Page 60 of The Bad Boyfriend Curse
Will things go back to how they were? I feel like I’ve changed so much since leaving the city. And I’vealwaysneeded my friends more than they needed me. I was alone at home so much, and both of their families would welcome me over whenever. I got parental pep talks from their parents. They stood in for my family.
We have only one year left of high school. Then we’re all planning to do different things. Keeley wants to study piano in Europe. Adanna wants to go to a therapeutic-art program at the University of Guelph. We’re not going to be a trio formuch longer. And from the sounds of it, they’re having a fantastic, busy summer. Why should I be mad that they’re enjoying themselves, just because I’m not there?
“You guys never told me about the music festival,” I say, changing the subject. “Who were those people in the pictures you posted?”
They excitedly tell me about some people who live in suburban Montreal that they were hanging out with, and Adanna even admits that she had sparks with one of them and they’ve been talking since then. I squeal, and we analyze Adanna’s new relationship. Then I tell them about how Noah and I got together, and they squeal and then we analyze my relationship. Everything feels… normal. Like we always were before I left Toronto.
In a lull in the conversation, Adanna says, “This is what I like about us. Even if we have a break, we can still be chill when we talk again.”
“Absolutely,” Keeley says.
“Yes,” I say. “And I’m sorry, guys. I’ve been going through a lot, and I know I’ve been complaining too much. I’m sure I haven’t been very fun to talk to.”
“Totally okay. It happens,” Keeley says. “Hey, why did you send me that song, though? Other than to show me how amazing your boyfriend is?”
“I need your advice. You’re a musician, Keeley. What can I do to help give Noah a confidence boost? I need to show him that his talent would be appreciated outside of Cherrybridge.”
Keeley pauses, thinking. I can hear Noah’s deep voice in the background. They’re listening to the clip again.
“How about you remix the song?” Adanna suggests to Keeley.
“Oh!” Keeley squeals. “That’s perfect! I can do a post of me playing piano accompaniment and singing harmony! I can post it on my feed, even tag him or put him as collaborator.”
I smile. Keeley has just under fifteen thousand followers on her music account. So many people love her piano arrangements of popular songs. But she’s never done a duet like that before.
“Would you really do that?” I ask. “It sounds like a lot of work.”
“I’m already tweaking the arrangement in my head. Leave it with me, Meera. People willlovehim.”
“Okay… but don’t tag him… yet.”
I really hope I’m doing the right thing. But after being a major Noah Jacobs fan for the last few weeks, one thing I know for sure is that he needs more of us.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONEMeera the Bad Girl
I can tell that Noah’s distracted on Tuesday at CROP. He’s still working hard like he always does, and he does squeeze my hand when I first sit next to him, but I have known him long enough to see that there’s something weighing on his mind. After he’s been painting quietly for a while, I finally ask him.
“You okay, Noah?”
He nods, but he doesn’t look at me, which is probably a good idea because he’s doing some detail work with his paintbrush.
I’m right next to him, and there’s no one near us, so I put my hand on his waist, raising my fingers to find his bare skin. I run my fingers over his sensitive midriff, smiling when I see his eyes roll back in his head for a moment. I love how sensitive to touch Noah is. He chuckles, then shakes his head. “I don’t know why everyone thinks you’re such agoodgirl.”
I smile. “Are you saying I’m not?”
He finally turns to me and shakes his head, that sweet sultry smile on his face. “You know you’re not.”
I grin. I love that I can make him turn to goo so easily. “So… what’s on your mind?”
He shrugs. “Last night I was thinking about what you said yesterday. I know it’s too late for TMU, but I found some community college programs that might work. It’s not asprestigious, but maybe I shouldn’t give up so easily.”
I smile. Apparently my little pep talk worked, even before Keeley finishes her arrangement. “You absolutely shouldn’t. Are you thinking of applying to these schools?”
He nods. “Some admit new students second-term. And there are some scholarships. I was completely overwhelmed when I was on their websites.” He sighs, furrowing his brows together. “Like, I don’t even know if I have the requirements for them. Or what program would be best. My guidance counselor helped me pick the TMU program, and I can’t go back to her. I wonder if—”
“I can help you!” I say quickly. “I’ll even let you see my eight-page postsecondary comparison workbook in Excel.”
He shakes his head. “I’m not asking for your help. I can figure it out. You’ve got enough stuff going on.”
