more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

seven

I glance down at my outfit as I walk toward my piano history class. Light blue t-shirt, high waisted denim shorts, and white converse. I can't wait for Violet to make her unnecessary smartass comments. Every nerve in my body is on fire, especially because it's my first class since Laura rejected my request to drop out.

I have such a weird gut feeling that I should try to learn more about her. She mentally scarred me and the damage of her leaving me will never fade away, but I'm twenty years old. I feel like I'm ready to get the answers about my mother that I deserve.

The classroom is noisy when I walk through the door, and everyone turns to look at me. Violet is sitting in the first row, wearing a hot pink dress with white heels. Her brown hair is curled to perfection, and this time her Prada bag is replaced with a brand new Michael Kors one.

"Wow, look who decided to show up. Thought last class would be your first and last." Her voice is mocking as she eyes me up and down. "Love the outfit, the converse really give it that 'I'm poor' look."

"Who gave you the right to talk to me like that?" My blood boils as I take the seat right next to her.

"Excuse me? You act like you're important." She crosses her arms over her chest while glaring at me.

"I'm here, aren't I? That means I'm just as worthy of being in this school as you are." I go back at her.

"You just transferred here because of a scholarship. Therefore, you aren't worthy." She shrugs her shoulders with a smirk.

"The only reason you're here is because Professor Koch is your stepmother." I grab my binder and pull it out of my bag.

"Right, I forgot you have mommy issues." She scoffs while shaking her head.

"What the fuck did you just say?" I say through my teeth.

"Good morning, class." Laura's voice fills the classroom as she walks through the door. Violet just continues to smirk, not responding with a slick comment.

My eyes meet hers and she sends me a tiny smile. I simply nod my head and look down. There's an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach, but I know I can push through it.

Laura writes some notes on the board, which I immediately copy down.

"Welcome to our first lecture. Today will be the introduction, so don't freak out." She reassures the class with a laugh. "Before we play anything in the class, I need to go over the basic history principles. I know that isn't fun, but it's required."

My eyes stay on hers as I watch her stand in front of the room. I briefly covered the origins of the piano in an introduction class during my time at my community college. Lisa always helped me with my notes, so I remember a lot of them.

"We'll start with an easy question. Can anyone tell me who invented the piano?"

Violet's hand immediately shoots up, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Go ahead, Violet." Laura nods.

"Bartolomeo Cristofori." She proudly states with a smirk.

"Correct. Anyone else want to explain why he invented it?"

I quickly raise my hand, even though Violet does it first. Laura makes eye contact with me and lightly grins. "Yes, Stella."

"Well, there was a lack of stringed instruments with a keyboard that offered a range of musical expression and was suitable for public performances. Cristofori wanted to change that."

"Yes, very good. He wanted to create something different." She nods her head, causing a smile to unintentionally appear over my face. Violet rolls her eyes while I smirk at her. "What family is it classified in?"