looks at me as if I’m some freaking idol, but not you? Why do I feel like I’m gonna fall apart when you look at me, Sydney Bell?”

  “Aww, poor baby. Am I the first girl to turn you down? Welcome to reality, Parker Prescott. You can’t always get what you want.”

  He watches me in silence, huffing.

  I become anxious. “Well, have fun.” I try to leave, but he pulls me back.

  “You’re so damn sure about me,” he grunts. “You think you know me just from what you hear?”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty clear. Now let go of me before I scream.” I struggle to writhe my arm free, but Parker refuses to budge. “Look, you—”

  Laughter draws our attention. When the girls speak, it sounds like Aubrey and Ji-won. I discern them in the shadows, along with another girl rushing to get into a car. They speed off soon after.

  “Is that…” My voice falls.

  “Yeah.” Parker laughs short then releases my arm. “And you’re such a great judge of character. Aubrey and Ji-won are two of the fakest people at Spencer.”

  “That bitch!” I snap, taking out my phone to call Nia.

  “Hello?” She sounds confused. “Where’d you go?”

  “I’m in the parking area. Aubrey and Ji-won just left.”

  “What? But…” I hear subtle music playing and people talking. “Aubrey told me they’d be right back. They were just getting blankets from the car.”

  I massage my forehead. “Girl, they played us. I’m requesting an Uber.”

  “That’s so messed up. All right.” She ends the call.

  “I’ll drive you back,” Parker offers, twirling his keys before my face.

  “That’s okay.” I open the app on my phone.

  “Seriously?” he snorts. “You’d rather spend your money than accept a free ride back to the school we both board at?”

  I sigh.

  “Don’t be silly.” Parker slants and points across to an SUV in the shadowy lot. “Just go back with me.”

  “What about your friends?” I ask, considering it.

  “They have their own rides.”

  I tuck my phone into my shorts pocket. “Fine. Let me get my cousin and my stuff.”

  “I’ll be here.” He walks over to his car and leans against the door, waiting.

  Nia meets me on the rocky steps. She has both our bags. “They really left, Syd?”

  “Yeah.” I retrieve my bag from her. “I knew they couldn’t be trusted.”

  “Kawan said he would have given us a ride, but he drove here with his friends. The car’s packed. Damn it, this wouldn’t happen if my parents would just buy me a car.”

  “It’s all right. Parker’s taking us.” I turn after saying that and start back to the lot.

  Nia falls in step beside me. “Wait. Seriously?”

  “Yes.”

  “How’d that come about?” She sounds a little too happy.

  “Don’t start, Nia.” I fix my strap on my shoulder. “We were talking.”

  “Talking?” she repeats, elated. “About?”

  “Nothing important.”

  Nia stops me as we reach the lot. I feel relieved that Parker is still standing at his SUV. He hadn’t tricked me and left as well.

  “I think he likes you,” she whispers. “Parker doesn’t give this much effort to anyone, especially when he has to chase them.”

  “Oh please. I have his interest this week. Next week it’ll be someone else.”

  “Maybe not, Syd. Parker barely took his eyes off you today. He’s ignored every single girl who tried to talk to him, including Aubrey.”

  “Everything all right?” Parker calls out.

  “Yeah. Impatient much?” I twist to Nia and whisper, “It doesn’t mean anything. Let’s go before he changes his mind about the ride.”

  I walk ahead, going toward the backdoor. Parker opens it for me. Nia yanks me away before I hop onto the backseat.

  “Go up front,” she whispers, and climbs in and shuts the door.

  “What the... Unbelievable.”

  Parker chuckles under his breath. He opens the passenger door for me. “Here you go.”

  Clearing my throat, I get in and place my bag on my lap. “Tha
nks.”

  “No problem.”

  Inside his car smells woodsy and expensive like him.

  While Parker is heading around to the driver’s side, Nia quickly whispers, “Be nice.”

  I scoff at her.

  He gets in, sets the beer in the middle console, and puts on music before driving out of the area, keeping the volume low.

  We’re quiet the first five minutes until Parker takes the road that leads to Spencer. “So, you’re cousins.”

  “Yep,” Nia speaks up. “But more like sisters.”

  A smile reaches my lips.

  “That’s cool. I don’t have any cousins. Are your parents pretty close?”

