Jason nods, almost knowingly, and releases a very unconvinced, “Mmhmmm.” Brightening, he points at Lex’squesadilla when Lex tears the paper open to create a plate. “Is that chicken? Can I have one?”
Lex swats his hand. “Yes, and no. Eat your own food.”
The worst little impish feeling rises up in me, and I press my lips together as I reach for Lex’s food, succeeding in touching a perfectly cut little quesadilla triangle. I peel it free and stick it in my mouth in the same instant Jason’s mouth drops open, like the world has betrayed him.
In place of the triangle I stole, I place a perfectly singular pretzel.
Lex eats it and continues like nothing has happened at all.
Jason gawks, motioning at me like Lex has somehow completely missed my infraction. “Well, how come—”
“She didn’t ask,” Lex states, plainly. “I can’t say ‘no’ to someone who didn’t ask, can I?”
All the same, when Jason’s grubby little fingers shoot over unannounced, Lex swats them away again. “She also provided an offering.”
“This is outrageous.” Jason huffs. “I’m feeling some pretty strong favoritism here. Bartholomew would never.”
“Because he’s a stuffed sloth?” I offer.
Jason’s eyes narrow on me like I’ve slain his firstborn. “You watch what you say about my one true love.”
I tear another piece of Lex’s quesadilla off to Jason’s utter disgust, until I begin passing it to him. He straightens instantly, like a puppy awaiting a treat.
Lex stops my hand. “What are you doing?”
“I feel bad.”
“He’s an actor. Don’t let him fool you.”
Using my other hand, I slip another perfectly singular pretzel into place on Lex’s wrapper, and he sighs dramatically, letting my wrist go so I can leave the slice on Jason’s plate.
“I always knew you were a good one, Caly.” Jason grins,shamelessly grabbing the quesadilla and taking a large bite.
“Disgusting.”
My heart tightens, and I look up to find Agatha standing at the end of our table, glaring directly at me. Two girls I don’t really recognize well enough to put a name to stand behind her with trays that match hers. Salad and fruit and only the barest portion of whatever casserole the entrée for today is.
Agatha turns her nose up at me and my little bags of pretzels, chips, and sandwiches. “I rarely see you and your Kenneth apart during breaks,Harriet. Don’t tell me you let your feelings get a little too involved in the act.” Her dainty nose scrunches. “Of course. That’s the only way you’d be able to manage a believable performance.”
Neither Lex nor Jason say a word, although Jason watches the interaction while Lex completely ignores it, opening a burrito.
Something mocking enters Agatha’s smile. “Don’t tell me. The reason someone so infamous for not giving a dang about people actually lets you hang around is because you pander to his perverted little fantasies.”
A chill courses through my blood, and I notice Jason’s eyes widen as he presses his lips together to choke back a laugh.
This is funny to him?
Lex doesn’t make a move to offer any hint at his thoughts.
Agatha doesn’t relent, her smile turning strange and derisive. “That must be it. I’m sure what happens tonight will be nothing new for you. Not now. How far from grace has the perfectly shy little angel I remember fallen?”
I’d not thought this the angle she would take. I assumed she’d tease me about my first kiss needing to be scripted, knowing how innocent andunwantedI was in high school. But, no, sheknowsbetter than that. Sheknowsthis accusation will hurt someone like me more.
My fist clenches, and I can still feel the burn of Lex’s caress against my thigh, proving her almost right. And yet so, so wrong. My voice shakes. “What of it?” I ask. I can’t meet her eyes.
“Excuse me?”
I take a breath that burns as it enters my chest and look away. “What of it?So what if I tell you we’ve slept together? So what if I confirm everything you’re suggesting, and tonight really isn’t anything new?” I don’t know if it’s anger or fear making my voice unrecognizable. I spit, “So what?” Forcing myself to find her eyes, even though I tense at seeing them, I reach for Lex’s thigh, spreading my fingers against his jeans, and watch the moment when Agatha’s eyes drop to the motion. “This isn’t high school anymore, Agatha.Grow up.”
