Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
I start to say something, but Josh warns me under his breath to let it go.
Mom lets out a huge sigh, just as Gracie changes the subject. “So any spring break plans next week?”
“I’m going to France for my sister’s wedding,” he smiles.
“Oh that’s wonderful,” Mom coos, and Dad nods. “Luci, you were there weren’t you?”
“Yeah, but not this part,” I hesitate. “Josh invited me to go too.”
Gracie voices her excitement as Mom’s fork drops.
“Luci,” Josh groans.
“She’s an adult, Sue,” Dad tells her. “She went to Europe when she was only 18. She probably knows it better than he does!”
I laugh, because there’s no way that’s true.
“Josh actually used to go all the time when he was a kid,” I offer, trying to bring up more about him. If they could only see how wonderful he is.
“I’m sorry,” Mom sighs, and my eyes widen. “I just need to know.”
Oh God here it comes.
“Sue,” Dad begs.
“I knew he had something to do with your change,” Mom sadly accuses. “That’s why I’m so upset about this. The year he was your teacher you changed, especially towards the end, and I can’t help but put two and two together.”
“Well-” Josh starts to explain.
“He did have something to do with it,” I jump. “The truth is,” I swallow, thinking of where I’m going with this. “I was the one who came onto him. He turned me down and it really upset me.”
Josh shoots me a look, and I ignore it.
“Luci,” Mom’s face falls. “Your behavior wasn’t healthy.”
“I know,” I take a deep breath. “I had a crush on him. I eventually told him, and he only wanted nothing to do with me. He turned me down and said maybe when I was older.”
Josh starts to say something, but I grab his leg, stopping him.
“I’m sorry,” Mom looks at him. “I didn’t realize.”
I exhale my relief; happy he’s going along with my story, but still nervous on what he’s going to say.
“I saw her when she came into school this past January,” he explains. “Knowing she’s older now, I asked her out on a date, and I apologize if that offends you in any way. I know my track record isn’t wonderful. I married young, and it didn’t work out. My life hasn’t been very drama-free, with, as you know, a kid that turned out to not be mine. I can’t change the past. You have a smart and beautiful daughter who brightens up everything and everyone around her. She loves and respects you both so much. I’m lucky she even looks at me. Please don’t tell her not to, because she will listen.”
My parents look at each other, and Gracie’s jaw drops. Josh grabs my hand under the table, and I think that did it.
He won them over.
~*~*~*~*~
The week before spring break I’m home sick from school. My parents actually have no problem with Josh coming by to see me regularly, and one night, they even ask him to stay for dinner. I’m floored by the turn of events these past couple of weeks have brought, but of course, don’t dare question it.
The day before break officially begins, Josh calls to come over after school, and I bound down the stairs, finally starting to feel better.
“Hey!” Gracie walks in just as I open the door, making sure it’s unlocked.
“Josh is coming over,” I tell her.
“Yeah, he’s right behind me.” I look outside, seeing his car turn into the driveway. I don’t bother shutting the door, enjoying the little bit of cool spring weather, watching as he gets out and walks inside.
“Hi,” he smiles, sweeping me into his arms. “Can I kiss you yet?”
I haven’t been letting him, not wanting him to get sick too, especially so close to our trip.
“Wait until tomorrow, just to be sure.”
He makes a face.
“Ugh, get a room!” Gracie complains.
“Oh my god, we’re not even doing anything!” I turn around to face her.
“Yeah, but you’re like all googly eyed and lovey, and it’s sort of making me want to vomit.”
“You know you can leave the room.”
“You’re sort of in the middle of the house,” she counters.
“Sorry,” Josh apologizes.
“You don’t have to apologize to her.” We’re still wrapped in our embrace.
“I’m still indebted to her,” he shrugs just as Gracie sticks her tongue out at me.
“Ugh,” I turn back to him. “I miss your apartment. It’s been forever.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to risk upsetting your parents,” he sighs. “They’re finally starting to like me.”
I roll my eyes. It’s ironic how he’s become such a goodie-goodie now.
“But I have fantastic news,” he smiles. “Brittney St. James,” he says her name, and already a horrified expression crosses my face, “is leaving.”
“What? When? How?” My eyes widen.
“At the end of the year,” he’s still smiling. “Best of all, you’re being offered her position. With schooling!”