Page 27 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

LUCA & SUMMER

13

SUMMER

Ithought he’d never leave. It sucks being at my first college party under my brother’s watchful eye. Nobody has even glanced in my direction because of him, and I’m seriously pissed.

To make matters worse, I’m playing third wheel with Siri and Jack and obviously all they want is to be down and dirty with each other.

Jack’s a gentleman. I already sense that and he is giving off protective vibes over Imogen. I’ve seen the way he’s studying her interaction with Jesse and even Siri is concerned.

“What’s the story regarding Jesse?” I innocently ask and the closed expression on Jack’s face tells me something serious is going down.

“It’s complicated.” Is all he says and Siri sighs.

“Jesse is seeing someone who isn’t, well, one of us. She’s bad news and despite everyone warning him against her, he goes there anyway.”

“He doesn’t appear bothered about this woman right now. In fact, I’m guessing he’s over her already, judging by the way he’s gazing at Imogen.”

Jack’s eyes flash and his frown deepens. “I should intervene.”

“Don’t you dare.” Siri snaps. “Imogen may be the perfect one to change his direction and we all want that, right?”

“Not at Imogen’s expense.”

Jack makes to approach the happy couple and I pull him back with my words.

“I’ll go. Perhaps interrupting them will be the break they need. Imogen won’t be upset either because if she’s anything like me, if she had an inkling your were interfering, she would be even more determined to go there.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Jack sighs and Siri takes his hand with a smile.

“Leave this to Summer, Jack. She’s a Majerio and takes no shit.”

As I walk away, I smile to myself. Yes, I am a Majerio and I’m not Frankie’s sister for nothing. We grew up under the same cloud and now he’s gone the night is mine and I’m not wasting a second of the unexpected freedom he’s gifted me.

“Hey.” Imogen’s face lights up as I approach the happy couple.

“Summer, have you met Jesse?”

“Not officially.” I smile. “You’re Frankie’s friend. But I won’t hold that against you.”

He grins and I can tell why Imogen is falling fast for his charms. His lopsided grin is straight from a rom com and his cheeky wink would melt the heart of most girls. He is also incredibly good looking, his hair lighter than I’m used to, almost blonde and tousled on top and shorter at the sides. His green eyes twinkle with mischief and his muscles ripple under the tight t-shirt he should really replace with a bigger size.

No wonder Imogen is mesmerized by him and I’m guessing his charm offensive is designed to charm her into his bed. I’mnot a fool. I know these guys and the last thing I want is Imogen to be another notch on some bad boy’s bedpost.

“Fancy some air?”I ask her, and she hesitates as she glances at Jesse and then smiles. “Sure. Air would be good.”

Jesse shrugs. “I’ll catch you later.”

His eyes flash with disappointment, but I couldn’t give a fuck. Jack and Siri are concerned about his attention on Imogen and a few minutes apart may be enough to dim his interest.

We head outside and we are not alone. Groups of students are sitting on the grass, smoking, chatting and tearing through the alcohol as if they found an oasis in the desert. There are a few fire pits burning that cast a welcome glow in the night sky and we drop down into two seats that are newly vacated as their occupants drift back inside.

“Jesse seems nice.” I get straight to the point and Imogen nods, a dreamy expression in her eyes.

“I like him.”

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