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“The feeling’s mutual,” Meredith said to my brother.
Axel looked confused, so I filled him in. “You called her a hottie. Everyone here has excellent hearing.”
He winked at her. “Thanks.”
I elbowed Axel again. “Down boy.”
The bell rang and everyone started filing out. “We’re going to head to class,” Meredith said. “See you last period?”
“Sure.”
They said their good-byes.
When everyone was gone, Mom smiled. “Meredith and the boys seem nice.”
“Totally.”
“What was that Shannon girl saying about teenage marriage?” Dad crossed his arms.
Oh sweet baby Jesus. This couldn’t be more embarrassing. “Don’t worry. I didn’t drink the Kool-Aid.” As I said that, Mr. Dawson and Dastien walked into the cafeteria. The room felt ten degrees hotter as I watched Dastien.
Boy did he make the Kool-Aid appealing.
Axel stepped in front of me, blocking my awesome view. “You’re supposed to be staying away from her. That was the deal. This is the second time I’ve seen my sister since you attacked her and both times you were there.”
I slapped Axel on his arm. “What the hell, dude.”
“Why don’t you go take over my class?” Mr. Dawson said to Dastien.
“I think that’d be best,” Dad said.
Dastien nodded and left without a word.
I wondered how much of him staying away from me had to do with his guilt and giving me time, and how much was everyone trying to keep us apart. “I know everyone thinks I’m fragile right now, but I’m okay. I think with everything that I’ve had to deal with, you should trust me to figure out the whole guy thing on my own.”
Axel got in my face. “You can’t actually want to date that guy. He attacked you—”
My cheeks burned. “Attacked is a bit of a harsh word for what happened.” I couldn’t stand by and let them think that about Dastien. “It was an accident.”
“And the next time he hits you?” Mom asked.
My mouth dropped open. Holy crapola. They thought I was in an abusive relationship? “Not you too. Everyone can calm down. No after school special needed here. I’m not really in any kind of relationship, so it’s fine.” I sat down in the chair, and everyone moved to take a seat around the table.
“It’d be best if everyone moved to the opposite side of the table from me and Tessa,” Mr. Dawson said.
I scowled at him. “I’m not going to hurt my family.”
He laughed.
My scowl must not have been as intimidating as I thought.
“It’s a necessary precaution if you want to continue this conversation,” Mr. Dawson said.
My family got up and moved across the table. The cafeteria was completely deserted. Even the staff had left, probably just in the kitchen cleaning, but it was enough to give me the feeling of privacy.
Which was essential because my blood was boiling. Keeping my cool was a struggle. Mr. Dawson had a point, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. “Look. I’m not saying I’m going to marry the guy—”
Mr. Dawson cleared his throat.
