Good Girls Have Secrets

Chapter 9

Standing outside Design class, I wait for Aubrey to catch up to me. Giving her a quick hug, I look her up and down. "You've stepped up your game. Did you get your hair highlighted?"

Giggling, she gushes, "Kyle and I are going out this weekend. I want to look good."

"That's so great. What are you doing?" Looking over my shoulder, Matt and Kyle climb the steps. Before she answers, I call out, "Hey guys, do you want to pick the seat this time? I distracted her so we don't have to sit up front today."

Crossing her arms, Audrey pouts. "Is that what you were doing?"

Whispering, I giggle, "No. I'm just having a little fun. Go with it."

Kyle stops next to Audrey. Wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her close, it's obvious he approves of the changes.

Keeping his distance, Matt stays on the other side of Kyle. Moving through the classroom door, allow me to move in closer to him. Quietly apologizing, "You're not going to avoid me, are you? You're one of my three friends. I'm sorry."

Looking down at me, I can't read his emotions. He sighs, "I was, but now you made that impossible. I don't think I can be friends with you, Maddie."

The tightness in my chest only allows me to whisper, "Why?"

Looking away, he says something to Kyle, allowing my eyes to run down his jawline. I want to reach up and move an eyelash from his cheek, but I know better than to touch him. 

His gaze brings me back to reality.  Moving in closer, his breath tickles my ear as he explains,  "I have too many feelings for you to pretend we're just friends. It's been a long time since I felt this way. I don't know what to do with all this, since you don't feel the same way."

His honesty leaves me speechless. Wanting him to understand, I do feel the same way, but I care too much to hurt him.

Before I say anything, Audrey whines, "Come on you guys. Class is starting. I need to get organized, so I don't miss anything."

Matt strides past me, catching up to Kyle. For a moment, I watch the three of them look for a seat. Should I let them go and sit on my own? We're not the same type of people. This will never work.

Not today. It wouldn't make sense, and I can't hurt Audrey like that.

Walking down the aisle, I plop in the seat next to her, noticing the anxiety on her face. "Sitting in the front row doesn't make you more likely to get an A than sitting in the middle."

"I know. I feel disconnected back here. It's hard for me to focus when I can see everyone else. Sitting in front helps me block out all the distractions, so I can focus on the lecture." She lets out a loud breath.

Feeling terrible, I apologize, "I'm sorry. This is my fault. Do you want me to tell the guys we're moving up front?"

Shaking her head, she says, "It'll be okay. I'd rather sit by Kyle and be distracted than be up front." She grins.

I laugh. "That tells me a lot." My heart sinks. I can't stop thinking about Matt's words. I need to leave it alone. It's for the best.

Looking at the ground, I notice his black combat boots. My eyes draw up to his black t-shirt layered with a red long sleeve underneath. Catching me checking him out, my eyes meet his, making my cheeks burn. He looks away first.

After class we head out the door, Audrey asks, "What are you doing tonight Maddie? A group of us are going to Hickory Park for a late supper. Do you want to come?"