Page 22 of Sweet Ruin

The teacher entered the room and called the class to order, bringing our conversation to an end. Unlike Luther, Kaden actually liked to listen in class, so while I was disappointed I wasn’t sitting with both the boys, at least I’d be able to get some work done today.

When class was over, Kaden and I walked to lunch together. Unsurprisingly, Noah spotted the two of us together as soon as we entered the dining hall. He gave Kaden a hard look making him grimace.

“Why do I feel like you’re about to have the world’s most awkward lunch?” I asked Kaden.

He swallowed. “Yeah, I better go talk with him. Enjoy the rest of your day, Isobel.”

“You too. And good luck.”

He gave me a parting smile before he walked over to his usual table. He sat at Noah’s side, and the two of them fell into quiet conversation. I would have loved to hear exactly what they were saying, and it looked incredibly serious. I really hoped Noah would be as understanding as Kaden expected.

“Why are you staring at Noah like that?” Cress asked as she stopped at my side. “He’s not being rude to you again, is he? You know I’m happy to talk to him…”

I realized I’d been watching his table for far too long, and I quickly dragged my gaze away. “Well, if you think it’ll be as effective as your talk with Kaden, then maybe you should.”

“What do you mean?”

“Guess who just made up with me?”

Her eyes widened as she looked between Noah’s table and me. Luther had joined his friends there now, and Veronica was also sitting with them. But Cress only had eyes for one boy. “Please tell me it was Kaden.”

“It was Kaden.”

She squealed so loudly several girls at a nearby table looked over in concern. They probably thought there was something wrong with her. I took her by the arm and guided her to our table.

“Seriously?” she asked as we took a seat.

“Yeah. I guess he acts fast when he’s going after something he wants.”

Her cheeks turned bright pink. “So, what did he say?”

“Just that he never wanted to ignore me, and he apologized.”

“Oh, that’s great.” She smiled softly and glanced down at her hands. I could see how much it meant to her that Kaden had made up with me.

“He also mentioned that he’s liked you for a while.”

“Really?” Her eyes darted up with surprise.

“Yeah. I knew there was no reason to doubt him. He said he was just nervous on the Ferris wheel at the carnival. So, I guess that explains why he didn’t throw himself at you. You make him nervous.”

She laughed quietly. “I think it might be the other way around.” There was a dreamy look in Cress’s eyes, and she couldn’t keep the grin off her lips, but her face suddenly grew more thoughtful. “So, what now? Do you think I should approach him or wait for him to approach me?”

“Maybe give him a chance,” I said. “I don’t think you’ll have to wait long.”

She blushed again and glanced at his table.

I followed her gaze, but instead of seeking out Kaden, my eyes were drawn to Noah. Veronica was Velcroed to his side as always, and something about the way she was grinning up at him felt forced. Noah had been so quick to accuse Wes and I of lacking chemistry, but I wondered if he’d considered how his relationship with Veronica compared.

His arm was around her, sure, and they were trading smiles, but I honestly didn’t feel like I could sense much attraction between them. Neither of them had the excited glow about them that shone from Cress at the mere mention of Kaden. And I was certain I couldn’t see the same intensity of feeling that had flowed between Noah and me when we were together. I wasn’t sure if it was wishful thinking or some baser instinct, but a part of me wondered if his relationship with her was just another way he was attempting to please his grandfather. Or another way to get to me.

Sawyer’s arrival at the table snapped me from my thoughts and drew my attention from Noah.

"Where’s Wes?” I asked once he’d said hello and sat down with us.

“School nurse,” he replied.

“What?” I gasped. “Is he okay?”

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