Chapter 9
“Whatcha doin over here, newbie?”
My cheeks flushed as I jerked my gaze away from Noah to look at Luther who was standing over me, a wide grin stretching his mouth. I really hoped he hadn’t been standing there long enough to catch me watching his friend like a crazed stalker.
“Just taking a breather,” I said.
“Do you want company?”
I lifted my eyebrows, surprised by his offer. “I don’t think Anna would approve. She seems to think you’re trouble.”
He watched me for a moment, almost weighing my response. It seemed he liked what he heard though because his grin grew and he took a seat beside me anyway. “Ah, but I’m the best kind of trouble.”
“And what kind is that?”
“The kind that everyone needs—fun with a dash of mischief, all rolled into one delicious package.”
“I have no idea what that means.”
Luther replied with a laugh before he leaned forward and lifted his hands to warm them by the fire.
He looked the picture of ease sitting beside me despite the fact we barely knew each other.
He wasn’t watching me though; he was looking in the direction I’d been staring before he interrupted me.
“So, were you really taking a breather, or were you just enjoying the view? You seemed awfully focused on my boy Noah when I arrived.”
“I wasn’t focused on anyone,” I quickly replied. “I must have zoned out for a second there.” I tried to sound unbothered, but I could feel my cheeks warming, likely betraying my lie.
“So, you weren’t checking out Noah?”
“I hadn’t even noticed him.”
“Because you don’t have to be embarrassed if you were. Lots of the girls enjoy drooling over him.”
I could definitely see why this guy annoyed Anna so much. “I wasn’t drooling. I’m not interested in any boys here—not you and certainly not Noah.”
He laughed again. “Okay, if you say so.”
“I do.” I folded my arms over my chest, hoping the matter was settled.
“But just so you know, he’s been watching you tonight too …”
My eyes narrowed on Luther. He was clearly messing with me. “You really are full of trouble, aren’t you?”
His lips turned up in a mischievous smirk. “The best kind, like I said.”
I shook my head and relaxed a little. Even though I’d only just met Luther, and he was totally obnoxious, I felt surprisingly comfortable around him. He had a terrible way of getting under your skin, but I kind of enjoyed his ridiculousness. Perhaps we could be friends.
“So, what classes are you taking this year?” he asked.
“It’s a party and you’re asking me about classes?”
“Well, since I’m here on an undercover mission to discover all your secrets, I figured I should start with your weekly schedule …”
“An undercover mission, huh?”
He nodded gleefully. “But, shhh, don’t tell anyone.”
I rolled my eyes and laughed.
“So, newbie, your classes are …” Despite his jokes, Luther did seem serious about his task.
“Sorry, Luther, but your undercover mission is already failing. I actually have no idea what classes I’m taking yet. My dad organized everything for me.”
“Ah, one of those fathers. Mine’s like that too.”
“I don’t really know the guy that well,” I said, not wanting to talk about Matthew any more than I had to.
“It’s like looking in a mirror,” Luther said. “My dad’s a total mystery to me too. Kaden and I started a sucky dad club back in freshman year. You’re welcome to join if you want?”
“Sounds exclusive,” I said.
“Oh, it’s the most exclusive. Only the coolest kids get to join.”
“Well, it’s an honor to be invited then.”
He gave me a warm smile. It was the first genuine expression he’d shown, and he suddenly seemed so much more innocent.
“Is Noah a part of your club?” I had no idea why I’d asked that. I’d just told Luther I hadn’t been completely drooling over his friend, and here I was asking questions about Noah the first chance I got.
“No,” Luther replied. “He’s got a shitty grandfather instead, so he doesn’t qualify.
” Luther sounded like he was still joking around, but his expression had become more reserved.
Although he was happy to talk about his own father and Kaden’s, it seemed like Noah’s grandfather was a more closely guarded subject.
I didn’t want to push it, so I quickly changed the subject. “So, I haven’t met Kaden. I’m guessing he’s one of your friends?”
Luther’s tense shoulders relaxed at my question, and he nodded, pointing to a guy sitting with Noah. He had dark hair and an easy smile, which was a striking contrast to the bored look on Noah’s face.
“He’s the brains of our little trio,” Luther said.
“And what are you?”
“The balls.” He didn’t even take a second to consider it.
I snorted. “The balls?”
“Oh, yeah. If it weren’t for me, shit would never get done.”
“And what’s Noah?”
“The heart.” I was taken aback by the answer.
He sounded sincere, which was surprising.
