Page 706 of Filthy Elites

“I don’t dislike him.”

“Could have fooled me.” Gwen slowed to a stop. “What happened? Did he steal your girl? Wreck your bike?”

Adrian ran for a few more strides before circling back to her. “Why are you bringing this up now? It’s ancient history.”

Gwen put her hands on her hips. “You owe me at least this much. Tell me what happened. What did Drew do?”

Adrian ran a hand through his hair. “He was fucking perfect all the time! That’s what he did.”

Gwen dropped her hands to her sides. “Your parents compared you to him.” She took a few steps toward the fork in the path that led to the lake. “Drew’s father always compared him to his older brother. Drew was never good enough, smart enough, or disciplined enough. Senator Maxwell treated Drew like crap our whole childhood. So much so, that Drew left home and didn’t return for years.”

“I didn’t know.”

“You two have a lot in common.” Gwen toed a stone on the path. “You and I also have a few things in common.”

Adrian arched a brow. “You and I?”

“Yeah. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about how horrific my parents are. Most of the rumors are probably true. As soon as I graduated from high school, I left home with nothing but the money I had saved from working odd jobs in high school and some clothes. I left my car, phone, and laptop there. I didn’t want anything to do with my parents or their support. I didn’t even have a place to stay.” Gwen watched him closely. “I had saved up enough for a beat-up old car with a gazillion miles and I still have it. It was the first big thing I had ever bought for myself.”

She paused. “You know, I even had to sleep in it a few times.”

Adrian rubbed the back of his neck. “You know.”

Gwen shrugged and focused on kicking at another stone. “You have options.”

Adrian gave a mirthless laugh. “It’s not your concern, Gwen. I appreciate you checking on me, but I’m good. No worries.”

“Dean’s brother paid for the house we’re all living in until the end of the year. It has five bedrooms and we’re only using three.”

“I’m sure your boyfriend would just love that.”

Gwen glanced at Adrian. “Drew doesn’t like people to know, but he’s got a big heart and he can’t resist helping people.”

“I don’t need his help. Or yours.” Adrian began jogging again.

Gwen started after him. “I didn’t mean to offend or upset you. I lived through what’s going on in your life. I know what it’s like to go from having more money than I ever needed to having nothing. It sucks and it’s freeing at the same time. Just think about it, please.”

Adrian slowed his stride. “Thanks for the offer, but I can’t.”

Gwen stopped and let him jog off. She had to tell Maggie she failed.

* * *

Greg was leaningagainst Kelsey’s car when she and Janie were finished with their classes for the day.

“Hello, Gorgeous. I was wondering if you wanted to get dinner tonight.”

Janie glared but didn’t say anything.

Kelsey smiled. “I wish I could, but I have to work.”

Something flashed across Greg’s face, but it was gone too quickly for Kelsey to determine.

“Don’t you get any time off?”

Kelsey crinkled her forehead. “Of course, I do. Things are busy right now.”

“Call out sick.”

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