Page 15 of His Fearless Guy

“Why’d she mess with Ruby?” There’s nothing Cassie should be jealous of when it comes to that girl. Ruby dresses in bigbaggy sweatshirts and is known as the biggest loser in our grade. She’s not a threat to Cassie, who up until today was the most popular girl at our school. But it looks like that will no longer be the case. As soon as Kyler throws down the gauntlet, it’s done. I’ll be more than happy to ice the girl out. I can’t stand her anyway. Wanted to give Chase a standing ovation when he broke up with her the other day.

“Who the fuck knows. I’m sure we’ll get the details at the party tonight.”

This is exactly why I’m not interested in dating any of the girls at our school. They’re all bitches.

“Well, good fucking riddance to her,” I tell him. Now, if we can just get rid of the rest of them. Give Taya and Mindy the boot too. Then I’ll be able to enjoy my lunch in peace. Seeing Taya rubbing all over Baylor was killing my appetite. My hunger was replaced with jealousy. Then look where that got me. I was whipping out my phone and sending him a damn text. And then… I shake the thought and open my textbook. I can’t go back down that rabbit hole again. I need to forget it ever happened.

“So, are you excited about hanging with Tierney tonight?”

“Yeah.” I nod. Fucking thrilled. I’ve got to clear this shit out of my mind, and that girl looks like she might do the trick. She’s gorgeous, and according to Bren, she’s up for a good time, so I’m hoping she’ll be the cure I need. And that after tonight, everything will go back to normal. Fingers fucking crossed.

10

Ryeson

“So where are you going to school next year?” I ask the girl whose nose has been glued to her phone since the moment she sat down at the table— talk about rude. If she were texting with family, that’d be one thing, but it looks like she’s on her social media, replying to comments.

“I’m not going to school next year.” She looks up, finally gracing us with her attention. “I’m taking a gap year and just traveling around. I want to grow my social media following and become an influencer, so I’m hoping I’ll get big enough next year that my parents won’t force me to go to college.”

Yeah, I can already tell I’m not interested.

“Well, I hope that works out for you.” I smile and shift my attention towards Willow. “What about you Willow? Where will you be headed next year?”

“I’-I-I’m…” she’s struggling to get the words out, and now I feel bad for putting her on the spot.

“She’ll be at ASU with me,” Brennon answers for her, giving her a reassuring smile while that cousin of hers rolls her eyes.Tierney’s not even trying to make a good impression. Five minutes in and she’s already shown her true colors. Guess I should thank the girl for not wasting my time. Usually, I get sucked into the fake persona and don’t find out the truth until I’m four dates in.

“That’s awesome.” I nod. “I’ll be at Tennessee.” My grades weren’t as good as Baylor’s to get into Florida, so I ended up at my second choice. With how things currently stand between us, I think the distance will do us some good.

“Tennessee?” Tierney asks. “Orange is such an ugly color.”

Wow, I didn’t know I had to base my college decision on color. God, this girl is getting better and better. I give Bren a look, and he tips his chin in understanding, silently apologizing for my date. It’s not his fault. She was promising in the looks department, but I’ve learned you can’t judge a book by its cover.

To be honest, I don’t understand how Brennon’s girlfriend is even related to this girl. Willow is so understated and reserved. And seriously shy. Whereas her cousin is just like all the queen bees that go to our school. Dressed to the nines, the air of snootiness in everything she says, thinking she’s God’s greatest gift to men. But I’m not impressed.

“So, what’s your major going to be, Willow?” I don’t even bother giving Tierney’s comment light. The girl has proved the depth of her personality: shallow, and I have zero interest.

“Willow’s majoring in speech pathology,” Bren states, proudly. “My girl wants to prove to all the kids out there that they can overcome their challenges.”

Now, I completely get why Bren’s interested in her. Not only is she pretty and sweet, but she’s smart and actually gives a shit about others. I smile, reaching my hand across the table to give her a fist bump.

“Mad props. That’s really awesome.”

“How are you going to teach kids how to speak properly if you can’t?” says the girl who may actually be worse than Cassie. Did Tierney really just say that? They’re supposed to be family. Yet, I’m getting the impression this girl doesn’t care about anyone except herself.

Poor Willow. Her cheeks have turned bright red, and when she goes to speak, she’s struggling even more. “Th-th-there are dif-dif-fer-ent j—j-jobs w-wi-th-thin th-th-the f-f-field.”

Bren tenses by my side, which is understandable. If I were him, I’d be fuming from the ears and telling Tierney off. But I get that he’s stuck, not wanting to cause problems with his girlfriend’s cousin. I, on the other hand, am not worried about offending anyone.

“It’s seriously awesome going into a field like that.” I nod. “It’s definitely more noble than posting a bunch of videos of yourself every day.” My stare goes right to the one who’s bristling at my comment, looking like she just ate something sour. I should take a snapshot of her face and tag her in the photo. See what her followers think of her bitch-face.

“I think I’m going to pass on the party tonight,” she states as if she thinks it’s a jab. I hate to break it to her, but her attempt of rejection failed. I was done with the girl from the moment she sat down.

“Yeah. That’s a good idea.” I nod. “You’ll still come though won’t you, Willow?”

Bren’s entire reason for setting me up on this date was so that Willow would agree to come tonight. He was nervous she wouldn’t know anyone, but now she’ll at least know me. “Everyone’s stoked to meet you,” I add.

“Y-y-yes, I w-w-will c-c-come.”

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