In the Moment After by C.G. Coppola

Author:C.G. Coppola
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.G. Coppola
Published: 2024-06-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Valentine’s Day was two weeks ago, but people are still talking about it.

Mostly Hailey.

Because she has a boyfriend now.

I was surprised at first—she’d only mentioned Jason a few times. Normally, when she likes a boy, I hear his name around a thousand times a day—to the point where I hate the sound of it and any other people unlucky enough to be called the same. But she hasn’t liked anyone since Todd Anderson in freshman year. She’s mentioned Jason a few times, but not enough to give me suspicion. And then Valentine’s Day arrived along with a single red rose and a small box of candy. And that was that.

Hailey was over the moon.

Still is.

I think we’ve gone over the day a million times—what she was wearing, thinking, saying, doing. And then the same with Jason. I could probably describe it to the police with detailed accuracy, if needed. And I wasn’t even there.

I was busy dealing with Grayson’s shenanigans. As I’m dating an outspoken critic of Valentine’s Day and all it stands for, I expected exactly nothing—which is what I got, until the very end of the day. In every class, I watched girls get flower deliveries knowing none of the roses would be for me. And although I was annoyed—and slightly sad—I understood. Grayson doesn’t like the stupid, made-up holiday and thinks anyone who participates is a sucker.

But he surprised me at my locker at the end of the day with a single red rose. One he collected himself (or, more likely, stole) and wanted to deliver personally, and not in front of the school. But just to me. Because I’m the only one that matters. (His words.)

I think about this as Hailey gushes on about what Jason did for her this morning. After staying up late on the phone chatting, he went out early to get her the smoothie she’d mentioned loving and brought it to school. It actually is pretty sweet.

“He really likes you.” I stand beside her locker, excited for her. Hailey has waited so long to be treated so special. She deserves this.

“You think?” She smiles, practically glowing.

“Course. It’s not about what they say at all. It’s about the gestures.” I wiggle my brows, leaning in. “Have you guys kissed?”

Cheeks red, she glances to the side. “No. Not yet.”

“Why not?”

She shrugs.

“Why don’t you just kiss him?”

“I can’t do that.” She continues avoiding my eyes. “I mean—I could. But I want him to do it, you know? Plus, I’m not good at that kind of stuff.”

“Maybe he’s nervous.”

“Who’s nervous?” Grayson appears beside me, throwing his arm over my shoulder in that possessive way I secretly love. He looks between me and Hailey, settling his focus on her.

But she looks at me.

I clear my throat, not sure if she wants me to reveal this. But it’s been two weeks, and honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t heard yet. “Hailey’s new boyfriend.”

His brows pop. He looks at her and back at me. “Who is it?”

I could lie or try to avoid the question, but he will literally make it his mission to find out.

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