All I've Never Wanted(25)

“Yeah. Fun.” My shoulders slumped as I thought about coming home to my grandmother trying to force yet another mathematical genius/musical prodigy/future Bill Gates on me.

One thing was clear. I needed a plan, and I needed one fast.

* * *

“Yes, I received the package.” Roman strode into his bedroom and kicked the door shut behind him. “Just in time too, or you’d have been fired.”

Without another word, he snapped his phone closed and stared at the manila envelope in his hands. In it was everything he needed to know about Maya Lindberg, from her family’s annual income to what she ice cream flavor she liked best.

Maybe there would be something in there about why he couldn’t stop thinking about her even though she was more annoying than a splattered bug on his windshield.

“Screw it,” he muttered, opening the envelope with unnecessary violence.

As he scanned the papers though, a small, smug smile slowly made its way onto his face. Of course! He should’ve known. Nobody could be that resilient without some motivation.

“So, you’re a scholarship kid,” he murmured, a new plan forming in his head. Everything was so clear and simple now. If she was needy enough to get a scholarship, then clearly she was strapped for cash. She probably thought the best way to ease her money worries was to stand out and get the attention of the richest guy in school—aka, himself.

It was actually a pretty clever plan.

Roman narrowed his eyes. If that was the case, which he was sure it was, then making her surrender had just gotten a whole lot easier…

* * *

“I’m so screwed, V.” I flopped down on my bed and sighed heavily into the phone, wishing I could just transform into someone else until it was time to go to college. “I have enough problems at school without having to worry about my grandmother’s matchmaking. What am I going to do?”

Venice let out a loud sniffle, obviously still recovering from the flu. “When is she coming again?”

“Next weekend.”

“And she’s staying for how long?”

I let out another sigh. “My mom said ‘a bit’. I have no idea what that means.”

“Hmmm…”Venice sounded thoughtful. “Well, I think the solution is pretty obvious.”

I immediately sat up straight. “Really?” I asked eagerly. “What’s the solution?”

“Just have someone pretend to be your boyfriend!”

My face fell in disappointment. “Venice, can you come up with a plausible solution? How am I supposed to find a fake boyfriend? Everyone hates me!”

“Well…they don’t hate you…”

I snorted. “Yeah, uh…you weren’t at school this past week.” The instant the words left my mouth, I regretted it. I didn’t want to make Venice feel guilty for not being there. I mean, it’s not like she could help it—she had the flu.

Venice was quiet for a moment. “I know,” she said, sounding slightly tearful. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you out, really! I know it must’ve been hell for you but—“

“V, it’s ok,” I interrupted, feeling quite guilty myself. She was a good friend, and I didn’t want her to think otherwise. “It’s fine. I can handle it.”

Venice sniffled. “I know you’re strong Maya, but—I just—“ She let out a loud sigh. “You’re—you’re not going to withdraw from school, are you?”

“No way in hell!” I answered vehemently. “I’m not going to let Roman Fiori have that satisfaction.”

“Well, if you survived this long, I’m sure they’ll get bored soon,” Venice pointed out, sounding hopeful and relieved. “And then it wouldn’t be so bad.”


“I guess. Right now, I’m more worried about my grandmother. You’ve never met her, but let me tell you, Asian grandmothers are not to be messed with.”

“Just take my advice and find a fake boyfriend!”

“Like who?”

She paused. “Well…that cute guy from the party, James, asked for your number…”

I was horrified. “You want me to ask James to be my fake boyfriend? I barely even know him!”

“So? It’s not like you’re really dating! Although you guys would make a cute couple.”

I rolled my eyes. Venice never got tired of trying to set me up with someone.

“By the way, did he ever call you?”

“Oh. Uh…yeah,” I admitted reluctantly. I still haven’t told her about my little adventure with Roman and Carlo today.

“And?! What happened? Give me all the details!” Venice gushed, sounding completely recovered at the mention of the phone call.

I had no choice but to recount the story of what happened this afternoon. Knowing Venice, she was going to find out anyway.

“Wait, you went to Roman Fiori’s house?” she squealed when I’d finished. “And Carlo Tevasco gave you a ride home? Maya, that’s great!”

I pulled the phone away from my ear and stared at it.

Sometimes, Venice just amazed me. She really did. “What part of being kidnapped is great?”

“That part where your kidnapper is the most gorgeous guy on earth,” she retorted. “Hey, maybe Roman or Carlo can pretend to be your boyfriend!”