Read Online Because I Love You by Tori Rigby - Free Book Online

even Broadway—good.
    “I didn’t know you could sing,” I said.
    “Hey, I have many talents. Music, poetry, rolling the perfect joint.”
    I scrunched my nose. “Do you really smoke pot?”
    He smiled. “Nah, but everyone thinks I do, so don’t blow my secret.”
    “Why do you let people think that kind of stuff about you?”
    “This isn’t my normal self, babe. I’m holding back for you.” He winked.
    God, I hated when he did that. “Can you be serious for one minute?”
    “Nope.”
    “Ugh!” I smacked my hand on the side of the door and stared out the window. For a few minutes, I sat like that, then Neil turned down the volume.
    “Look, Andie, if you knew the real me, you’d get why I let people say that shit. It’s better they think I’m a cheater and a pothead than know the truth. Two things I’m not, by the way.”
    “Except for when you made out with Abby Young in the library two years ago.”
    “Oh, yeah. Forgot I did that. That was a pretty shitty thing to do to you. I’m sorry.”
    I looked at him, but his focus stayed on the road, his fingers no longer tapping to the beat.
    “Well, if it helps, I had a really good time with you today. So, the real you can’t be all that bad,” I said. Obviously, he had a temper—and his snark made me want to smack him—but he was also playful and kind. And as far as his apology: I hadn’t expected that. He really needed to let people see this side of him more often.
    Neil’s gaze flicked to me then back to the road. He pressed his lips together, and something deep inside me hoped he’d open up, even a little bit. The day had been really good, and maybe he could be the friend I needed, even given our history. But he turned up the radio and continued to stare straight ahead.
    My heart sank. Guess today was just chump charity, after all.
    Ten minutes later, he pulled into my driveway. I stuffed the polar bear into my book bag and slung my purse over my shoulder before pushing open the truck’s door. “Thanks for today.”
    “Wait.” Neil rubbed the back of his neck.
    I pulled my legs back into the truck and shut the door.
    “Give me your phone.” He held his hand out to me.
    I raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
    “So I can give you my number.”
    Timidly, I pulled my cell out of my purse and handed it to him. He punched a few buttons then passed it back.
    “Call me any time,” he said. “Day or night. I don’t live far, and half the time I’m at Owen’s—which is even closer—so whatever you need.”
    After a day of jokes and sarcasm, his sincerity was unnerving—as was his penetrating stare. A lump caught in my throat. “Thanks.”
    He flashed me a soft smile. “Later, Hamilton.”
    I climbed out of the truck and waved goodbye as he backed out of the driveway.

chapter eight

    Mom jerked awake at the dining table as soon as I stepped into the kitchen. I squinted at the stack of ungraded papers she must’ve used as a pillow. Had she really fallen asleep with her head on the table?
    “Hey, honey.” Mom pinched the bridge of her nose. “How was your day?”
    “Fine,” I replied. My grip strengthened on my backpack, and I took a step toward the hall, biting my lip.
    “Your school called me today. They said you didn’t show up this morning.”
    Crap. With a sigh, I dropped my bags on the floor and sat across from her. Could I come out and say, I’m pregnant, and people at school called me a whore, so I skipped. Please don’t make me go back?
    One look into Mom’s loving gaze told me no.
    “It was stupid. A couple friends were going to the zoo and asked if I wanted to come along, and I said yes. I’m sorry.”
    Mom stared into my eyes, and I forced myself to look away. If I didn’t, she’d know I wasn’t telling her the whole truth.
    “Was there drinking involved?” she asked.
    I shook my head and looked her in the eye. “No.”
    “Drugs?”
    “No.”
    “Sex?”
    “ No .”
    She stared at me then sighed. “Well, you know