This World That Divides Us

CHAPTER 10

I needed a breather, so I left Molly and Henry on the dance floor. Henry asked me if I needed company, but I didn't want Molly to be alone, so I declined his offer. Plus, I could use some alone time.

The doors to the inside of the main house are locked, but there's a little cottage off to the side of the pool. It must be a guesthouse or something, so I make my way over to it. Surely enough, the doors are unlocked when I go to slide them open. There's only one floor, but it's like a mini-home. There's a tiny kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and a small living room area. I walk myself over to the couch and dial my dad.

"Anastasia, hi, sweetheart," he answers. "How's the party?"

"Hey, dad. Fun. My feet are killing from these heels, though, so I think I'm going to call it a night soon."

"Want me to come get you?"

I hold the phone away from my face to check the time that's on the homescreen. "No, that's okay. It's late. I'll call an Uber."

"Okay. No going home with anyone who's been drinking. And stay with Molly."

"I know, I know," I tell him. "I'll text you when I leave."

"Sounds good. Bye, honey."

I slip the phone into my bag and close my eyes. They could use a mini nap. But the sound of the door sliding open startles me, and I'm caught off-guard when Jack enters the room.

He looks just as surprised to see me as I do him, so he hesitates before fully walking in.

"What are you doing?" he finally speaks up, and rudely. "No one's allowed to be in here."

"You're in here," I state.

"The rules that apply to you don't apply to me."

A condescending chuckle escapes my mouth, and I don't even try to stop it. This guy is so ignorant that it's almost humorous. "You're so brainwashed, it's insane."

"Excuse me?" he asks, his eyes wincing as he dips his hands into his pockets.

"You think that just because you are who you are, you're entitled to things that I'm not."

"It's called having a reputation. Look it up."

"I take it that yours is the asshole of this town."

He glides towards me in this confident manner, and as tempted as I am to tear my eyes away from his intimidating demeanor, I won't give him that satisfaction.

"You really don't know how things work around here, do you?"

I stand up, keeping my gaze locked on his. "Didn't realize there was a system."

"Oh, there's a system alright," he nods assuredly. "Let me tell you how it works. You're here," he drops his hand down to his thigh, "and I'm here," he brings his other hand to the top of his head. "There's a world that divides us."

"Oh, I see," I laugh. "You think that you're better than me because of your last name."

"Well, I don't see your family donating millions of dollars a year to Sinclair. Isn't your dad the chef at our school? Who do you think funds his salary?"

I feel myself heavily breathing. I didn't know that it was possible to hate someone you don't even know, but it's safe to say that Jack Carrington is making the impossible possible. I don't respond, but feel my features tighten, which is very telling to the emotions that I'm feeling right now.

"I take it humility isn't your strong suit," I remark.

"Let's just say that I have more important suits to wear."