Ever After (East Raven Academy Book 1)(71)

“Fine. If Jason gives you flowers and chocolate, you can give them to me,” Emma says.

“Bryce can buy you flowers,” Teagan replies.

“We broke up. You were there, remember?”

“And I was there the time before when you broke up. And then, the time before. Oh, and the other fifty times. You guys will get back together. You always do,” Teagan says. “I can imagine you guys being married one day, going to the divorce lawyer every other day.”

Emma rolls her eyes. “I might date Bryce again, but I am not marrying him.”

“You’d better not, because I refuse to be maid of honor if you do.”

“When we go to college, I’m going to date a super-hot guy,” Emma says. “And he is going to help me forget I ever dated Bryce.”

I sit down on my bed, enjoying their easy banter.

It’s easy to see why Teagan and Emma are best friends. Emma is a pretty cool girl when she’s not crying over Bryce. I wish I could see this carefree side of her more often. I hope she doesn’t waste her entire high school experience on him.

“What are you going to do about your boy drama, Phoenix?” Emma asks.

“I am attracted to Brooks, but I have a feeling he and I would fight, like, all the time,” I say. “Estaine is different. He was my friend first. He’s still my friend. We might eventually fight, but it won’t be over stupid things all the time.”

“I’d better be a bridesmaid in your wedding,” Teagan says. “Since I basically set you and Estaine up.”

I throw my pillow at her and it smacks her in the face before she can move out of the way.

“You guys do make a very cute couple,” Emma says.

“Thanks,” I say.

Even if we aren’t a real couple.





Tuesday, September 5





Finally together.





When I went to bed Monday night, I admit I was a bit worried that I would get kidnapped in my sleep. But when I wake up safely in my dorm room, I know that it was all in vain. I am safe at East Raven Academy.

Actually, I’ve always felt safe here. Of course, I felt safe in California until I got kidnapped.

Teagan is still sleeping when I leave for breakfast that morning. I heard her sneak into the dorm around two this morning, so I figure she’s exhausted. I’m so happy for her and Jason, that they’re finally together.

As I’m about to walk in, I spot Paige glaring at me.

This girl.

“Is one guy not enough for you?” she asks. “You’ve got to date Estaine and Brooks now?”

“I’m only dating Estaine,” I say, not that it’s her business. “It’s only ever been Estaine.”

“I saw the video. Everybody did,” Paige says. “I don’t know how you did it, but I’m watching you.”

“Okay,” I say. “Have fun with that.”

“You’re pathetic,” she says, shaking her head at me.

“Phoenix!” I hear somebody yell.

I look up and spot Ian walking over.

“Everything okay?” Ian asks.

I nod.

“You got a third boyfriend now?” Paige asks.

“If only,” Ian says. “She always turns me down. She and Estaine are sickeningly in love.” He turns so that he’s standing between Paige and me. He’s got his back to her, clearly excluding her from the conversation. “I think Estaine is already in there.”

The two of us walk towards the cafeteria together, and I am thankful for him.

“Thank you,” I tell him, after we get our food and start walking towards our table. “I can’t stand girls like Paige. I don’t know what her problem is, but she’s been ridiculous to me since she found out about Estaine and me.”

“Estaine says you’re into MMA and that you can kick his butt in a fight, so I’m not too worried about you,” Ian says, as we sit down. “That girl is a wimp. She’d be too scared to break a nail in a fight.”

“Who are you going to fight?” Estaine asks.

“Paige Lawson,” Ian answers for me. “She’s jealous that Phoenix is dating you.”

“Still?” he asks, looking at me.

“It’s not a big deal. I’ve dealt with mean girls before,” I say.

“I’ll take care of it,” he says defensively. “I’m not going to let that girl mess with you.”

“Don’t,” I say. “She’s just got a crush on you and is mad that you’re with me.”

I already know that he’s not interested in dating Paige. He made that very clear. If he was, I would gladly let him break up with me.

Well, maybe not gladly.

Having a fake relationship with a guy that I might kind of have a small crush on is hard. Because, while we are completely faking being together, my feelings don’t know that. And when he eventually does want to date somebody else, breaking up is going to suck.

“I wouldn’t give her the time of day, even if you weren’t here,” Estaine says.

“She’s always wanted Estaine. And Brooks,” Ian says. “They’re the only two guys that she can’t have.”