“I’m fine, Mia,” I lie. “Really.”
“Did something happen at the Harvest Ball?” she pushes. “Oliver mentioned Nate said he felt bad about what happened. He said he acted like a dick.”
“He did?” I keep my expression neutral, knowing Nate won’t have divulged the full story.
“Yeah, he said he got cold feet and left you alone,” she relays.
Naturally, that’s what Nate regaled to maintain his masculine bravado. God forbid anyone is immune to his impenetrable charm.
“It was nothing,” I say.
“Hm,” Mia huffs, unconvinced. “If you say so.”
“Things seem to be great with you and Oliver this time, though,” I say, changing the subject. “Have you talked about what will happen next year when you’re in college?”
Her face lights up. “Well, we have?—”
“Come along, girls,” Ms. Chi chides. “Didn’t you hear the bell?”
“We’ll catch up later,” Mia promises, hurrying away. “You’ll be at the golf club tomorrow, right?”
“Dad won’t let me miss it,” I say. “It’s an Acacia tradition.”
Even though we only moved to Pasturesville last year, Dad insisted on us attending the golf tournament to charm the residents long before then.
Ms. Chi stands by the classroom door, blocking the entrance.
“Before you go inside, I wanted to have a quick word,” she says.
I rack my brains. I’m pretty sure I haven’t missed an assignment.
“Your father has been in touch,” she says. “He’s concerned you’re falling behind with your work. Is everything okay?”
After allowing me to attend the Harvest Ball without him chaperoning, he’s trying to reassert control.
“He’s worrying over nothing,” I say. “My dad’s just protective. I’ve been hitting all my deadlines.”
“If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me. Many students find it hard to live up to their parents’ expectations,” she says. “I know this time of year must be challenging for your family.”
I feign a smile. “Thanks for checking in, but I’m fine, honestly.”
Well, if you don’t count being stalked by psychopaths…
“I’m glad to hear it, but remember, my door is always open.” Her sentence trails off with a sad smile, then she steps aside. “Let’s start the lesson.”
I can’t concentrate for the rest of class, too distracted by the prospect of luring three men from their hiding place. They believe they have the upper hand, but they’re not the only ones who can play games.
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
ERIN
The annual golftournament is a day for all members to invite their family to the golf club. Really, it’s an excuse to throw a lavish celebration and ensure members sign up for another year. Dad secretly detests golf, but he plays to keep up appearances. The club is a frequent jaunt for the Pasturesville elite, where the most influential people do business.
“Stop fussing,” Mom says, batting my hand to stop me from adjusting my dress while simultaneously fluffing her hair. “You look lovely.”
She’s forced me into a red knee-length gingham sundress that cinches at the waist with a green cardigan and white sandals. I’m like a character fromLittle House on the Prairie, which isn’t helped by the tight bun knotted at the nape of my neck.