  Hearing that places a sad feeling in my chest. I stare out the window.

  “Um, yeah,” Nia mutters, leaving it there.

  Parker continues, “How come you transferred in your final year?”

  “So inquisitive,” I mumble.

  He sniffs. “Damn. I’m just making conversation.”

  Nia tells him, “It’s all right. Sydney will warm up to you once she gets to know you.” She giggles after.

  I spin around the seat and glare at her.

  “Hm.” Parker flashes a cocky smirk when I straighten and look at him.

  We arrive at school a few minutes later, and he pulls into a reserved spot for students near the dorms.

  “Thanks, Parker,” Nia says, opening the backdoor. She slips out and waits for me.

  “Yeah, thank you. I appreciate it.”

  He nods. “Sure thing.” I reach for the door, but he stops me before I open it. “Let’s hang out tomorrow.”

  “Right.” I shake my head in wonder. “So, just because you gave me a free ride, you think I should give you something in return.”

  “Uh, the rec hall, Sydney. There’s a game room for upperclassmen. You and your cousin should stop by.”

  My body relaxes a tad. “Oh.”

  Leaning back in the seat, Parker narrows his gaze on me. “Wanna get to know me?”

  “What?” A nervous laugh gusts from my lips.

  “I’m serious. I’d like to prove you got me all wrong.”

  His intense gaze makes me uneasy. I blink away. “Um, I told you, I’m not interested in—”

  “You will be,” he declares with confidence. “And I guarantee you’ll take back everything you said to me in the hallway.”

  I release a long sigh. “It really bothers you, doesn’t it? That I’m not falling over you like every other girl at Spencer.”

  Parker lingers on my face a second before telling me, “I’m glad you’re not like the rest. You’ve given me a challenge.” He moistens his lips and adds, “But I’ve always won challenges.”

  “Huh.” I eyeball him and turn to get out of the car.

  He grasps my arm. “I’m gonna make you change the way you look at me, Sydney Bell.”

  “Doubt it.” I pull away and open the door.

  “Do you and your cousin share a room as well?” he asks.

  “No. Different roommates.” I scowl. “Why? Think you’re gonna be invited up tonight? Not gonna happen, ever.” I get out and shut the door.

  Parker hurries from the car. “I’ll walk you to your dorm.”

  “No, that’s fine,” I reply fast. “You don’t have to.”

  Nia brushes my arm and scolds under her breath, “Geez, girl.”

  Parker waves it off. “It’s okay, Sydney Rain Bell. Friends do that.”

  My eyes widen. “How the hell do you know my middle name?”

  He chuckles. “You’ve been recently added to the school database. It’s public knowledge.”

  “Geez. And when did we become friends?”

  Nia nudges my shoulder. “Thank you, Parker. We’d love for you to accompany us.” She huffs at me.

  “Quit it,” I whisper and fix my bag on my shoulder.

  Parker locks his SUV and starts walking with us.

  “Oh, and by the way,” I stop him in his tracks, “this won’t happen again, and don’t use my middle name so casually.”

  “This is the first of many nights I’ll be walking you to your dorm, Sydney Rain Bell.”

  “Whatever.” I snort and turn to tread away.

  Parker says at my back, “Looking forward to seeing you in the rec hall tomorrow. At noon.” There’s sureness in his tone.

  Nia giggles.

  Sucking my teeth, I resume walking with her while he paces behind us. No way Parker Prescott will see me in the rec hall tomorrow. No way in hell.

  Of course, Nia convinces me to go by the rec hall Sunday afternoon, citing that Kawan might be there.

  When we enter the seniors’ game room, we spot a few jocks, along with other students I recognize from my classes.

  Nia perks up when she sees Kawan. He waves us over to his group. As she ambles off, I glimpse Parker standing in a corner, talking to a girl. I think she’s in my Spanish class and was at the pool party.

  Parker flicks my way and turns from her without another word. “Sydney Bell.” A pleased expression appears. “Knew you’d come.” He skates over my curls, tank top, and maxi skirt. “You look lovely today.”

  “Only today?” I retort.

  That cocky grin forms. Strangely, I feel a prick in my tummy, and I’m unable to avoid taking in his alluring features. He’s so dangerously good-looking.

