Page 25 of The Jack*ss in Class

Ophelia: What donkey thing?

Catalina: Don’t ask.

Rosalind: Can we focus? Some of us have actual work to do.

My phone buzzed again, this time with a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Same time, same place on Thursday?

I frowned. Had to be Flynn. How did he get my number? And why did that make my stomach do a weird little flip?

The donkey nudged my hand, leaving a tiny glitter smudge from his wings on my palm. I still needed to figure out how to get those off without hurting him.

Me: How did you get this number, Kingman?

Flynn: Parker. I like her. For tutoring purposes only, obviously.

Me: I’m not tutoring you.

Flynn: Study purposes then.

I glanced at the color-coded schedule Alice had created. Thursday after Shakespeare was my donkey-sitting shift.

Flynn: Actually nvm. Combine workout on Thursday.

I definitely didn’t feel disappointed. Not even a little.

Flynn: But I can do Friday. I’ve got weights in the morning, so after that?

Me: How do you know I’m not already busy? And I’m not hanging out with a stinky jock.

Flynn: Like I don’t already know your schedule? But fine, are you free on Wednesday? I promise to shower and douse myself in jock-scented body spray.

Me: Fine. But skip the spray. Coffee shop?

Flynn: Unless you’re scared to be seen with me in public.

Me: In your dreams, Kingman.

Flynn: Probably.

I nearly dropped my phone. Before I could process that, the family chat eruptedagain.

Freddie: MARIACHI BAND

Catalina: NO

Ophelia: What about a nice dinner? I’ll cater from the restaurant.

Freddie: While we all love Las Barditas food, just a dinner is BORING. This is AbuelaNovela we’re talking about. We need DRAMA!

Rosalind: I have classes to study for and don’t do drama.

Me: Dinner sounds good.

Catalina: With NO surprise entertainment.

Freddie: You’re all crushing my creative spirit.

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