Chapter 17 Callan
CALLAN
“Is this what it’s like for you all the time?” Astrid asks as we walk hand in hand down the school hallway toward the lockers. “People staring, whispering, and pointing at you?”
“It’s not usually this intense,” I say, slowing my steps as we near her locker.
“It’s unsettling and invasive.” She drops her bag at the foot of her locker. “When Joe and I first got together, it made waves, but it was nothing like this.”
“Changing your mind already?” I lean against her neighbor’s locker as I watch Astrid open hers.
“No.” She flicks hair out of her eyes as she searches for the books she needs for morning classes. “I just hope the interest dies quickly. I hate people gossiping about me.”
“I’m sure they’ll find something else to talk about soon. It is American high school, after all. The home of teen drama,” I deadpan.
Her light laughter stirs something in my chest. “True.” She dumps a few books from her bag into her locker, replacing them with others, before shutting it. Her gaze wanders behind me, and her lips kick up at the corners. “Maybe they’ll switch their attention to Scott and Gwen.”
Sliding my arm around her waist, I turn us to look to where Scott and Gwen are kissing against a locker like they’re aiming to make The Guinness World Records for the longest time sucking face.
“Excellent.” I glance around, noticing the crowd fervently watching the Gwen and Scott show.
“They’re already drawing the attention away from us.
Let’s go.” Taking her hand, I lead her around the corner toward my locker, grateful it’s quieter here.
I switch out books like a pro and escort my gorgeous fake girlfriend to her first class.
“This is me,” Astrid says, stopping at the door. “Thanks for the ride and for walking me to class.”
“I’ve got this boyfriend thing nailed down already,” I joke, holding her waist and drawing her into my body. My heart thumps wildly against my ribs as I lower my head, marveling at every tiny, perfect detail on Astrid’s face.
Her eyes widen, and she gulps when my gaze drops to her lush mouth.
It would be so easy to bridge the gap between us and kiss her.
But kisses should be saved for times when they’re required, and I remind myself this is an arrangement, not the real deal.
So, I kiss her forehead, lingering for a few beats, inhaling the floral scent emanating from her skin, the smell of peaches rising from her hair, and the warmth radiating from her body. “See you at lunch.”
“Lunch, right,” she answers in a breathy voice. “See you later.”
I watch her walk into the classroom and claim a seat before I turn around, almost colliding with Thor. “Mate, get any closer, and I’ll think you want me.”
“In your dreams, bro.” He lightly thumps my shoulder. “You’re doing it?” He looks around before lowering his voice. “Fake dating?”
“Yeah.” I grip the strap of my bag as we walk off toward our first class of the day. Maths. The literal worst way to start the school week. At least my mate will be suffering with me.
“I get why you’re doing it, but you’re playing with fire,” he says.
“We know what we’re doing. We’ve agreed terms, and we both know where we stand.”
“What if you fall for her? What then?”
“That won’t happen,” I say as we enter our classroom.
“Love doesn’t exactly play by the rules, dude.”
“Whoa, who the fuck said anything about love? You high or something?”
We grab seats at the back, settling in to wait for the teacher to arrive.
“Deny it all you want, but you like her, and she likes you. Your agreement positions you perfectly to fall in love. If you haven’t even considered it, you’re an idiot.”
“We like each other as friends, and Astrid is as focused as me. It’ll be fine.”
“It better be because you and I will have issues, bro, if you hurt Renee’s friend.”
“Where’s Scott?” Astrid asks Gwen at lunch when Gwen flops down in the empty seat beside her at the girls’ usual spot in the cafeteria.
I stretch my legs out under the table while keeping one arm around the back of Astrid’s chair. Thor flashes me a look I can’t decipher from across the table. He’s cozied up to Renee, who is chatting with Nikki. Their other friend, Lyn, is a no-show so far.
“He has a dental appointment this afternoon, so he left already.”
“Great, that’s just great.” Astrid stabs a piece of her pasta like she wishes it was a nosy student.
Gwen arches a brow.
“Astrid was hoping you two would put on another show and claim all the attention,” I explain.
“Sorry to disappoint, bestie, but I’ll make it up to you. Suck it up for today, and then let Scott and me do our thing.”
“You’re the best,” Astrid says before popping pasta in her mouth.
I cut up my chicken one-handed, meeting the various stares leveled our way head-on. People will get tired of gawking and move on. Hopefully. Conversation flows naturally around the table as we eat, and I’m glad that Astrid relaxes, forgetting about the attention focused on us.
Afternoon classes are a snooze-fest, and I almost nod off in history. I’m surprised to find Gwen waiting outside for me when I emerge. “Can I talk to you?” she asks.
“I’ve got English now.”
“I have a free period, so why don’t we walk and I’ll talk?”
I suspect I know what this is about, so I agree to get it over and done with. “What’s on your mind, Gwen?” I ask as I purposely slow down to accommodate her shorter legs.
“You got my name right.” She beams at me like I deserve a medal, and I feel like a piece of shit, but I’m not apologizing again.
I encourage her to continue with a stare.
“Anyway, yeah, look, I know the dealio with you and Astrid, and it’s my duty as her bestie to tell you if you hurt her, I’ll make you pay, and I’m not someone you should underestimate.”
