Page 12 of Fast Break
Ihave to say there really is something kind of nice about starting the school week with advanced science class. There’s something even nicer about the fact JT just walked in with his cousin and immediately took the seat beside me.
Mr Peters hadn’t mentioned anything about having to sit next to our project partners for the rest of term but a quick glance around the class suggests everyone else has paired off. Trey has his arm around the back of Millie Bourke’s chair and part of me wants to roll my eyes at the predictability of that. But I don’t because I’m sitting next to his very lovely cousin, and I have nicer thoughts on my mind.
That nicer part of me also just wants to keep sharing those smiles JT is giving me as he shoots another shy glance my way while pulling out his books and laptop.
“Morning,” I say.
“Hi,” he replies, his voice a little breathy and doing things to me it has no business doing.
I want to keep talking to him. I want to keep him looking at me like that. I want to ask him about his weekend but Mr Peters walks in and that puts that idea to rest. He isn’t one to tolerate a whole lot and I like to keep on his good side.
I share one last sweet smile with the very sweet boy beside me and focus my attention on the teacher. Well, most of my attention. The other half is overtly aware of the very cute boy at my side. Not to mention the way he is currently biting into the tip of his pen.
“Good morning, everyone,” Mr Peters begins, perching on his desk at the front. “I didn’t realise we were filming scenes fromLove Islandtoday, Mr Sterling and Ms Bourke. If we could perhaps leave the adult entertainment to behind closed doors?” JT snorts out a laugh while I can’t stop rolling my eyes this time.
Mr Peters continues. “Now I’m sure you all would like some time to work on your class project this morning, but I hate to be the bearer of bad news when I say that you will need to arrange for most of the work to be done outside of class time.”
The class groans but neither JT nor I join in. I note the way he sits up straighter in his seat, flicking a glance my way.
“I promise to schedule in some class time starting next week but for now, please open to page eighty-nine of your textbook.” JT looks at me again and I shoot him a smile, pleased when he returns it, his cheeks slightly flushed and looking far too cute for a Monday morning.
“Can we meet up again tomorrow after school?” JT asks at the end of class.
“Sure,” I readily agree. “Do you want to come to my house again? I can give you a lift if you need.”
“Really?” he asks, that faint flush back on his cheeks. “I mean, only if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all,” I smile, wanting to put him at ease for some reason. I swear I am not usually like this but something about JT just makes me a little gooey on the inside, like I want to take him under my arm and look after him.
“Okay then,” he returns, toeing his shoe on the floor. He hasn’t made any attempt to move so I gesture towards the door, surprised when he falls into step beside me. It doesn’t last long, his attention quickly reclaimed by his cousin until he forgets all about me. I leave him behind only to be shocked when he calls out my name.
“Quinn? I’ll seeya tomorrow,” JT says as I glance back at him, sending a flicker of my fingers his way. I see Benson and Eddie ahead and I beeline towards them, kind of relieved to have somewhere to go.
Jace appears in the distance, and he is rushing towards us, excitement on his face that tells me he has news to impart. Jace lives for high school drama, and I cover my smile as he arrives in front of us, face slightly flushed.
“Did you guys hear? Chanel and JT totally hooked up on the weekend,” he gushes. My smile drops and I feel something tighten inside, something I don’t want to investigate too closely. I don’t know why I am surprised by this news but after all those sweet, shy smiles JT just shared with me, I guess I am. I always knew he was straight so I know I should not be concerned that he hooked up with a girl. It was always bound to happen.
“JT the new guy?” Benson asks, scratching his head. Unlike Jace, Benson does not keep up with the who’s who of Evergreen.
“Yep. Quinn’s straight boy crush,” Jace continues, bouncing on his heels.
“I do not have a crush,” I huff, crossing my arms defensively.
“My bad. The boy responsible for Quinn’s sudden, inexplicable interest in basketball then,” Jace presses on.
“Really?” Benson asks, concerned eyes flicking between me and Jace.
“I don’t have a crush. He’s just a friend,” I huff.
“Since when are we friends with the jocks?” Benson asks, confusion on his face.
“Hey, um, go on ahead without me,” I say, suddenly needing to get away so I can breathe. “I’ll meet you outside.”
“You okay?” Eddie asks, hand on my arm before I can bolt.
“Course,” I reply.
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Jace jumps in, face contrite.
