Valentina Anderson tried to end her life on the same day as Hannah Baker, but survived to face a world unraveling with secrets. She never imagined her life would be defined by loss. First, it was Jeff Atkins, the love of her life, tragically taken i...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I found myself sitting at lunch with Clay, barely able to contain the smile that kept creeping up on my face. The memory of my conversation with Jeff last night still lingered, playing on repeat in my head.
Clay caught me zoning out and leaned forward with a teasing grin. “Finally, you two spoke.”
I rolled my eyes, trying to act like it was no big deal. “Yeah, I think so.”
Clay wasn’t buying it. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he pushed further. “So, you guys are a thing now?”
“Jensen, keep your voice down,” I hissed, glancing around nervously. “Someone might hear us.”
Clay just laughed, shaking his head. “Val, you’ve had a thing for him since middle school! You’re a freshman now. Four years, isn’t that enough time?”
I was about to respond, but my words got caught in my throat as I froze. My eyes widened in horror as I saw Jeff standing *right* behind Clay.
Clay, still oblivious, leaned in with a smirk. “Why’d you go silent? Did you see your hot Jeff again?”
I cursed him under my breath and kicked him under the table, giving him a glare. But it was too late. Jeff smiled and slid into the seat next to Clay, completely unfazed by the whole scene.
“Hey, man,” Jeff greeted Clay casually.
Clay looked up, eyes widening in realization. “Oh… Jeff! Hey… I didn’t know.”
Jeff’s grin widened, his eyes flicking to me. “I didn’t hear a word.”
I wanted to disappear. My hands flew to my face, covering my embarrassment, but Clay just waved it off. “Come on, Val. He didn’t hear anything.”
I gave Clay a sharp look, but before I could say anything else, I stood up, pushing my half-eaten food away. “I’m full. I’m leaving.”
Jeff, noticing my sudden change, tilted his head, concern creeping into his voice. “You didn’t even finish half your food. And from what I’ve observed, you love to eat. Don’t stop because I’m here. I can leave if you want.”
“No, no! It’s not that,” I stammered, sitting back down quickly. “You can sit with us. Right, Clay?”
Clay smirked at me, obviously enjoying my awkwardness. “Yeah, of course. I’ll even leave if you both want.”
I glared at him. “Clay…”
He and Jeff laughed, but I was still burning with embarrassment.
Clay leaned back in his chair with a mischievous grin. “Val here… if you asked her to choose between a French movie or a French kiss, she’d choose French fries. She’s such a foodie.”
