Page 92 of The Surprise
And it falls in the bay.
Jackson’s mouth forms a big o shape. “Sorry.”
I have no idea what to say.
“Oh, no, dear, did you lose your phone?” My grandmother tuts. “Maybe we can stop in the middle of the tour today and find you a new one.”
I feel like sobbing. I want to run back to my room, but there’s no way they’ll allow it.
“You can use mine if you need to call someone,” Jackson says.
“Like I know anyone’s number,” I spit.
“Oh, right.” Jackson shoves his back in his pocket. “I really do feel bad.”
“Don’t bother,” I say. “Really.”
“Look.” He grabs my wrist. “I know I was a jerk last time, okay? I’m sorry about that. But we’re stuck together until tomorrow night. We may as well be friends.”
“What are you getting out of this?” I ask. “I’m only here because my parents will sign my college fund over to me if I stick out the weekend.”
He laughs.
“What’s funny?”
“I get a car,” he says. “Geez, they must really want us to hit it off.”
“Well, too bad for them.”
“Your grandparents are really rich,” Jackson says.
“I’m guessing yours aren’t exactly eligible for food stamps.”
Now that the air has been cleared, the rest of the day isn’t awful. Jackson’s still not ever going to be my dream match, but he’s not a troll. In fact, he makes the rest of the Saturday more bearable.
When I do get a phone, I don’t turn it on. I decide not to check it until I get back home. It’s not like reading more about Hannah and Ethan’s first date is going to cheer me up. I focus on getting through today, getting that signed form, and being out from under Mom and Dad’s thumb.
“I thought you’d be burning down the cell phone tower, now you have that,” Jackson says.
“Huh?”
“You’re not calling whoever it was who sent you that photo?” Jackson bumps my shoulder. “Why not? You clearly like that guy. Right?”
We’re headed back to the dining room for dinner, only this time I sit next to Jackson. It’s better than constantly being distracted by his grandfather’s dentures making that bizarre thwacking sound.
“Is the girl your friend?”
“How did you know that?”
He shrugs. “Guys and girls aren’t that complicated.”
“No?”
“Guys want to get into the girl’s pants, and the girls want them to stick around after.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re an idiot.”
He shrugs. “It’s more true than you want to admit, apparently.”
