Page 103 of The Forever After Bet

“That’s awesome. Congrats.”

“Yeah, congrats.” Ford holds his fist out for Landon, and he bumps it.

He goes to leave, but then sighs and turns back. “Chanel keeps texting me. She knows we have a couple of classes together. She wants to know if the rumor around the school is true, and if you and Ford are back together.”

I laugh. “Yeah, we are.”

“Sorry,” Landon rolls his eyes. “And congratulations. I’m glad you guys worked things out.”

“Thanks.”

Landon nods to Ford. “Congrats man.”

“Thanks.” Ford nods to him.

“What do think Bree will do when she find out?” I ask Ford.

“Realize I’m madly in love with you and leave me alone.” His phone buzzes, and he pulls it out of his pocket, looking at it. “So it begins.”

“Let me guess, our least favorite stalker, Bree?”

“Ding, ding, ding, you’re a winner. She texted me last night, letting me know she was back in town, and asked if I wanted to get together.” Ford rolls his eyes. “I didn’t bother to respond.”

“What does she want now?” I ask.

Ford hands me his phone. I just heard the stupidest rumor from Ella Garcia. She said you and Clark are back together. How hilarious is that?

“Good news travels fast.” I laugh, handing him his phone back.

His face lights up. “That’s exactly what I’m going to text her.”

“Oh, jeez.” I roll my eyes and pull my chemistry books and notebooks out of my bag. His phone vibrates again, and he scowls at it.

“Oh no. What did she say?” I ask.

Ford shakes his head and hands me his phone.

You can’t be serious. What about all the moments we’ve shared over the past month? The connection that we’ve felt. This kiss we shared before your first basketball game. I thought we were slowly making our way back together.

I don’t believe that you’re back with Hannah Clark.

You’re so much better than that.

You’re better than her.

You need someone who understands you.

The text messages keep coming. Finally, Ford takes his phone back, goes into Bree’s contacts, and blocks her number. “I’m done playing her game.”

I run my hand down his back. “I’m sorry you have to deal with her. It can’t be easy. You’ve handled it like a gentleman.”

“I’ve let it go on for too long. I’m sorry. I should have put a stop to it a while ago.” Ford shakes his head.

Mr. Kazansky calls the class to order.

Ford keeps his hand on my knee the entire class period. He leans over when the teacher is writing something on the board. “I miss your cheer skirt.”

“What do you mean? I’m wearing a cheer skirt.” Ford pulls at my red leggings and gives me a pouty face. “Poor baby,” I say. “What do you want to do for lunch?” I ask as the bell rings. “Leah texted and said that the school isn’t letting anyone leave to get food because of the weather, so it looks like everyone will be staying here.”

---