PARKER
THREE
Iwatched the girls enter the bookstore and then turned to Tony. “What gives, man? Why is Cami back at school anyway?”
“You know I can’t tell you stuff like that, no matter who you are. If you want to know, ask Beth,” Tony said, crossing his arms.
“Have any of the other guys seen her back at school?” I pressed.
“Talk to Beth,” Tony said, unwilling to budge.
“What happened to pals before gals? Man code? Is nothing sacred?” I asked, shaking my head slowly.
“Leave, Parker. You can’t wait out here until they come back out,” Tony said, catching on to my plan.
“Fine. I’m going. But know that I’m disappointed in you, Tony,” I said over my shoulder.
After I walked down the block, I found a bench to sit on. I pulled out my phone and sent Beth a text.
Parker:
Hey, I ran into Cami… didn’t know she was coming back.
I set my phone down and gave her a few minutes to answer.
My thoughts drifted to the girl Cami was with—Lailah.
I felt awful that I ran into her and killed her cookie.
I hated that it happened to such an attractive girl, too.
I’m sure Cami is filling her head full of lies about me just for her own enjoyment.
Lailah was not like the typical girls who came to our school.
She didn’t seem rich, power-hungry, or a gold digger.
No, I got a small-town vibe from her. She didn’t need makeup to look beautiful or have perfectly-styled hair.
I liked that she was comfortable in her own skin.
It was super attractive in a whole new way.
I would even say there was something between us.
It was like my powers recognized that she was unique as well.
Hmm, I wonder if Beth knows anything about her?
My phone buzzed with Beth’s response.
Beth:
Leave her alone, Parker. It took a lot of convincing to get her to come back. I don’t need you sticking your nose in this.
Parker:
That’s harsh, Miss B. Hey! Do you know anything about her friend Lailah?
Beth:
She’s a scholarship student, freshman, why do you ask?
Parker:
IDK I just felt something when I ran into her and wondered if you had any intel on her
Beth:
Parker, I am not your dating service, if you want to know something, maybe you should talk to her. Oh, and don’t call me Miss B.
I shook my head, knowing that was all I was going to get out of her. She was right about one thing; I was definitely going to need to talk to Lailah again.