Page 119 of Last Christmas (Private 0.60)
over the looming buildings that dotted the grounds. In the eerie afternoon light, Easton Academy looked
deserted. Ariana braced herself against a sudden gust of wind, trying to ignore the feeling of dread that began
to weigh on her as she headed back toward Billings. She hadn't even thought about what she'd say when she
saw Noelle. Noelle, who could read her with a single glance.
Ariana steeled herself and headed into the wind. The next few months were going to be one big act. It
wouldn't be easy, she knew, but her hard work would pay off in September. In September, when she and
Thomas would finally be together for real. Forever.
219
NO GOOD REASON
***Ariana shifted uncomfortably in the vinyl booth, staring at the laminated menu in front of her. She had
agreed to meet Daniel for lunch after her morning class. Predictably, he'd chosen 24/7, an overcrowded diner
that served greasy burgers and fries to Easton Academy students twenty-four hours a day. In all the time that
she and Daniel had been together, they'd never tried another restaurant for lunch. Never mind the fact that the
only vegetarian dishes on the menu were the fries and a weak attempt at a side salad. He had never once asked
if she wanted to try something different. And she had never complained.
"Order up!" a cook yelled from behind the counter, startling her. She checked her watch. Daniel was ten
minutes late. She'd give him five more minute
s before she headed back to campus. They had been back for
less than a day, and already he was keeping her waiting.
"Hey, babe." Daniel appeared next to her, leaning down to give
220
her a quick peck. His lips were rough against her cheek. "Sorry I'm late. Coach wanted to see me after class."
He slid into the booth across from her and rested his hands on top of hers, giving them a squeeze. "Been here
long?" His cheeks were flushed from the cold.
Ariana shook her head, trying to shake the disappointment she felt at the very sight of him.
"I was running late too," she said with a small smile.
She lifted her hand to her chest, touching the subway token that hung on the chain beneath her cashmere
turtleneck, and searched Daniel's face for any sign that he knew. Nothing.
"Good." He pulled a menu from behind the silver napkin dispenser and opened it on the table. "God, it feels
good in here. It's freezing out there," he said, rubbing his hands together and blowing into them. "Did you