“I’m shaking like a leaf,” I drawl, maneuvering around a few students to avoid bumping into them.
“I’m not joking, Cal.” She jumps in front of me, forcing me to stop. Her hands land on her hips, and she narrows her eyes as she stares at me. “I think this is a bad idea, and it won’t end well, but I hope I’m wrong.”
“I’m not going to hurt Astrid, and while I’m getting sick of that accusation being thrown around, I respect you and Thor for watching out for her.”
“Astrid is special, and I won’t have anyone playing her for a fool.”
The insinuation is clear, and now she’s just getting on my nerves. “That’s not what I’m doing,” I say through gritted teeth.
“You misunderstand,” she says, placing her hand on my arm. “I’m not saying you are, just that Astrid is going places, and I’d hate for this arrangement to mess with her plans. You hear me?”
“Loud and clear, Gwen.” I shove her hand off. “Unless there’s anything else, I’ve got a class to get to.”
“Astrid has been there for me, through so many things, and I’m as protective of her as she is of me. Don’t hate me for needing to say this to ensure my best friend is okay. I would be a shitty friend if I said nothing.”
Not sure I agree, but I’m so over this conversation. “I get it, and it’s cool. No bad blood.” I hold up my palms. “I swear.”
“Great. I’m glad we had this talk.” She wiggles her fingers. “Catch you later, Cal!”
I rotate my shoulders, easing the tension I feel there, before heading to my final class of the day. The only one I share with my new girlfriend.
The class is full when I arrive, so I’m grateful to see an empty desk beside Astrid and her hand in the air, motioning me forward. She’s only wearing a shirt, jeans, and runners today, but she still looks pretty as a picture, and every other girl pales into the background.
“Saved you a seat,” she says, removing a book from the chair to let me sit.
“Thanks.” I slide into the chair and take out my books.
“You were cutting it close.”
I open my mouth to explain it’s because her bestie accosted me with unnecessary warnings when the teach arrives and the class begins.
Students are milling about in the hallway after class ends, and I push our way through the crowds, eager to grab their stuff and get the hell out of Dodge, heading for my locker with Astrid’s hand firmly entwined in mine.
Warmth from her soft palm sinks bone deep, easing the irritation I’ve been feeling since Gwen’s little ambush.
“I’m glad this day is almost over,” Astrid says, waiting by my side as I sort stuff in my locker. “Being popular is stressful and not something I want.”
A shrill laugh grates on my eardrums, and I glance over my shoulder, annoyed to find fucking Ana standing right behind us, looking down her nose at Astrid.
“You can’t be this na?ve, surely?” She cocks her head to the side, her gaze trailing Astrid from head to toe.
“I’ll spell it out for you, Astrid. You’re not the popular one, and as soon as Callan wakes up and realizes there are far prettier girls in this school, you’ll be back on the outs where you belong.
” She tosses her hair over her shoulder and thrusts out her chest, and it’s laughable she thinks she’s prettier than the girl at my side.
“If that’s meant to insult me, you’ll have to try harder,” Astrid coolly replies.
“Funny,” I say, slamming my locker closed and turning around. My arm wraps protectively around Astrid. “All I see right now is an ugly girl who thinks it’s cool to make fun of others. There is nothing less attractive than a bitch with a chip on her shoulder.”
“You can’t speak to me like that!” she shrieks. “Trav!” she calls out. “Callan just called me ugly!”
“Oh my god,” Astrid says before burying her face in my chest. Her shoulders shake gently with her laughter.
“You got some beef with me, Hunt?” Travis Garner says, squaring up to me. His teammates surround him, and suddenly, Astrid is pulled back, hidden behind the row of soccer players gathered at my sides and my back.
“Nah, mate. We’re cool, but you need to put a muzzle on your girl. Maybe a leash, too, because she spent far too much time trying to hump my leg Saturday night to be trusted to go out alone.”
Garner’s nostrils flare, and he raises his arm just as a shrill whistle pierces the tension hanging in the air. The American football coach stalks forward, wearing a face like thunder.
“What is this?” he demands, glowering at his QB before turning his glare on me.
“Nothing, Coach.” Garner physically steps back, holding up his hands. “Just a little friendly rivalry.”
“Reserve it for the opposition,” Coach barks before jabbing his fingers in the air. “Anyone not out on that field in ten is benched for Friday’s game.”
I’ve never seen guys disappear so fast.
“Go home,” Coach snaps at us. “And I better not see this again. We’re all part of the same team, something you all need to remember.”
Anger literally oozes off his strained form as he stalks off, and I wouldn’t like to be out on that field today. He’s going to put them through their paces and then some.
“You owe me an apology,” Ana shrills, and I whip my head up as I reach for Astrid.
“I owe you jack shit.”
“You can’t say such hurtful things to me and not say you’re sorry.” Her lower lip wobbles, and she really knows how to lay it on thick. Not that I’m buying it for one second.
“Why would I say I’m sorry when I’m not?” I ask, hauling Astrid into my side.
“Words are weapons, Ana,” Astrid says. “You should be more careful with yours.”
“I’ll take advice from the likes of you when I’m dead,” she huffs before turning on her heel and storming off.
“So much for not riling up the football team.” Thor claps me on the back. “First Hemsworth, and now Garner. Who’s next?”