Beckoning Light (The Afterglow Trilogy #1)(9)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

James abruptly changed the subject. “So, any new clubs this afternoon?”

“Nope,” I said without thinking.

“Great! So we can work on our project. There isn’t much of a selection at the library here. Why don’t we head over to the public library downtown?” Although he phrased it as a question, I could tell that he wasn’t really asking.

“You’re forgetting I don’t drive. I’m stuck here until after basketball practice lets out.”

“I didn’t forget. I’ll give you a ride,” he said as though that settled it.

“Well…” I tried thinking of another excuse.

“Come on, what were you going to do until five o’clock, anyway?”

I was frustrated. I had been ready to get him to just let us work on the project individually but he didn’t appear to want to let it go. I wondered why he was so intent on us working on it together. I decided to try to get out of it anyway. “Well, I was thinking. Why don’t you do the biography section, and I’ll do the analysis part?” I hoped giving him the easy part would make him take the bait.

“Wow, Charlotte. You really think I’m some dumb kid who’s going to be relieved because you’re doing most of the work?”

“No, it’s just—” I struggled to come up with an explanation.

James interrupted. “Then, what? The thought of working with me is so repulsive that you would rather double your workload?”

He had me there. There was no better way to get under my skin than making me feel mean; I absolutely abhorred hurting people’s feelings. “No, of course not, I just figured it might be easier, but you’re right, we’re supposed to do this together. I guess it will be good to get this project done anyway.”

“Great. Glad you came up with such a good idea.” He smirked.

“But I need to ask my uncle first. He might not want me getting a ride with you.”

“Why not?”

“Well, he doesn’t know you, does he?” I assumed that he wouldn’t have crossed paths with Monty much, but I was beginning to realize that James was full of surprises.

“Well, you don’t know until you ask.” He looked down, playing with the spiral on his notebook.

“Well, I guess I could ask.” I figured that refusing would be rude.

“Great, I know how much you want to get this project done.” He gave me another of his weird smiles.

I quickly looked down at my history homework to signal the conversation was over. James didn’t say anything else, just pulled out a book and started reading. I successfully ignored him during class, but after the bell rang, he said, “See you later, partner,” as he walked out the door.

The rest of the morning went quickly, and I was still nervous about the library plans when I walked into the cafeteria with Rachel. I took the same seat as the last few days. Liam arrived a minute later and, to my surprise, sat down next to me.

“So how have you been since gym class?” He opened his brown bag and pulled out his lunch.

“Fine, how about you?”

“I’m pretty good.” He yawned, then added, “Just tired. I’m really sick of the morning practices.”

“I know what you mean. I have to get here early every time you have one,” I reminded him.

Of course, because this was my life, James sat down next to me on my other side. He always seemed to know exactly how to irk me. “As I mentioned earlier, Charlotte, I would be happy to drive you anytime.”

“And I told you, I don’t need a ride,” I grumbled, hoping it would end the conversation. I really didn’t want to discuss it in front of Liam. Liam looked back and forth between us, then laughed a little.

“Maybe we can talk about it again this afternoon.” James must have sensed that the only way to make me feel weirder would be to mention our plans for later.

“This afternoon?” Liam asked, sounding surprised.

“Oh, I guess Charlotte didn’t get a chance to mention it yet.” James paused to give me his usual smirk. “Charlotte and I are going to the downtown library to work on our English project. As I was telling her, the Poe section here is lacking.”

“How are you getting there, Charlotte?” Liam gave me a questioning look.

James didn’t let me answer. “I’m giving her a ride.”

“No offense, but do you really think Monty is going to let you get a ride from a guy in an Aston Martin?” Liam asked.

“An Aston Martin?” Oh, my God, what had I agreed to? What kind of sixteen-year-old drove a car like that?

“You don’t see me as the James Bond type?” James was clearly enjoying my response to his car.

“It’s not really about the car. I already told you I need to ask my uncle first.” I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of thinking I cared about what kind of car he drove.

“You have orchestra last period, right?” James once again managed to ask a question while making it sound like a statement.

“Yeah.” I wasn’t really surprised that he knew since there was only one orchestra class. Also, if he knew where I lived, he likely knew I played the cello.

I didn’t give the library trip much thought during my afternoon classes. Thankfully, Liam had reminded me that I could always use Monty as an excuse. I walked into orchestra thinking about what I would study after school. I was startled to see James talking to Monty and pointing in my direction. Monty gestured for me to come over.

James started talking as soon as I reached them. “Hey, Charlotte. I was just telling Mr. Winthrop that you were really excited to work on our English project today and didn’t want to wait until he got out of practice. I asked if he would mind if I drove you, and he said he didn’t see a problem with it as long as you’re home in time for dinner.”

“That okay with you, Charlotte? I know how much you love English, and I know it must be frustrating to have to be here until five o’clock.” Monty looked at me like he was trying to gage my response.

“Uh, sure,” I said, although what I wanted to do was scream. Now I couldn’t get out of it without seeming rude.

“Great news, huh?” James shot me one of his usual smiles before exiting the room as the bell rang.

“Yeah, great,” I mumbled.

Liam was already set up behind my seat when I brought over my cello. “Hey. What was that about?”

“Oh, it was just James getting my uncle’s permission to drive me to the library,” I said, still trying to control my anger.