CHAPTER 7

Transferring to this stupid school filled with stuck-up *ss holes was a huge mistake. What the heck was I thinking? That I’d fit in? That I’d make friends? That I’d live a drama-free life? I was so wrong… so wrong that I hate myself so much right now. I can barely afford lunch and my old tennis shoes were on their last legs while everyone here can afford a more-than-they-can-eat buffet and they have shoes for every week. I don’t fit in here.

“Gonzalez wait up” 

why… why… why??

“Just f*cking leave me alone!” I yell, increasing my pace.

“Come on. Don’t leave”

“Why?! What does it matter to you? You are just like the rest of them”

“I don’t think that way about you” he turns me effortlessly by my backpack

“Sure”

“Damn it! I’m serious right now Sam. I think you are the most interesting person I’ve ever met”

“You can’t fool me. I won’t become one of your booty calls Stone” I roll my eyes and fold my arms as I stare up at him. his blazer was nowhere to be found, as usual, his uniform shirt had three buttons undone, and that playful look in his eyes.

“I don’t want you to be my booty call. You deserve better than that and I could never deserve you but I’d like to try to be half as worthy of you” he took a step closer. I stuttered.

“Wha-what do you mean?”

“I love the way you pull your hair up in a ponytail when you are about to study, I love the way you drum with your fingers when you are bored… it makes me want to do anything to entertain you. I adore the way you solve math equations on the air while the rest of us bozos are still struggling with our notes or the way you clap when you laugh. I am obsessed with the way your voice sounds when you speak Spanish, I could listen to you all day, every day till I die. What I am saying is, I like you Samantha Gonalez and I want to take you out on a date”

“You were supposed to be solving math equations too,” I said in between giggles as I stepped back. his words swirled in my head like a storm and I would be lying if i wasn't having an entire war right now. Asher Stone just confessed that he likes me… I’m in big trouble.

“C’mon Sam. Talk to me” he pleaded. he rubbed his neck nervously.

“I need a minute”

“I get it” I took a sharp breathe as Asher took some strands of my curls and twirled them around his finger

“I’ll be waiting, Gonzalez. I’ll be celibate until I get your response”

“And if I say no?” I chuckled replicating the playful look in his eyes

“I’ll remain celibate if you want me to”

“That is impossible” I stated.

“Is that a dare Gonzalez?” his hand moved from my locks to the side of my neck while his thumb stroked my cheek softly causing me to gasp slightly.

“Miss Norman, what do you think?” Anna’s voice said snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked around to find four sets of eyes staring back at me expectantly.

Sh*t

“Huh? Uhmm right,” I stuttered, looking to Anna for help as felt Asher’s eyes heavily on me.

“Sarah was suggesting we go with a sensual theme for the photo shoot,” she said quickly.

“Yeah sure, go for it” I nodded, flipping through the presentation sheets like I knew what the heck was going on. 

“Really?”

“Of course. We should try something new for a change” I turned to Asher and asked.

“What do you think Mr. Stone?”

“If it’s cool with you then it’s cool with me. It’s your idea” he answered still staring at me intently as I packed up my things.

“Good. That should be all, right? I’ll leave you guys to it”

“But Miss Nor-” Anna tried to say but I cut her off trying to leave as soon as possible.

“Anna, you are in charge”

I wasn’t even ten steps out the door when I heard it slam again, knowing fully well who it was I sped up even though we’d been here before and there was no way I could outrun him… not in these heels but it couldn’t kill to try. His hand took hold of my arm and turned me around to face him.

“Let go” I groaned, if eyes could throw daggers, he’d be dead by now.

“No, not until you tell me what is going on”

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I say looking around to see if anyone was around.

“Don’t bullsh*t me. Can you see yourself? You look like a deer caught in headlights. You have been tense all week. You refuse to talk to me or look at me” 

“Maybe I just find you repulsive. Did you think about that?”

“You have to convince yourself first that you mean that before you try to convince me, Carino”

“I’m fine, just let me go” I snatched my hand from his grip

“You know I’m here for you whenever you need me Sam” his gaze softened, if I didn't know better I would have thought he was genuine. for a minute I forgot who he was behind the cute smile and drowning eyes

“Really??” I scoffed

“Really”

“Right… like you were there for me six years ago? Stop acting like you care about me because I know you don’t. I can’t believe I almost fell for your lies again. Just focus on Melody and leave me alone, okay”

“Sam-”

I hurried away before he could see my tears, the last thing I needed was him hounding me for the reason why I was crying. I was lucky enough that he didn't come after me for an explanation for what I had just said but knowing him he would be back soon. as I touched up my makeup in my private restroom my phone pinged, it was a message from Asher’s Father

“I will be watching you, girl”

I felt my chest tighten in fear as I was reminded of our talk last week. a call had come in an hour after I had put Melody to bed, she was spent from her outing with Asher. the voice had been altered but I knew who it was from in an instant, there was only one person who made it their life’s mission to make my life as miserable as can be and that was Asher’s father, he had sent one of his henchmen to send me a message that be keeping an eye on me. he seemed to have found out that Asher was in New York but thankfully not that we were working together… yet but it would be any moment from now.

ever since that night I couldn't sleep, eat, or work. my thoughts and emotions had been all over the place… it was up to me to keep my mom and Melody safe and I had jeopardized that. there was no doubt he would come for them when he found out I had been working with Asher after his instructions. As much as I wanted to tell Asher I couldn't trust him, there were too many spaces and loopholes.

get a grip, Sam. It’s going to be okay

I strutted confidently across the halls, hoping my concealer helped in covering my puffy, sleep-deprived eyes. I nodded as the staff greeted me and nodded in my direction. I was to have a private meeting with the head of models in Asher’s company, I had overheard my models talking about how strict and perfectionist she can be so I figured I should get to the coffee shop we were to meet before her, just to create a good first impression.

I sipped on my matcha as I waited, the bell above the coffee shop door jingled alerting me that someone had walked in. I looked up and almost spat out my drink.

I’m so going to kill Asher for this!!!

“Long time no see,” she said stoically as she made herself comfortable on the seat opposite me

“Hello Stephanie”