Before You Go

THIRTEEN

The following Monday, Noah and Jenna are having another strained exchange in front of Professor Sands’ class. I duck my head and try to shuffle by them again. This time, I’m nearly knocked over by Jenna as she pushes her way ahead of me through the door. I regain my composure and get to my seat.

Before class even starts, Jenna stands up and flings her designer school bag in a dramatic swoop that clears the surface of my desk and sends my papers flitting and my pencil rolling.

She doesn’t even look back—out of ignorance or arrogance, I’m not sure.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pick that up,” I mumble. “I’m invisible anyway.”

Funny thing, I’m not even upset. It doesn’t matter. I’m only buying time here, simply trying to get through each day. Nothing more.

“Aw, give her a break,” Noah’s voice snaps from behind. “She’s having a rough day,” he adds trying to come off laid back, but I can hear the irritation in his voice and I shiver. That familiar feeling of judgment and disdain is back and a stifling sadness washes over me.

I hate that he’s gotten under my skin.

“Who isn’t?” I say over my shoulder.

“Hey.” He touches my elbow. “Are you okay?”

Could this guy have any more crazy mood swings?

I turn to face him. “Yes, I’m great. Between your little speech at the bar and Jenna’s regular tantrums, it’s a complete pleasure to sit between the two of you.”

I start to turn back when he grabs my elbow.

“What do you mean my little speech?” He looks confused.

“You know, that I’m basically a slut with the way I act around men.”

Noah flinches as my words come out. “What?” He’s almost yells before he realizes it. “Tabby,” he whispers now. “I would never say anything like that.”

“Oh really,” I roll my eyes. “Because you did.” I whip back around in my chair. I don’t want to look at his perfect, judging face anymore.

But I can’t leave it alone. What he thinks does matter to me.

I turn back to him again. “And just so you know, you were the first and only guy I’ve ever brought back to my apartment. I have no interest in Foster, but Jules introduced us and it was nice to maybe count two people as friends in a city where my only social interaction is dinner with my parents. And that guy at the bar? He is my brother, you pretentious dick.”

And with that, I storm out.