Page 81 of Driftwood Daffodil

Sighing, I looked over at the log still laying in the grass.

“Keep him quiet,” I muttered and stepped out onto the street. “I have yard work to do.”

NOVALEE

Determination coursed through my veins with every step I took. My tolerance level was so far gone at this point that nothing would’ve stopped me from going over to where Gio was parked. He was up to something.

Memphis could call me paranoid all he wanted, but I knew better. I could feel it in my gut. The feeling was hard to explain. It was kind of like a dark cloud hanging over me that started when I walked into the Twilight Zone version of St Agatha’s.

Not one single person so much as shot me a dirty look. That was just eerie and wrong. I woke up every morning to a scolding either because I was running late or Maw Maw didn’t like my choice of outfit. That wasn’t much of an issue now.

The stupid uniform hanging on the back of my bedroom door took care of that, but still… I didn’t go to school to have an easy time and learn things without being tripped or picked on. I was a teenager god damnit. Make fun of me.

Not to mention my position in the pecking order was way below invisible and left alone. And it certainly wasn’t anywhere close to being hit on by Atlee Fiore. And not well, I might add.

Seriously, how did that guy get so many girls? Was it his spicy cologne or stupid smile, because it certainly wasn’t his pickup lines. And after all that bullshit, I had to come here, to church, and clean up while Gio sat across the street and watched.

Asshole.

There I was, trapped under the hot sun, sweating my ass off while he sat comfortably in his air conditioned vehicle. The only cool air that my truck had, came from the little fan on the dashboard that needed a slap to turn on. The water bottle was funny though. Gio didn’t like that much.

I could see that vein in his forehead from across the street. Apparently I had a good arm. That was a decent throw. Maybe I’d try out for baseball? I wasn’t much into sports, but I wouldn’t complain about having a bat to beat Gio with.

My eyes locked on the shiny navy hood as my shoes smacked against the asphalt and I stormed forward.

The icing on my day of disturbing things was when Atlee and Darious showed up and joined Gio. That’s when I decided that whatever they were doing, it would end now. I was going to stop it. Nothing would deter me.

I was going to march over there and show them that I would not be pushed around. Even if I had to put my fist through the window to do it.

When the driver’s door opened and Gio stepped out, I did falter a bit though. He was a big guy. The sun was literally blocked out by his form. I was a measly little ant compared tohim. But I still had fists, and he had nuts. What was that saying? The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

My hands balled at my sides.

I was a strong confident woman… well the strong part might be a stretch, and Memphis would argue the woman factor, but I was confident that I could do this!

Gio’s piercing emerald eyes darkened as he strode forward.

Okay maybe I was a little less confident now. For a second I swore I felt the ground vibrate with his step, but I could still do this. Who needed confidence when they had anger and hatred? Although he did look a little extra murderey today. That wasn’t a benefit to my side. Kind of wished I had another water bottle.

Continuing on my march I tipped my head at Gio’s black slacks and white button up shirt. He didn’t bother to go home and change after school. Would he get in trouble if he had to replace his uniform? My nails were long enough to tear a shirt. Or I could try another tactic. Like distract him with my boobs.

While they were a pain in the ass, boobs were a fantastic distraction device. Men got this blank look when cleavage was visible, including Memphis – who had absolutely no desire to touch them – but he did look. Maybe they had magical powers?

Mine probably didn’t have as much magical properties department, and I didn’t really have an abundance of cleavage. Not like Cindy. I really hated her right now, with her perky chest and full cleavage. Oh and I couldn’t forget her ability to suck, in more ways than one.

Bitch.

Sighing, I looked back at the imposing form coming my way.

Alright, nut punch it is.

I readied myself as the gap between Gio and I closed. Rolled my shoulders back, firmed my balled up fists, and opened my mouth to tell him off. This was it. I was going to stand up to this prick. Except Gio walked right past me. He just went right on bywithout so much as a twitch in his steady stride, as if I wasn’t there.

What just happened?

Why would he do that? Gio knew we were about to have a confrontation, and as far as I could tell he enjoyed those. He didn’t walk away from them. I did. Gio Mancini didn’t get to use my tactics.

Well, I guess there’s only one thing to do.

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