Page 89 of Would You Rather
I grimace, wiping a hand down my face. “Jesus, Mom. Can you not say it like that?”
She lets out a laugh. “But he’s strong, Lucas. You know that. He’s stronger than all of us, and he’ll be fine.”
“Okay,” I relent. “But what about you? You needed me. Adrianna needed me.”
My mom scoffs. “Adrianna is a teenager. She’ll always need you. But we don’t want you to give up thinking about yourself for us.” Her words mimic James’ from the night of the gala.
I always thought this was the only path for me. Get a job that paid well and take care of my family, even if it stopped making me happy a while ago. Actually, I don’t think it ever did. I was good at what I did, but it didn’t bring me any joy or challenge me in any way, and I was tired of thinking it was all I had to offer.
“So, if I wanted to go back to school,” I suggest. “How would you feel about that?” My heart starts to race, anticipating what she’ll say. Honestly, it’s something I’ve wanted for a while, and after talking to Madeline and knowing that I could be better for her, I know it’s the right decision.
Her eyes widen, and a smile appears on her face. “Don’t play with me,” she says, pulling me in for a hug. “That would be amazing, Lucas.”
I chuckle, tightening my arms around her, my shoulders dropping from relief. “It’s all thanks to Madeline. She’s the one that talked me into it.”
My mom’s smile matches mine when she pulls back. “I really like that girl,” she says.
“Well, that’s good since she’s my girlfriend and all.”
My mom grins. “I called it from the beginning.”
“You just said she was pretty.”
“She’s beautiful,” she agrees. “But that’s not what I was talking about. I knew she’d be good for you.” She smiles, patting my cheek. “It’s nice to see you with a girlfriend insteadof having those horrible headlines with all of those different girls.”
My body turns hot at the memory. “That won’t ever happen again.” I won’t let it. Madeline is the only girl that will be seen with me from now on.
“Good,” my mom says. “You know you’re falling for her, right?”
I let out a laugh. “Sim, Mãe. Eu sei.”Yes, Mom. I know.
I already have.
Chapter 30
First date... kinda
“You cheated.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “I did not.”
His eyes are on the road as we drive. I glance outside, wondering where the hell he’s taking me since there’s nothing around us. He hasn’t told me where we’re going yet because that was part of the deal. If he got more likes on a post than me, he would have a whole day where he had control of me without me planning it in my planner.
And he won.
“I don’t understand how you won.”
He smirks, lifting a shoulder. “The picture I posted was of you. Sounds about right that it would get more likes.”
I cross my arms, my lips lifting with a smile from his words, but I’m still pissed. “Question number sixteen. Where are we going?”
He lets out a chuckle. “That’s not how this works. The deal was I’m in control. Just trust me, and relax,princesa.”
The nickname makes me shiver, and I smile, attempting to hide it. “So you’re really not telling me what we’re doing?”
A smirk appears on his lips as he glances at me. “Legs up,” he tells me, patting his thigh. I lift my feet and lay my legs on his lap. “You’re getting the princess treatment today.”
I press my lips together to stop the grin from sprouting. “I honestly thought I’d win. I was looking forward to having you do anything I say for a whole day.”
