Read Online Cipher (The Cipher Series) by Cindi Madsen - Free Book Online Page B

eyebrows drew together. “You look kind of sad, Sunshine. What’s up?”
    Summer shook her head, not wanting her voice to betray her. Her throat burned with the effort to keep from bursting into tears, but she managed to choke out, “Nothing.”
    Troy opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Mr. Jennings stood and started his lecture. He dove into the topic of ionic and covalent bonds, managing to add even more to Summer’s misery.
    ***
    Summer stuffed her money into her pocket and hurried out of her bedroom. As she descended the stairs, Troy and Dad came into view. They stood in the entryway, their voices too low for her to make out words. When she’d first started dating Cody, Dad kept asking what had happened to Troy. He hadn’t been very subtle when it came to his preference about who he’d rather her spend time with. Even after she explained that she and Troy were still friends, but they were both with other people, Dad continued to ask about him.
    Dad stuck his fingers between the blinds, creating a gap large enough to see out the window, and peered outside. “You’re still driving the Cherokee, I see.”
    The first time Troy had picked her up to go to Equinox, Dad had gone out to inspect the Jeep. Instead of acting annoyed like most people did, Troy had gotten down on the ground and proved how much he knew about his vehicle. Dad ate it up.
    “I am,” Troy said. “And all the maintenance is up to date.”
    “Good.” Dad turned away from the window and looked at her. “Just you and Troy tonight?”
    “No, we’re picking up a couple more people. It’s not a raging party unless you’ve got lots of peeps.” Summer stuck out her tongue and threw both hands up in the rock and roll sign.
    Dad let her know he didn’t think her joke was funny by furrowing his brow. “You’ve got your mace?”
    “Dad, they won’t let me into the club with mace.”
    “Right.” Dad gave Troy a stiff pat on the back. “Then I’m counting on you. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
    Troy slung his arm over Summer’s shoulders, jostling her against him. “I’ll take good care of her, Mr. Davis, I swear.” He grinned, obviously happy with his over-the-top performance—she couldn’t help but smile at it either.
    Dad gave one sharp nod. “I like this guy. Troy, you should come over more often.”
    “Oh, I’m sure Summer’s boyfriend would feel differently.”
    “You didn’t tell him?” Dad asked, glancing at Summer. “In theory, Cody’s history. Right, kid?”
    Summer breathed through the sting those words caused and nodded. “Right. Now we’re going to be late if you don’t let us go. We’ve still got more people to pick up, and who knows how long their parents’ protective speeches are going to be.”
    “Okay, okay. Be good, and be careful. Remember, defensive driving is smart driving.”
    “Later, Dad.” Summer grabbed Troy’s arm and pulled him out the door, wanting to forget about everything and get on with this night. An entire week had gone by since she’d first seen Gabriella, and so far, she didn’t have anything to show for her efforts. Tonight’s mission was to get Ashlyn over her prejudice so Summer could start with the rest of her job, which she still had no clue how to do.
    Troy opened the passenger door of the Jeep for her. He got in, and fired up the engine. “So, you and Cody are finished?”
    “We broke up yesterday.”
    Troy glanced over his shoulder, then pulled onto the street. “Why?”
    Summer took a deep breath, trying to figure out how much to share.
    “Sorry,” Troy said. “I guess I shouldn’t be prying.”
    “I really just want to forget about him and have fun tonight.” She picked at a thread on her jeans, not wanting to say more, but not wanting things to be weird. “Hey, you think they’ll play Obligatory tonight? I’ve always wanted to hear it live.”
    “They better. It is the song our friendship was founded on. That and the keys.”
    Summer