CHAPTER 90

  We may have an understanding now, some honesty, and a clear boundary, but it doesn’t change my feelings for him. Doesn’t stop me from feeling some kind of way when he’s close, especially now he’s treating me differently. If anything, his new ‘treat Kayla sweetly’ is making it worse. I don’t know how to act around him or what to say.

  “If you’re sitting there until we graduate, I have one request.” I go back to organizing my books and pencils, my back to him so I can’t see him anymore. My good old class president persona in place and hiding all urges to flutter my lashes at him. Melt like sticky goo.

  “What is it?”

  “Do some actual work. Pull up your grades if you don’t want to be shipped off to London. I’m not helping you anymore. Stop adding pressure when I already have enough of my own.” I say it softly, with no malicious intent in what I’m saying but sheer honesty. I won’t be his ticket to stay. If he wants to be here like he said he does, he can work for it himself.