Page 89 of Under His Protection
When we’ve finished cleaning up, I grab my backpack. “Thanks for letting me work with you,” I tell Andrea. “I appreciate it. I’m sorry for any inconvenience.”
She shrugs. “It’s fine, really. It’s no big deal.”
“If you don’t mind, can I ask if you and Christian are a couple? When I see you, you’re always together.”
Andrea snorts out a laugh. “No! We might as well be brother and sister. We’ve been friends since elementary school. We’ve known each other forever. Besides,” Andrea says with a grin.“He’s not my type, if you know what I mean.” And then she winks at me.
“Oh.” It takes me a minute to catch on. “I see.”
Andrea grabs her backpack and heads for the door. “See you Monday!”
Christian meets up with her, and they walk out of the room together.
As I’m heading toward Philip, Mark intercepts me, blocking my way. “Did you ask for a new lab partner?”
Before I can reply, Philip steps between us, pushing Mark back. “You don’t talk to her, got it?” he says to Mark.
Mark scowls at Philip. “Who the fuck are you to tell me who I can and can’t talk to?”
“Just keep your distance,” Philip says before he ushers me out of the classroom and out of the building. “How’d it go with Andrea?”
“Good. She was very understanding. And it was nice of Christian to change places with me.”
“It was.” Philip slings my backpack over his shoulder and takes my hand in a veryboyfriendmove. “So, we’re done for the day? Do you want to check your mailbox?”
“Let’s not. I’ve had enough drama for one day.”
We head to the parking lot, and with each step away from campus, I feel a lightness come over me. My body relaxes, and my muscles loosen. I feel more like myself again.
Philip must pick up on the change in me because he puts his arm around me and pulls me close, smiling down at me when I meet his gaze.
“Feeling better now?” he asks.
“Much. Let’s go try on some bridesmaid dresses.”
He laughs. “How aboutyoutry them on, and I’ll watch.”
Chapter 26 – Philip
As we head away from campus toward Lincoln Park, to the bridal shop, I see the instant change in Haley. Everything about her has softened. It’s like she can finally relax, and she doesn’t feel the need to be on guard every second.
What happened back in her chemistry lab concerns me, but I keep my observations to myself. For the entire class period, I observed Mark Hoffman. I noted how he stared at Haley when she wasn’t looking. Even the blond kid—Christian—noticed Mark’s behavior because he kept tabs on Mark, too. And when Mark scowled, Christian would grin and shake his head.
I don’t think Mark said one civil word to Christian during the entire class, mostly because I think he was pissed that Haley and Christian had switched places.
* * *
Millie’s Bridal Shoppe has got to be the fanciest place I’ve ever set foot inside. The floor is a sleek burgundy carpet. The fixtures are gold.
A sales lady directs us to a private room, where Layla, Jason, and Jasmine are seated on leather sofas.
“Hey, guys,” Haley says as we join them. “I hope we didn’t miss anything.”
“You’re just in time,” Layla says. “My bridal consultant is going to bring out the bridesmaid dresses. I hope you like them.”
“What the hell is a bridal consultant?” I whisper to Haley. “Does she really need a—”
She playfully elbows me. “Hush.”
