Page 65 of Treasured Secrets
Jay shook his head after a beat. "I can't go. I'd have to take Ayla, because I can't leave her for too long yet, and I'm an electric. If anyone was to say anything about her that made me mad, every light bulb in the house would blow. It'd be fortunate if no one got electrocuted."
It was very frustrating how close two soul mates had to stay after the initial acceptance of the connection. I did, however, understand his point. So then I turned my attention to Gear. "How about you?"
He frowned. "I would, Aria, but I have to go check out some leads tonight. Everett is guarding you tonight. Why don't you just go with him?"
I rolled my eyes. "I don't think he likes me very much. I'll just ask Ash. Maybe she can go with me."
"She has to meet up with some other blazers for training tonight. And before you think about Aster, she and Chris have plans as well. You may have to go solo tonight," Jay said, shrugging.
I sighed in aggravation. "I'd rather not. I can only imagine the things that would be said if I showed up alone after all the guy drama I've had at school. I already get tired of hearing what the hyenas have to say when I have somebody with me, let alone when I'm by myself."
Jay scowled, his face reddened, and I heard at least two light bulbs shatter in the chandelier that was growing tired of its stress.
"I changed my mind," he said through gritted teeth, a few more bulbs bursting to add drama. "I'll go and take care of them. Then you won't have to worry about them anymore."
I rolled my eyes again and handed him the broom, agitated by the fact I was finding normalcy in the chaos.
"No. That won't be necessary. I'll just find someone else... Maybe."
"I'll take her," a new voice interjected. "I don't have anything else to do tonight. I'll make sure no one has anything wise to say either. I've got enough swagger for a social function."
Jared's Irish accent was a little richer than it had been the day before, making him a bit too swoon-worthy. I guessed he normally dialed it down.
I turned to face him, feeling a little exposed. It was embarrassing for people to know I was a big pathetic target for the Twisted Barbie Club.
"You don't have to do that. I'm sure a high school party isn't exactly what you'd planned on doing while you're here."
He leaned up against the wall and smiled at me, warming me with his charming grin. "I think I can handle a high school party just fine. Besides, I'm getting bored. I've always been a sucker for a damsel in distress."
Just what I needed. Someone else's pity.
Gear grumbled a little. "You know the rules, Jared."
Jared just laughed. "You have got to lighten up. I know the rules. I'm just helping the girl out. She really shouldn't have to go alone. Mortals girls are vicious, you know."
Gear smiled at him and let out a bit of a laugh. "Fine."
Then Jared winked at me. "I'll pick you up around seven?"
I laughed slightly at his obvious joke, considering he was staying on the floor just below me. "Sounds good."
Chapter 15
Mean girls
Whoever said 'these are the best years of your life' must have been popular. It's not that way for everyone.
I walked down the stairs in a tight pair of jeans that tucked into my boots which came up to my knees. I had on a white shirt that fell off one shoulder just slightly.
I put my coat on and started looking around for Jared. But I heard him before I saw him.
"High school dress code is a lot different than what it was when I was in high school." His eyes caught mine while he rapidly descended the staircase. Then he continued. "I might've shown up to class a bit more if all the girls had looked like that."
He winked at me before giving me his best that's-right-I'm-cute-and-you-know-it grin.
I tried hide my blushing cheeks by turning away before speaking. "Thanks for going with me. I apologize in advance for anything that might be said. Some of these people are jerks."
Jared's hand moved to the small of my back as he held the door open for me. "Why don't you just tell your mom what's going on? I'm sure she'd let you skip these sorts of events if you did."
