Chapter thirty-seven Bexley
Chapter thirty-seven
Bexley
Dream big, they say.
We’re told that we can manifest things if we wish hard enough.
According to that logic, Rylan was absolutely correct.
Three dicks and endless supply of coffee?
Let’s just say that working in a coffee shop and having three boyfriends by the end of senior year wasn’t on my Bingo card…
but I hit those goals anyway. And it couldn’t have happened at a better moment.
By the time I bounce into Willowbrook, I’m literally bouncing despite having been awake since my alarm went off at five in the morning.
Final exams are kicking off today and to celebrate, Hazel took pity on me and said I could have as many staff coffees as I want while on shift.
I’ve had three so far, discarding the empty cup into the trash bin as I walk through the entrance.
Nothing can ruin my good mood. This could just be a sign of insanity, because what reasonable person would feel ecstatic about exams, but honestly, life feels pretty good right now.
Sure—I spent the weekend boarding up the windows at my house, packing personal belongings in between studying, but final exams mean one thing…
Our time at Willowbrook is coming to an end.
Finally.
Maybe if you’d asked me a few months ago how I’d feel at this moment, quite possibly I could have been more relieved to get away, but there’s something special about the prospect of graduation that just makes me hopeful.
No more arrogant cheerleaders. No longer being harassed and tormented by Dean Lannister. Just freedom—pure and simple.
Rylan was discharged from the hospital over the weekend, and while the doctors said he’d have some lingering symptoms from the concussion for a bit, he seems to be himself.
We’ll just consider his car and my house collateral damage. Things can always be replaced. Well, his car can. Some of my items will never be the same—never have the same memories attached. But this is our opportunity to leave the feud behind, to start fresh and write our own stories.
Mom would want that for me.
I can’t let them win.
There will always be a way to buy a new tombstone, go grocery shopping, print photos. They will never take the memories I hold in my heart. Those are mine, and mine alone.
Plus, I do feel a little petty about the fact I’m boning their sons and their idiot friends forgot to read me the Miranda rights.
Three dicks and endless supply of coffee indeed.
“Good morning!” I say cheerfully, jumping on Archie’s back. “Miss me yet?”
Arch groans, stumbling for a moment before grabbing my legs to hold me up. He starts piggybacking me toward the auditorium, where we’re scheduled to hear some very important lecture from Dean Lannister and Principal Samson before the first exams start.
“I just saw you hours ago,” he replies. “At least… I think it was you. Hard to tell in the dark while crossing paths in the hallway doing the bladder jiggle.”
“I hope it was you,” I laugh. “Otherwise I high-fived a poltergeist or your dad.”
Mr. Roberts was kind enough to let me stay with them until I’m able to sort out a semi-permanent place to live. He’s also put me in touch with one of his building contacts, who’s going to come out later this week to assess the damage so I have an idea of where to start.
They really should teach you the basics of life in school.
Because if I had known to get homeowners insurance, I might have been able to avoid this headache.
But it never crossed my mind and I doubt Mom’s either.
Seriously—teach us things like how to file your taxes and all the boring, important stuff so I don’t have to wait until I’m perimenopausal to figure out how to adult properly.
The rest of the seniors from Willowbrook and Cedar Heights are piling in with us. Tai spots me in the crowd, waving us over.
I take my seat in between Tai and Rylan, giving the latter’s hand a quick squeeze. “How are you feeling?”
Ry smiles. “You’re awfully quirky this morning.”
At his statement, Hunter peeks around from Ry’s other side, inspecting me.
“Look at the size of her pupils. Someone is high on caffeine.”
I grin at Hunter. “Jealous I’ve had the bean today and you haven’t?”
Amused, his lips twitch but he just shakes his head with a chuckle. I notice someone has his attention, and when I follow his line of vision, Dean Lannister’s focus is locked on his son. Slowly, it turns to me, a sneer spreading across his face.
Straightening up, I wave at him, yelping quietly when I’m startled by a slap on the leg.
“Behave,” Tai laughs. “No more coffee for you.”
“Control your girlfriend,” Arch mutters from beside Tai.
Hunter snorts, surprisingly having heard him down the line. “As if we could.”
“That’s enough,” Dean Lannister’s voice booms out through the microphone, his hand mimicking a lower movement to silence the room. “I know you’re all excited to commence examinations this morning so we’ll make this hasty.”
I catch Hunter’s eye over Ry’s shoulder, throwing him a sneaky wink. “So exciting,” I mouth.
He rolls his eyes, motioning for me to pay attention. Probably just to make sure I don’t draw attention to myself. You know—for my benefit.
No chance of that. Fairly certain the Dean has me on his radar the majority of the time. I have no doubt we’re living rent-free in his head.
My actions do grab the attention of someone, though. Principal Samson’s wandering gaze lands on me, his head dipping in a short nod of acknowledgment.
At that, I do reel in my buzz and contain myself, but I pay minimal attention to the Dean’s bullshit speech. He drones on for several minutes, mentioning cliché statements that have been overdone time and time again.
Principal Samson takes over, offering his words of encouragement.
I can’t help but notice he refers to overcoming adversity and challenges—rising to success against all odds.
When he talks about strength and resilience, Dean Lannister breaks character briefly, clearly scoffing at the indirect reference to Cedar Heights having to deal with their crap.
He’s not wrong, though…
The two leaders formally excuse us and the room explodes into chatter as everyone starts heading toward the exits. It’s officially go time.
“Let’s do this, handsome,” I say, literally yanking Tai by the jersey and steering him away from the others.
“Whoa, Bex,” he smirks teasingly. “Right here, right now? We’re in the hallway. No, it’s fine actually. My locker or yours?”
