Page 10 of Only ever you-Ana & Byron
"A* in PE and Geography," he announced, completely unbothered and not moving an inch. "A in English. Couple B's in Bio and Maths."
Ana raised an eyebrow. "So, you're strong, semi-literate, and moderately confused by numbers. Sounds about right."
He snorted. "Oi, I'll have you know that's a well-balanced academic profile. Can’t let my fans know how intelligent I actually am, aye?"
Gray reached over to clap him on the shoulder. "Not bad, lad."
Byron shrugged, "Could've been worse."
He leaned forward and pulled a small flask from his jacket pocket. "Right. Time to make this celebration proper."
Ana narrowed her eyes. "What is that?"
Byron grinned. "Bit of rum. Just a splash. We're all past 16. Practically pensioners."
Before anyone could protest, he unscrewed the lid and poured a dash into his own Coke, then topped up the others with a deft flick of the wrist. "Don't worry. Barely enough."
Cadi laughed. "You're going to get us arrested."
Gray raised his cup. "To not failing."
They clinked their plastic cups together, Ana more reluctantly than the others, and took a sip.
Ana winced, "That's foul."
Byron leaned closer. "Yeah, but you get used to it."
She shook her head.
They ordered two large pepperoni pizzas, garlic knots, and enough Coke to float Noah's Ark. Cadi and Gray were practically welded together, whispering and stealing kisses between bites. Ana pretended to be disgusted, but was actually feeling indulgent and maybe a little envious.
Byron leaned back, one foot propped on the edge of the seat. "So, what's the verdict then? A-Levels?"
"English Lit, History, French, and maybe Politics," Ana said, tearing off a piece of crust. "Journalism track."
"Course you are," he said, grinning. "I can see it now. Ana Bartolini, international correspondent. Sharp tongued hard arse."
Gray chuckled. "We're takin' Bio, Chem, and Maths. Med school or bust."
Cadi nodded, chewing. "I might do Psych as well."
Byron gave a mock salute. "Lovebirds goin' into medicine. I'm takin' PE, Bio, Psych, might chuck Geography in if I need a backup."
Ana narrowed her eyes. "Wait, you're taking Psychology?"
He gave her a toothy grin. "Yep. And I've got a brilliant plan."
"Oh no," she muttered. "Here we go."
"You should take it too."
Ana blinked. "Why?"
"Cause I need someone to copy off, obviously."
She rolled her eyes. "That is not a good enough reason."
"Come on," he said, nudging her with his elbow. "You love all that people analysis crap. You're already readin' everyone's minds half the time. Might as well get graded for it."
