Page 130 of Driftwood Daffodil 2

“Memphis?”

“You’re changing the subject?”

Oh my god.“Why is this so important to you?”

“Because, I hate seeing you shut off to the world.”

“I’m not shut off.” Stuffing my books in my bag, I shut the locker door. “I just expect disappointment.”

“What if Gio doesn’t disappoint you?”

Oh please.“Of course he will.”

He hadn’t yet. Gio had surprised me, pissed me off, and I kind of sympathized with him during a moment of weakness. Disappointment was just a step away. I was already disappointed in his stalking skills. Not to mention the lack of effort when it came to insulting me.

“Fucking Cindy Fassbender.”

“What was that?”

Shit did I say that out loud.“Nothing.”

“You’re still mad about Cindy?”

“I am not.” I totally was. “Now, can we drop this?”

Memphis held up his hands in defeat. “Fine,” then we headed down the hall for homeroom.

The topic was dropped as far as I was concerned. Then some girl stopped me in the hall.

“Nova!” She flung her arms around me in a quick hug that I was very uncomfortable with.

“You look great.”

No, I didn’t.

“I gotta run but we need to catch up.”

I didn’t even know who she was.

She rushed off down the hall and called over her shoulder, “I hope you and Atlee will come to my party this weekend.”

Seriously? That was still going around?

I hung my head with a frustrated shake. “When is that rumor going to die?”

“You could always tell people you’re banging Gio Mancini.” Memphis sang with a smirk.

My face dropped.

“What?” He shrugged. “I mean… you don’t like him, right? So, what does it matter if people know?”

Oh, it mattered. And he knew it mattered. “I hate you.”

“Awe.” He slung his arm over my shoulder. “Does the truth hurt?”

That’s it, I was going to poison him in chem class.

GIOVANNI

---