Page 120 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“I know it’s selfish, but I’m so glad you’re here.” A flash of vulnerability passed over his face.

“Look on the bright side. If the mixer is awful and you need an immediate escape plan, I can pretend to faint, and we can make a break for it.”

“Sofe, that’s not funny.”

“Joke. I was joking.” My stomach dipped.

Cole buried his hand in my hair and touched his head to mine. “Nothing about your illness will ever be a joke to me.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you. Sometimes, when I’m with you and things are so good, it’s easy to forget my situation.”

“All I need is you by my side tonight. That’s good enough for me.” He kissed my brow. “Do you mind if I take a quick shower and freshen up?”

“Of course not. I want to call Mom and let her know we got here safely anyway.”

“I’ll be back.” He kissed me again before grabbing his bag and heading into the adjoining bathroom.

I climbed up onto the bed and dug my cell phone out of my pocket, hardly surprised to find texts from Ashleigh and Poppy.

Poppy: What’s the hotel like? Is it a one-bed scenario? I hope you packed some pretty lingerie.

Ashleigh: So what was his dad like?

I quickly textedthem back and then called Mom.

“Baby, you’re there?”

“Yeah, got here not long ago.”

“And…” There was a hint of concern in her voice. My parents had been hesitant to let me stay overnight with Cole, but I’d broken Dad down once I gave him my puppy dog eyes. Besides, how could they say no to me given everything that was happening?

“It’s fine, Mom. His mom seems nice. She remembered me. His dad is… a bit of an ass.”

“Curtis Kandon’s reputation precedes him, so I’m not surprised.”

“He called me Sophie, on purpose.”

She scoffed. “Well, I hope you corrected him.”

“Of course.”

“Atta girl. Is your room nice?”

“It is.”

“And the sleeping situation?”

“Mom!”

“What, sweetheart? I just want to make sure you’re being safe.”

“We’re not… I mean… okay, I’m going to hang up now. Love you, bye.” I hung up and shook my head.

Of course she went there.

It was the motherandthe school guidance counselor in her.

I was hardly surprised when a text came straight through.

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