One thing he brings up far too often is how stupid he was to let me go back then, that our lives would be so different had we not been apart at all. I don’t see how, since we’re married, have the house and the kids. But he’s convinced.
I’m not sure I want things to be different, though, I’m not sure I want things to be as they are. I love him and love our kids…but this life? I’m not so sure.
Somehow, despite it all, I was voted Most Likely to Succeed in school. It made sense because I was top of our class and had a lot going for me.
What will the people at the reunion think when their votes went to somebody who turned out to be just a stay-at-home mom?
I’m not sure I want to find out.
Chapter 2
Twelve Years Ago
“Leslie.EarthtoLeslie.”
“Huh?” I shake away the haze I’m always in when I see Trent in the hallway. Nobody knows about us. Not even my best friend Veronica. He’s my biggest accomplishment so far. I’m his dirty little secret.
For now. I’m on his case about prom, which is only a few weeks away at this point.
According to him, the issue isn’t bringing me; he wants to show me off. It’s more that I’m a sophomore and he’s not just a senior, butthesenior. Star quarterback of the football team. Every girl fawns over him.
While that’s not my problem, I do understand. My parents nearly lost their minds when I told them I was dating a senior, but they’ve met Trent. They adore him. Almost as much as his mother adores me.
“I’ve been trying to get your attention for like ten years. What’s up?” Veronica looks around the hall and then she straightens. She hates my infatuation with Trent, even though it’s a real one that goes both ways. “Ooh, I see. I’m second class to Trent and your daydreams.”
Ah yes, very vivid daydreams at times.
“I’m sorry, Ver. I can’t help it! He’s so damn cute.” That’s putting it mildly. He’s one of the tallest guys in the school at over six feet. But because he plays ball, he works out a lot so he’s well-toned. His light brown hair and hazel eyes are so captivating.
“Yeah, he is, but he’s way out of your league.”
I bristle at her words. If only she knew.
“Time to let it go. He doesn’t notice measly sophomores like us.” She slams her locker shut with a firm hand, and I do the same, turning to walk toward Trent as he does the same, heading in our direction.
Our fingers brush as we pass each other, sending a rush through me. Every tiny, secret pass is exciting.
“You ready for the math test in Pilcher’s class today?” She hugs her books close as she dodges another student.
“Always.”
“That’s ’cause you’re smart.”
“No, it’s ‘cause I study.” It also helps that my tutor is two grades ahead of me.
“But it’s easy for you because you’re a freaking genius. I swear you’re going to run your own company someday.”
I’m so sick of people saying that. That I’m so smart, that I’m successful, and willbesuccessful.
I get good grades because I apply myself. I sleep less than most people I know because I give my one hundred and ten percent to every single thing I do, and I try to make time for my boyfriend on top of it. While he understands my need to do well, to continue this fake sense of perfection I have going for me. He hates when our time together is spent doing homework instead of other things.
“Maybe.” That’s what my usual answer has become. If being a CEO means having to continue this exhausting facade, no part of me wants it.
“You’re still not set on a life goal, right? Like I know for sure I’m going to be a tech nerd and go into IT. There’s nothing else I could imagine doing with my life.” She’ll be great at it too. She’s always hacking things to upgrade them and codes her own games for fun.
“No, still undecided.” Nothing speaks to me; nothing calls out as to what I should do with my life. I’m leaning toward something more open so that I can make a bigger decision later, but I’m sure it’s going to turn out to be something in the business field.
We’ve reached our destination, but as usual, Mr. Pilcher isn’t here. He has lunch before our math class and is almost always late.
