Note to readers: I do not have a title for this book, so I will refer to it by the name of the chapter. I promise the next book will have a title. Any ideas?

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“Scarlett… I need to tell you something,” says a voice, Grayson. Hazelnut Hair, blue eyes. I’d know that voice anywhere. But it sounded different. Nervous. I had a feeling I knew where this was going to go. I wait until he is around three feet away from me until I answer. 

“I’m not really in the mood for a lecture,” I informed him, my voice filled with bitterness. Not now, not ever. But it is’nt Grayson’s fault. I need to get a hold of my temper. 

“Conrad had it coming. And I wasn't here to ‘lecture’ you.” His answer takes me by surprise. I frown. 

“Don't tell him that. He might also lose his friend in the process.” He looks pretty okay with that. I gulp, “What were you going to tell me then?” Cue the fidgeting. This is so unlike him. 

“Um… I just wanted… to tell you…” Grayson closes his eyes, “ I wanted to tell you that I've liked you. A lot. For a while.” I’m blank. Then comes anger. 

“Seriously!? You decided to tell me now? After I broke up with Conrad? Not to mention, he is your friend. Ugh.” I turn around immediately and run, despite Grayson calling after me to come back. Despite Grayson running after me. No. I can’t take this. I need space. And time. Lots and lots of time. 

What did he expect me to say? _I like you too? _How could he? I just broke up with Conrad! Maybe he thought I'd say: I need time? 

Once I got in my white Jeep SUV and started it, Grayson had barely gotten to to my window. I shook my head. _Just drive _I tell myself. So I do. And when I got to my house, I almost wished to be back at the school, with Grayson, and with all the complications, because, looking as peaceful as ever, was my ex, Conrad, standing in my driveway.