Page 32 of How We Loved

“Of course I am. Life is wonderful. I have a boyfriend, and I’m here with you. What could make this any better?”

“Us not having to go to school today and maybe sitting by the lake on a warm, sunny day instead of the dreaded winter that’s coming soon?” Ben replies.

I slap his arm as I laugh. “Yes, that all sounds amazing, too, but we have to live in reality and not a fantasy world.”

He pouts as he puts the truck in gear. “But I like my fantasy world better.”

I shake my head, turning up the radio as we drive to school.

Once we’re in school and make our way to the couches, Ben takes his spot and grabs me to sit on his lap. A question of me sitting here like this while I have a boyfriend flashes through my mind, but I quickly dismiss it. Ben doesn’t count as a guy in that way—never has.

“Natalie, guess what,” I singsong in my most thrilled voice.

“What?” She matches my enthusiasm.

“We’re officially boyfriend and girlfriend!” I bounce with excitement.

“Are you as happy as she is about this news?” Dalton asks Ben, who immediately flips him off and doesn’t respond.

“He’s fine with the news,” I answer for him, then turn back to Natalie. “He told me, ‘This is official. You’re mine from here on out,’” I squeal with joy.

“I’m so happy for you.” Natalie wraps her arms around me.

“Girls actually like that shit? Being claimed like an object and not a human being?” Ben asks.

“You would know this if you ever watched those girlie movies with me. An alpha male is hot,” I respond.

“An alpha male and an alpha asshole are two different things. Be careful he doesn’t change from one into the other,” he deadpans.

“Oh, stop.” I slap his chest.

“I’m happy for you, Maya,” Eli says, to my surprise.

I turn to him. “Thank you, Eli.” I look back at Ben. “See? He’s happy for me.”

Ben tilts his head to see Eli better. “Whose side are you on?”

Eli laughs, shaking his head, but doesn’t respond.

“Whatever. Change of subject.” Ben looks at Dalton, then Eli. “Have you guys seen the new Econ teacher? What’s her name? Miss Hernandez? Goddamn! Why did I have to have Government this semester and not Econ first?”

Eli stands with a jolt and walks away, leaving Ben’s question in the air, like he didn’t even hear that it was asked.

We all watch him walk away, then glance at each other in question as Dalton replies, “Natalie, Eli, and I have her for second period.” He places his hand on Natalie’s thigh. “And I’m going to plead the Fifth on my thoughts of her.”

“Good idea,” Natalie teases him, then grabs his hand. “Let’s get to English before anything else is said about a teacher being hot.”

Dalton follows her, but as he walks away, he gives Ben knucks, signaling he agrees with Ben’s statement, which makes me laugh. These guys know no boundaries when talking about hot girls.

“I’m out of here too.” I stand, then remember. “Oh, and I won’t be able to do matching costumes with you for the party anymore. I’ve asked Trevor to go with me.”

“This day just keeps getting better.” He stands with a huff. “We always go in matching costumes.”

“No.” I hold my finger up to him. “Two years ago, you were dating Michelle, and you two went together, leaving me to fend for myself. So, now, it’s your turn.” I grin up at him. “See ya!” I turn to leave.

“Not fair!” he yells after me. “That was one time.”

I laugh and continue my walk to first period without turning around to acknowledge his comment.

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