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CHAPTER1
Monroe
14 YEARS OLD
“Stay awayfrom those Masterson boys, baby. They’re nothing but trouble.” My dad uttered these words to me my whole life, but he didn’t know Nixon like I do. And like a bad habit, I can’t shake him. He is a flirt, sexy as sin, and all mine… Well, as much as he can be. He is my best friend, and we can’t cross those lines.
Clutching the flyer between my fingers, I slip on my Gucci glasses as I scan the school yard. BurBay Prep Middle School is depressing. Instead of freely expressing ourselves, we have to wear these vintage uniforms. I’m pretty sure it’s the same one my mom wore back in her days. Gross red plaid skirts—black slacks for the boys—unflattering white button-down shirts, stereotypical red ties, and black blazers with the school’s emblem on the front. The only choice we had in the matter were our shoes. Most opted for black heels, but not me. How basic of everyone to be so unoriginal. I chose to wear red heels with a gold buckle on the sides to match my headband. Subtle but classy.
The sun is beating down on my skin as I look for one person. The whole reason I have this flyer in my hand. The first dance of the year. I knew who I wanted; the question is, does he want me too?
Finally, I spot him leaning against a tree. Floppy blond hair. Not the in-your-face kind of yellow but the ashy blond most women paid hundreds for. His blazer is thrown over his shoulder and his tie is loose as he leans into… fucking Leslie. She is everything I am not. Her skirt is two inches too short, her hair neatly combed to her shoulders in black waves. She doesn’t have basic eyes like my brown ones. Oh no, hers are an exotic gray. She’s smiling up at him as he grins down at her. My skin blazes and my eyes turn to slits.
“Careful, Roe. Your jealousy is showing,” Easton speaks into my ear, throwing his arm around my shoulders. “And it’s not a good look on you.”
I scoff, throwing his hand off me. “Get lost, East. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I pick invisible lint off my blazer. He chuckles, pushing his hands through his light brown hair. Easton is family. Not by blood but in every way that matters. Like a pesky little brother I couldn’t shake. See, our families own this town. Our elite little family is made up of the McKnights, the Mastersons, the Davenports, and the Andrewses.
We all had roles to play and mine just so happens to be taking over my father’s oil business. Brylan Davenport and Jessica Davenport are sickly in love. It’s always gross when I catch them constantly making out like teenagers. I shudder at the thought, noticing Easton is still here.
“Don’t you have girls to go break or something?” I examine my nails, or it looks like I am. My eyes are solely on my best friend, Nixon.
He is currently twisting a lock of Leslie's hair around his finger. I grind my teeth together to keep from screaming. “I do, but—”
Easton is cut off as William speaks.“Monroe,” he says as he looks at me with a cheesy grin.
“William,” I reply, trying to not sound annoyed. He shifts uncomfortably, flipping his black hair out of his eyes.
“So, I was wondering if I could be your date to the dance?” he asks, a tint of red coloring his checks.
I’m about to turn him down when I look back at Nix. He leans in close, a whisper of a breath away from her lips. I see red. I look up to William, removing my sunglasses and batting my eyelashes. “I’d love to.”
His eyes widen. “Really?” He seems shocked, which in turn makes me laugh.
“Of course, William. Don’t be so frank.”
We exchange numbers and he hugs me before walking away. Easton whistles low. “Nix won’t like this,” he speaks low, shaking his head at me.
I didn’t care what Nixon Masterson would or wouldn’t like. He is my best friend, not my daddy. He’d get over it. As for my dad, well… at least it isn’t one of those Masterson boys. Those Masterson boys are trouble.
“Don’t you need to go get Ezra out of trouble?” I raise a brow and Easton smirks.
“I do in fact need to go grab her out of the principal's office. Thanks for reminding me.” He starts walking backward. “And I’ll get the popcorn.”
“For what?” I ask. Completely confused about his little comment.
“For the show, of course, Roe.” He turns around, laughing at his own joke. Lord help the poor soul he decides to claim. Because he would be in fact claiming them against their will.I throw up a silent prayer for said poor soul.
I hurry to my car, but before I can shut the door, Nixon slips in beside me. “Hey, ma fille. What's shaking?” His stupid dimples pop out, almost melting my anger. Almost.
I don’t answer him as we move across town in the town car my family owns. It wasn’t unusual for Nix to catch a ride with me but somehow, I don’t feel the happiness I’m used to.
“So, you hear about the dance?” Nixon asks, breaking the silence.
“Yep,”I clip out.
“So, you going to go?”he asks gently.
