Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Thanks, Mom and Dad.
I play a very stripped-down version of “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus. When Shelli sings the lyrics, it’s magic, but I have to admit, it’s real damn pretty as an instrumental. Each stroke of my bow fills the room with such a beautiful melody, and I’m relaxed all over. I forgot how much joy playing brings me. My eyes are closed as I play from memory, and I move with each stroke. Owen used to make fun of me until all the girls would try to flirt with me and not him. Owen then tried to learn how to play, but he is too aggressive and doesn’t have the finesse I have.
I finish the last note, pleased with myself, and when I look out, Callie is beaming from ear to ear. Of course that’s where my gaze goes. To her and all her gorgeous glory. It’s as if she is the only one in the room. Her hair is wild in curls along her shoulders, and she has on only a touch of makeup. Her lips are shiny, though, and they give me the itch to lick off every single layer of that gloss. She wears a pair of Bullies teal athletic leggings and a rather large black Bullies hoodie, looking very much like a proud college kid. Her cheeks are rosy, and her eyes, I swear, they’re so green all I can think of is moss from a creek.
So pretty.
I force myself to look away from her as everyone applauds and asks for another song. Unfortunately, it’s time for the kids to go back to class.
“Evan will come back, I promise!” Brenda says, and soon, she is ushering everyone out.
Aviva comes over to me as I set the violin in its stand. “Evan.”
“Hey, Aviva,” I say, hugging her tightly.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes! I did not know you could play like that.”
I smile bashfully. “Thanks. I’ve played since I was a kid.”
“You’re incredible. The kids loved you!”
“I could sit here and play for hours, honestly,” I admit as Callie comes up to us.
She’s full of smiles, bright eyes and all. “I think you’ll have to play violin once a week. That was awesome and so good for the kids.”
I cross my arms over my chest to keep from touching her. “I can do that, I think.”
“We’ll have to get you on the schedule if you can make it work. I know you have a lot on your plate, but jeez, you’re so good,” she gushes, her eyes sparkling.
“Agreed,” Aviva says as Nico walks up.
“Hey, Merryweather,” I say happily, and he shakes my hand. “It’s great to see you.”
“You too,” he says, his eyes not meeting mine. “I didn’t put two and two together, that you’d be here the same time as Callie.”
“Well, that makes two of us. I didn’t even recognize her, and I’ve been working with the gymnastics team for months now,” I say with a carefree laugh, and Callie grins.
“I had to tell him you were my dad-guy.”
“That’s so funny and absolutely pathetic,” Aviva says, shaking her head. “But not surprising since Nico basically forbids any guys from being around her.”
Nico gives me a stern look. “That’s still the case.”
Callie and Aviva laugh, but I don’t think he’s joking. When they realize what I do, Callie glares. “Nico, stop. I’m almost twenty years old.”
“So?” he says, giving her a look. “I’m about to be your dad. We’re starting over, and I get to run things for the next eighteen years.”
“That’s not how that works!” she snaps at him, and Aviva shakes her head.
“Oh, you asked him? How’d it go?” I ask, still trying to act as if I’m not totally caught up in her.
“How’d you know?” Nico asks. He almost catches me, but I’m quick on my feet.
“I was there when she was handing out the posters this morning.”
Callie smiles without Nico seeing it as he glares at me. Callie ignores him and says, “It went great. Though, I may have to take back my request.”
Nico snorts. “Try, and I’ll ground you.”
“Aviva! He’s impossible.”
“Oh, I know,” she says, visibly over them. “Evan, sweetheart, are you busy? I’d love to catch up. Can you join us for lunch?”
Nico says no at the same time I say yes. He doesn’t even look at me as he says to Aviva, “We can’t let them hang out. He’s got that Adler charm—he’ll deflower her.”
Oh, if only he knew.
Callie snorts. “Nico, we’ve discussed this. I’ve been de—”
He holds up his hand. “Calliope. Don’t you dare.”
I find myself laughing as Callie looks completely annoyed. I reach out, squeezing his shoulder. “If I promise not to charm her, can I come?”
Nico shakes off my hand. “You can’t charm any of us, you hear me? I will not like you.”
I give him a dry look. “Nico, we’re friends.”