Page 41 of Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars
The hurt slices into me. “Don’t.”
“It’s a joke, Alice. Lighten up.”
I hug my waist, my backpack slipping off my shoulders. “Real funny.”
“Stop being so grumpy. Is this why you’re not in class? Too much of a sad sack to be around other people?”
Other people? He’s the whole reason I can’t be around other people. He’s made up stories that have turned me into an outcast.
“Alice? Would you stop death-staring me?”
“I need to change a class.”
He smirks. “English? Good idea.”
It takes all the energy I have left, but it’s worth it. I roll my eyes at Ryder Hamilton.
“What? You know it’s not a good idea for us to share the same space.”
I clutch my elbows. “Is that why you didn’t show up this morning?”
“Hey, I need to keep my distance. With the amount of stuff you’ve broken, I wouldn’t be surprised if you move onto body parts. Sorry, girl, but I need these arms in order to play the guitar.”
“And is that what you’ve been telling people about me?”
“What do you care what I say?”
“I care when you’re making sure I don’t make any friends.”
“Look, it’s not up to me if you make friends or not.” His arms cross against his middle like steel rods. “I’ve got more important things to think about. Like the fact I’m trying to nail down a better record deal but I have this stupid school getting in the way.”
“Then why did you even show up today?”
“You heard Miranda. The head of the label thinks graduating from this place will benefit my career. But I’m out of here. I called my driver to pick me up because being here is a joke.”
“Oh.”
He groans, rolling his eyes. “Ugh. The plan was for you not to find out. I didn’t want you making it back to Miranda’s.”
There’s a sting in my tear ducts.
His expression shifts when he sees my face. “Are you seriously crying right now?”
“No.” But my voice betrays me, breaking on the word.
Ryder runs a hand through his hair, looking everywhere but at me. “Geez, don’t... Just don’t cry, okay?”
“I’m not,” I lie, blinking rapidly.
“You literally are.” He lets out a long exhale, clearly frustrated. “Look, this wasn’t supposed to be a whole thing. I just needed an afternoon to myself. If I left you stranded, then I get out of this dumb tutoring session.”
“Stranded?” the word comes out of me strangled.
He shrugs. “I thought it was a solid plan.”
My backpack slides down my shoulders and I clumsily catch the straps.
“Good lord, could you look more like a wounded puppy right now?”