  “Come on,” Parker says, snapping me out of it. “Just accept the compliment.”

  Acting nonchalant, I shrug. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. See how easy that was?”

  Rolling my eyes, I gesture to the brunette fuming in the corner. “Don’t let me distract you. She looks upset.”

  He smirks. “That girl’s working on her social media following.”

  “No need to explain.” I swivel from him and peer around the room. Nia and Kawan are getting ready to start a game of pool.

  “Any particular games you like?” Parker asks. “Aside from this cat and mouse one?”

  His question places an instant sad feeling in my heart. My mom loved playing scrabble and card games. I stare off into space as a sequence of memories attack me.

  Oh no. My eyes are starting to tingle, tears threatening to fall. Why is this happening?

  Parker touches my elbow. “Hey. You good?”

  “Bathroom,” I murmur shakily and run out the door. I turn right in the lobby and go into the girls’ restroom, locking myself in a stall just as the dam breaks, and tears pour down my face.

  My body quivers as I sob in silence. Shit. I’ve been doing so much better. I haven’t been triggered since her birthday in spring.

  I grimace as Nia whispers inside the bathroom, “You okay, Syd? Parker told me to check on you.”

  “Yeah,” I rasp. “Give me a sec.” I wipe my cheeks with toilet paper, breathe deeply, and step out of the stall.

  Just one glance and Nia knows. She throws her arms around me.

  “Oh, cuz,” she says softly. “Wanna talk about it?”

  I wobble my head on her shoulder. “No. It’s not that bad. I just need a moment.”

  She still looks concerned after releasing me.

  Stepping to the sink, I wash my face and try to relax. We exit the bathroom after. Nia loops her arm around my waist supportively.

  To my surprise, Parker is standing in the lobby. Worry blankets his face. “Hey, are you all right?”

  “Yeah.” I peer down while massaging my neck, feeling embarrassed.

  “We’re heading back to the dorm,” Nia says.

  “Don’t leave because of me. Kawan’s here. I know you wanna stay.”

  She scowls. “But…you’re…”

  “It’s fine.” I manage a smile. “Go hang out.”

  Parker inches forward. “I’ll walk with you.”

  “That’s not necessary,” I refuse, straightening from Nia’s side.

  He motions to the exit, anyway. “It’s cool. Come on.”

  I glance at Nia. “Text you
later.”

  “K.” She offers a half-smile, but her eyes look sad.

  Parker walks beside me from the recreational hall. We move at a slow pace along the path.

  The air smells like freshly cut grass. Many students are outside enjoying the bright Sunday afternoon, sitting under trees in the yard, talking, and listening to music.

  They’re all staring at Parker and me, and some even greet him as we walk by. He’s so popular. Everyone has this level of respect or fascination.

  “So, what happened?” Parker asks at last. “Did you suddenly feel sick?”

  I sigh and hug myself, staring straight ahead. “No. I’m fine.”

  “I get it. It’s personal, so you don’t wanna tell me.”

  “You’re correct.”

  His phone rings in his pocket. Sliding it out, he scoffs and slips it back inside his jeans. He seems annoyed.

  “Must be hard with so many girls constantly calling you,” I joke.

  “Ha. You’d be surprised to know I don’t give out my number.” He stops walking and takes out his ringing phone again. “Only my mom calls me this much.” He ignores her so easily.

  It upsets me. “Why don’t you just answer? Does it take that much out of your day to talk to your mother?”

  Parker clenches his jaw and snaps back at me, “You don’t even know the situation.”

  My pitch heightens. “She probably misses you. Why are you so selfish? Do you know how many people wish they could speak to their mother? Wish they could call and hear her voice one more time?”

  Observing my features, he softens his. “Sydney…”

  I feel the tears on my cheeks and zap out of it. Kids are staring at me, astonished. Crap. I’ve lost it again.

  Parker steps closer, lifting his hand as if to touch me. I storm off before he gets the chance, wiping my face along the way and keeping my eyes down.

  What the hell. How embarrassing.

  6

  Sydney Bell is seriously hard to figure out.

  I don’t get why she cried because I refused to answer my damn phone. Maybe something else got her all bothered.

  Whatever the case, seeing the tears run down her face made me feel crappy, and now I’m wondering how to make her smile when she hasn’t done that for me since we’ve met.