Rockstar Bay Academy: A Stepbrother Romance

Chapter 10: You Shouldn't Have Done That

We make it through the last of the M surnames before the teachers call it quits and dismiss us. After a full day of sitting and listening to music, all of us are restless and ready for fresh air and activity. Instruments in hand, my friends and I hurry to our lockers.

Just as I'm grabbing my bag, some of the girls in Davina and Ainsley's crew glide down the hall, looking at me, snickering and then singing, "If it's war you want, it's war you've got."

Maybe they are trying to make fun of me, but it's kind of cool hearing people singing my lyrics. I beam at them, pretending they're complimenting me.

The smile slides off my face as soon as they pass, and I see Asher walking behind them. His dark gaze collides with mine, causing the air to rush out of my lungs. There is plenty of distance between us as he passes me, but it doesn't feel like enough. His eyes remain on me the whole time, until Kennedy appears at my elbow, giving me an excuse to wrench my gaze from Asher's.

"Hey, you need a ride?"

It isn't quite as hot today as it has been since school started, but I won't turn down a lift. Before I can agree, however, Ethan joins us, his schoolbag hitched over one shoulder, his guitar hitched over the other. "Hey, Ken. Lilah, I'm walking home. You up for it?"

I look at Asher's still retreating back.

"How's Asher getting home?"

"He has a driving lesson. His test is in a couple of weeks."

Hopefully, that means he'll be out of the house more.

"What about Ainsley?" I ask, looking back at Ethan.

He frowns and looks away before his eyes flick back to my face. "She's making her own way home."

"I offered Lilah a lift," Kennedy tells him. "But the offer stands for both of you."

"Thanks, but I'm kinda hoping Lilah and I can talk."

My stomach plummets as I take in Ethan's serious expression.

"Suit yourselves," Kennedy says, raising an eyebrow in my direction before waving then walking away.

"What's up?" I ask Ethan as we head out of school together, carrying our bags and our instruments.

While Asher is intense and broody, Ethan is usually light-hearted and charming. Seeing him this tense is mildly perturbing.

He's quiet for a moment and then he says, "You shouldn't have done that."

I'm so stunned, I don't say anything for a full second. "Done what? Sing about Asher?"

"Do you really think he needs any more ammunition to throw at you or at us? You know he already drives me crazy by hanging around when I'm trying to chill with you."

I stare at him as we continue walking, nearly tripping over my feet. "You really believe I've made it worse? Asher's going to do whatever the hell he wants because that's who he is."

And because you let him treat you and me both this way, I don't say.

"My song won't change anything."

"Maybe, but what about the rest of it."

"Rest of what?"

"The rest of your song. You know."

"What on earth are you talking about, Ethan?"

"I meant the stuff about me breaking your heart," he mumbles.

"Why?" I ask, irritation prickling along every one of my nerve endings.

I expected confrontation with Asher over my song. Not Ethan.