Luther seemed like the type of guy who rarely took anything seriously.
I found it hard to believe it was true though.
From what I’d seen and heard about Noah, it sounded like his heart was hard and neglected.
How else could he so happily destroy the feelings of so many girls?
I shook my head, wondering why Luther was even sitting here having this conversation with me.
I was the new girl. A nobody. Someone who hadn’t even known Weybridge existed a day ago and certainly didn’t belong at the school.
From the way the girls had been talking about them, these boys were too popular to be interested in me.
“Why are you talking to me?” I asked.
Luther shrugged, seemingly much less surprised by the directness of my question than I’d expected. “I’ve got a good feeling about you, newbie.”
“You do?” I frowned.
“Yep, and I always trust my gut.” He stood and brushed a hand down his top to straighten it. “I know you said you’re not much of a dancer, but no one ever looks bad dancing with me …”
“Is that your way of asking me to dance?”
“Yep.”
I smiled and shook my head. “Actually, I think I’m going to call it a night. It’s been a pretty long day for me, and I’d like to feel awake for my first day of classes tomorrow.”
“Suit yourself,” he said. “But just remember what you’re missing out on.
” He jumped backward and spun around in a smooth circle, dramatically spreading his arms wide as he swirled.
He actually made the move look good, but it wouldn’t have been out of place in a cheesy boy band routine.
Once again, I couldn’t tell if Luther was being serious or not.
Even his cheeky grin couldn’t confirm either way.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure I’ll survive.”
He chuckled under his breath. “Yeah, newbie, I think we’re going to get along just fine.”
I watched him walk away, a small smile still on my lips. Luther was a bit of a playboy, but I’d kind of enjoyed our talk.
I slowly stood and went to search for Cress and Anna. I found them getting drinks out of one of the large coolers and was grateful I didn’t have to face the dance floor again. They both had small beads of sweat dotting their brows, and I was guessing they’d only just taken a break from dancing.
“Isobel!” Cress squealed happily, throwing her arms around me.
I laughed as I caught her. She was pretty buzzed, but at least she wasn’t as drunk as Lily’s roommate.
“We missed you,” she said. “We thought you were coming back to the dance floor.”
“Sorry, I’m really not much of a dancer.”
“That’s okay. You’re here now.” Cress linked her arm through mine. “And you haven’t got a drink. We better fix that.” She turned to the drinks table, but I planted my feet to stop her.
“I would love to, but I think I want to head back to the dorm and get some sleep before tomorrow.”
“But it’s not even late yet.” Cress pouted at me.
“I know, but I’m absolutely useless if I don’t get a good night’s sleep.”
Cress let out a disappointed sigh. “Okay, we can go.”
“Don’t be silly. You guys stay. I’ll grab a ride home with someone else.”
“Are you sure?” Anna asked. “We’re happy to come with you.”
“Totally sure. I don’t want you guys to leave because of me. I’ll see you back at school.”
Anna hesitated. “Okay, but only if you’re certain.”
“I am.”
Cress gave me a big squeeze. “We love you.”
I smiled and nodded as she wrapped her arms around me. I was pretty sure it was just the alcohol speaking, but it was nice to hear all the same. “Have fun. I’ll catch you guys later.”
I turned and headed for the path that led back to Luther’s house. I was a little uncertain about finding a ride with a stranger, but it was better than forcing the girls to leave when they were having so much fun.
As I walked down the path and the music behind me began to fade, I heard voices up ahead. A girl was speaking, and since she was talking so loudly, it was easy to make out what she was saying.
“… and I can’t believe you just let all of those girls practically crawl all over you tonight …”
“Is that why you dragged me out here?” a guy responded. “Because I really don’t need this shit.”
“But, Noah,” she whined. “Isn’t it time you forgot about all these other girls? I’ve been patient, and you said things would be different with us this year. That we could finally be together.”
I came to a stop as I caught sight of Noah and Veronica.
She had him pressed against a tree on the edge of the path, and while they hadn’t seen me yet, there was no way I could make my way past without them noticing.
The last thing I wanted was to interrupt them having such a private conversation, and I hesitated as I considered what to do.
“I never said that …”
“Oh, so I just imagined it?”
“Well, I didn’t say it, so you must have imagined it,” Noah snapped back.
“But we’re supposed to be together,” she continued. “I want it. Both our families want it. I know deep down you want it too.”
“I’ve made it perfectly clear, Veronica. I’m not interested in a relationship right now.”