Rivals in Business, Allies in Love

Chapter 3

~IVY REYNOLDS~

"Perfect as always." The teacher hands me my test paper. The giant 100 percent stares back at me. I expect nothing less.

My eyes narrow in on another paper on her desk. "You and Zavier really dont miss." His paper has the same red ink 100 percent scribbled across it. My hands involuntarily tighten on the paper in my hands. He seriously pisses me off. "Zavier." Ms. Lakewood greets. Oh, great. He's here.

I turn on my heels to leave. I keep my head forward but our arms brushing against each other as we pass by confirms that he is indeed present.

I exit the classroom and make my way to the lot where my car is waiting for me. When I get there, I greet Mr. Preston. He's my driver and honestly the nicest person I've ever met. He's a gem. "Ms. Reynolds." He bows in acknowledgement.

"Mr. Preston." I smile and he opens the door for me. I get in and reach for the hidden snack compartment in the back of the seat. My hands search for the packet of Twizzlers that I'm sure I left here yesterday. "Can we make a detour to the convenience store?"

"No problem, miss." I can't believe he still calls me miss. I've known him since five. We should at least be on first name basis.

I lean back into my seat and close my eyes. What would be a great commercial for teddy bears? Yes, teddy bears. My father wants to explore the world of teddy bears to attract the parenting customers. It's a smaller project of ours and he chose none other than his precious daughter Ivy Reynolds to make it happen. I always hated teddy bears. I don't know why he thinks teddy bears and I are a good match.

"Ms. Reynolds we're here." I sit up and look out the window. We sure are. "I'll get them for you."

"It's fine. I can get them." I open the door quickly and exit. Before going in, I knock on the window. It lowers to reveal Mr. Preston and his green eyes. He's in his fifties, isn't he? Or is it sixties? He's actually really active for his age. "Do you want anything?"

"That's okay. I don't need anything." I nod and enter the store. I always get attention when I'm in my uniform. People are very much aware of the prestige Kersher Academy holds. I'll just have you know that I get attention with or without uniform. I've been told many times that I'm insanely gorgeous. This is coming from the media, by the way. Reputable outlets.

Zavier joins me in the aisle. "Ew, what is he doing here?" I mutter this but he must've heard because he's actually a few feet away from me.

"It's a convenience store." He replies, his eyes set on the pop tarts in front of him. I roll my eyes and gather a packet of Twizzlers in my hand. Unbelievable. He lives pretty far from here. I walk off and head to the cashier.

"That'll be 5.99." My hand automatically dips into my jacket pocket. Wait, I thought I stuck a few bills here. I tap at it again. Don't tell me I have to go all the way back at the car.

Someone hands the cashier a ten dollar bill. "On me?" I'd rather have no Twizzlers at all. There's no way I'm accepting this.

The cashier takes the money and at the same time I get ahold of the paper bills in my pocket. This jacket always hides my money. A 20 dollar and 10 dollar bill. Perfect. I slam the 10 dollar bill onto Zavier's chest, snatch my Twizzlers and walk right out of that store.

I waste no time in hopping into the car and slamming the door. He snorted. The jerk even snorted! The day I receive help from you is the day I drink pickle juice from a bowl. "Is everything alright, miss?"

"Yes. Everything's fine. Let's go."

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Finally home. It's been a long day. The journey to my front door is too tiring for my aching legs. Try walking around in heels all day.