“Don’t tempt me,” I laugh. “Also I still don’t have a locker, so, obviously yours. Did you re-read your History notes last night?”
Tai reaches for my hand, linking our fingers together. “I was trying. Soph started scheming so I got distracted.”
My head snaps toward him in alarm. “That’s concerning. Please tell me this scheming doesn’t involve me.” He doesn’t answer, confirming my worst fears. “Oh, no. What is she up to, Tai?”
He laughs. “You’ll see. Let’s just say you’re being dragged dress shopping on the weekend.”
I let out a groan as we reach the classroom. “Shit. It’s about prom, isn’t it?”
Tai pretends to zip his lips. “I know nothing, Peach Queen.”
“In your seats. Quickly,” Mr. Hardwood directs everyone, toupee at the ready. “Marks will be deducted for tardiness.”
I lead Tai up to our seats, wriggling my eyebrows. “With a name like Hardwood, you’d think he’d be less stressed.”
Tai stiffens, a horrified look appearing suddenly. “Oh, gross, Bex. I didn’t need that image before the exam.”
Slipping into my spot, I tap the desk with my knuckles. “Well… knock on wood that you don’t get too distracted by the final climax.”
I head straight to the coffee machine like a moth to a flame, not even detouring to drop my things off in the staff-only area.
Need. Coffee. Now.
Elliott’s already slinging cups at full speed, shooting me a chunky grin as I approach.
“Morning, baby girl!”
I only just manage to repress the shiver, feeling uneasy at his words. I still think I’m the problem, but it doesn’t change the visceral reaction I have every time Elliott starts getting a little close for comfort.
Don’t get me wrong—he’s a nice enough guy. He’s just too nice. Is that a thing? Or am I too traumatized for normal social interactions?
Either way, it’s far too early to deal with pleasantries without caffeine.
By the time we finished yesterday’s exams and got home, Arch and I immediately opened our textbooks to study for today. Apparently, my energetic vibe only lasted a day because, now, I feel like shit and every molecule of my exhaustion.
It’s fine, though. We’ve got this. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Morning,” I mumble back, giving him a grateful smile when he steps back so I can home in on the machine to quickly make a drink.
Jessa is at the counter taking orders, so I move speedily so as to not mess up their rhythm.
I’ll just make this and chug it in the staff room. Then, all I need to do is survive the next fifteen or so minutes until the magic kicks in.
I’ve nearly finished, leaning over to grab some syrup to drizzle on top, when two hands delicately latch onto my waist.
I spin around in shock, coming face to face with Elliott. Part of me expects him to burst out laughing, or just make some little comment to explain the inappropriate touch, but he’s just staring at me with a terrifyingly wide grin.
Shoving his hands away, I step back, hitting the countertop by the coffee machine. “What the hell are you doing?”
Elliott’s head tilts to the side. “What do you mean?” He asks innocently, smiling.
I gawk at him, snapping my head to look for Jessa, wondering if she saw it. Internally cringing when I find her back facing us, I glare at Elliott, crossing my arms.
“Don’t do that again,” I say firmly. “I’m going to finish making my drink so I can start work.”
I assume that’s the end of the matter, turning back to my drink when he touches me again, this time, harder on my hips. It actually hurts, his fingers pressing so hard that I feel his nails sink into my skin.
The fucking audacity of this man.
It’s not the greatest reaction, I’ll admit.
But I really can’t be held responsible when it’s 5:30 a.m. and I’m running on less than four hours of sleep.
My arm swings out as I twist, colliding with his thoracic outlet.
Not hard enough to do any real damage, but he does jump back, still grinning madly.
If anything, he seems even more amused by my reaction.
“Fuck off,” I whisper, low. I don’t need customers hearing or seeing this. But I do need this guy to remove his damn hands before I rip them off his body and provide a free amputation service as a pre-gym class special.
“Chill, babe,” Elliott drawls out. His finger darts out, brushing my nose. “You’re a bit stressed today. Do you need me to help fix that?”
Okay. Absolutely not.
I am most definitely not the problem here.
This is exactly why I always say to trust your gut. I’ve spent the past few weeks trying to convince myself that I am the issue, but clearly I could sense something there—exactly like I was trained to do. It’s probably why Ry also felt strongly about Elliott.
“You’re being far beyond inappropriate,” I say, not bothering to hide my anger. “Touch me again and I’ll body slam you through the counter.”
Elliott holds up his hands. “Whoa,” he replies loudly, catching the attention of Jessa. “Sorry, buddy. It was a total accident. I was just in the zone, you feel me?”
“Is everything okay over here?” Jessa asks, walking over. She looks between us, concern in her chestnut eyes.
“Absolutely, Jess.” He nods, giving her a warm smile of reassurance.
“We just accidentally had a little crashy crash. Completely my fault. I ran into poor Bex while she was making her coffee.” Frowning, he peels his shirt and apron strap to the side, touching a bruise on his skin.
He lets out a little hiss, a wounded look crossing his face.
I’d have less of a reaction if Elliott clam-slammed me with a soggy turkey carcass. I gape at him, lost for words.
Jessa’s disparaging gaze flickers to me, face hardening. I can sense her scrutinizing me—the new girl bullying her long-time co-worker.
Oh, well played, you prickly butt plug.
“Come on,” Jessa says contemptuously to Elliott. “Let her have some needed space then.” She wraps an arm around his shoulder, guiding him toward the register.
I’m still gobsmacked when Elliott checks me from over his shoulder, a piercing smirk accompanying the wink he throws my way.
Great. Now I have someone else to watch out for. Except I can’t just easily fix this like I normally would. I need this job.
My life depends on it.