The Prince and the Bookworm

Chapter 25

"And he just walked off?" My mom confirmed. Her eyes were narrowed suspiciously, as if she didn't quite believe what I was saying.

"Yes." I mumbled. "For the fifth time, yes, he just walked off without a single word."

"And he hasn't talked to you since?"

"Mom, if he had this wouldn't be such a big deal!" I griped, sitting down on the couch. My mom sat beside me, reaching over. She started to gently play with my hair, like she always did when I was younger.

"I'm sure it'll be fine, Sadie. This is just your usual high school drama." My mom rolled her eyes, a tight smile spreading across her face. "I'm pretty sure I went through this phase with every boyfriend I had when I was younger."

I sighed, finding the fact that my mom had multiple relationships that didn't work out not very reassuring.

"I just don't understand what the big deal is." I mused out loud. "Why does he care whether I hang out with Dallas or not?"

I leaned over, laying my head on my mom's shoulder.

"Because he feels threatened." My mom answered without hesitation. I peered up at her, a look of confusion plastered over my face.

"Mom, Cole's not a cornered animal."

"All I mean is that Dallas is a very popular and handsome young man. Cole probably thinks there's a chance that Dallas might steal you." My mom talked as though she had all the answers in the world, which was actually somewhat soothing.

"First, I'm not an object that can be stolen. Second, I've told him a million times Dallas and I are only friends." I complained, pulling my legs up to my chest so I was curled in a little ball.

"I'm not quite sure it's been a million times." My mom reasoned quietly.

"That's beyond the point!" I argued, frowning as I pulled away from her. "The problem is that he wants me to trust him yet he can't bring himself to trust me with Dallas."

My mom sighed, pursing her lips as she tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. I knew what she was going to say next but I wasn't sure I wanted to hear it.

"Then maybe I think it's time you start considering whether this is a relationship you really want to be a part of."

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I went through the rest of the school week not talking to Cole, Dallas, and even Grayson. Cole spent all day avoiding me, I tried my hardest to stay away from Dallas, and I never even saw Grayson once.

I was also able to ignore Angela most of the time. Almost every time I walked past her I heard whispering and giggling. I even got the occasional shove or trip, but I was able to just walk away.

Most of the time.

When Saturday finally rolled around, I couldn't have been more relieved. I now had a weekend full of no school, no drama, and no guys. The only downside was that my mother was forcing me to wake up at 7 AM to help out at the bookstore.

"You couldn't have given me an extra hour of sleep?" I asked as we exited our apartment, a donut in my hand.

"Nope." My mom smiled brightly, throwing her purse over her shoulder. "We open early on Saturday."

"Please don't remind me." I muttered, stuffing my breakfast in my mouth as we approached the elevator. On the ride down, my phone started ringing in my pocket. A feeling of annoyance washed over me as I refused to answer it.

Apparently this day wouldn't be free of guys.

My mom glanced over, giving me an expectant look. I willed her not to say anything, but she didn't catch the memo.