Page 99 of Tell No Lies

She looked at the group and shrugged. “I told Mike that you were unconscious and the EMTs were checking on you. I guess he spread the word, but I did tell Talia, Alexis, and Sean … they deserved to know!”

I fell into the seat and groaned. “I don’t want to get out and be hounded.”

“They do it because they love you. Now come on, we’re going to be late.”

My door opened before I could reach for it. Mike bent down, looking at me. “Are you alright? I’ve been so worried.”

I grabbed my bag and took his hand, allowing him to help me out of the car. “Thanks. I’m just fine. Sorry I didn’t call you back. I didn’t look at my phone last night at all.”

He shut the door behind me and put his arm around my shoulders. “No problem. I just wish I could have been there for you.”

I smiled up at him as we walked toward the buildings. I was trying so hard not to get annoyed by people worrying about me. I wanted to say I could take care of myself, but after last night, that was obviously not true.

I let him guide me through the crowd of students and into our math class. When I sat down, Nick, the boy who sat in the row next to us, shot me a questioning look.

We leaned toward each other, meeting in the aisle.

“What’s up?” I whispered.

He followed my lead and whispered back. “Are you and Mike dating?”

My head shot back. “No, why do you ask?”

“I heard some of his friends talking about you two like you were a couple. Then you walked in with his arm around you. Looks like you are.”

I bit my bottom lip, thinking. Why would his friends say that? Did Mike think we were? “We’re just friends, Nick.”

He shrugged slightly. “Whatever you say.”

We both sat back and looked to where Mr. Cox was beginning class. I hoped this would be the first time he decided to actually teach. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone, and I wanted a few minutes to think about things.

No luck. Of course, the one time I wish I had a normal teacher, I’m in this class. I pulled out a notebook and flipped it open. Maybe if I pretended to be busy, Mike would take a hint. Yeah, right.

“What are you working on?”

A plan to escape.

“I’m just catching up. I didn’t get a chance to do any homework last night.” I continued to look down at my desk, avoiding his gaze. I grimaced at the approaching sound of his desk scraping against the tiled floor.

“What are you working on? I’ll help you.”

I snuck a peek out of the corner of my eye and saw a wide smile. Why did he have to be so nice?

I tapped my notes with my pencil. “Chemistry. We have a worksheet due. And I have to write a chapter summary for history.”

“You’re in AP, right? I’m no help there, but I can help you with the worksheet. I’m taking chem too.”

Nice and helpful. Maybe I was being a brat wanting to ignore him. I pulled out the worksheet and sat it between us. When I glanced up, he was watching me. His dark brown eyes shone when they met mine. His permanent smile was contagious. Maybe people thinking we were dating wasn’t the worst thing that could happen.

He was all business as he helped me with the worksheet. After a few minutes, Nick caught my eye and raised an eyebrow high, as if challenging me. My denial probably seemed even less convincing now. Narrowing my eyes at him for a second, I looked back at my homework, trying to ignore him.

☼ ☼ ☼

After second period, I walked out of the gym with Cassie. We were talking about the weekend and planning what to bring when Mike ran up to us.

“Hi, ladies. Cassie, do you mind if I steal Aubrey?”

Cassie rolled her eyes and smiled at me as she turned and headed toward her next class.