All I’ve Never Wanted(30)
“Getting rides home every Friday. Carlo told me what happened.”
“Trust me, it wasn’t like I had a choice,” I huffed. Ok, I had more of a choice with Carlo than Roman, but still.
I hesitated, then before I could lose my nerve, asked, “What’s going on with everyone?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why is everyone being…nicer? If that’s the right word.”
“You mean, why aren’t they shoving snakes in your locker?”
I shuddered slightly at the memory. I hated reptiles. “Yeah.”
“I have no idea.”
I shot Parker a disbelieving look. “You’re Parker Remington. You should know everything!”
“I should,” he agreed. “But I don’t. That’s more Roman’s forte, and maybe Zack’s. He kind of a gossiper.”
I couldn’t help but snicker. I may not know him, but Zack did seem like that type.
“Well, then, why are you being so nice to me?” I asked.
We stopped at a red light and he turned to give me a heart-melting smile. I actually felt my knees weaken. Although I may not like the Scions—and that was putting it lightly—it didn’t mean I was dead. Parker was charming and good-looking enough to elicit a physical reaction from any living, breathing girl.
“Why do you think?” he asked, holding my gaze for several intense seconds.
A warm blush crept up on my cheeks. He was good, I’ll give him that.
I turned away. “Because you want to get in my pants?” I asked cheekily, trying to recover.
Parker let out a loud laugh. “Well, I’ve never heard a girl say that quite so bluntly before.” The light turned green, and he stepped on the gas. “Besides, I’m a guy. I want to get into every girl’s pants. Or skirt.” He raised his eyebrows at my bare legs.
I tugged down the hem of my skirt. “At least you’re honest.”
He shrugged. “I’m always honest. I don’t see why people lie. It’s never a good idea in the long run.”
"I agree." I eyed him thoughtfully. “You know, you aren’t as horrible as I thought.” That was another worrying pattern that had emerged lately.
“Thanks.” His tone was wry. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
“You’re welcome.” I smiled sweetly. I couldn’t believe I was actually entertained by my conversation with Parker, but I was. “Oh, actually, you can let me off right here.”
“Here?” Parker blinked. “But we’re not at your house yet. We’re at a daycare center.” As if on cue, a ponytailed girl who was obviously a nanny walked out with a pair of adorable but fudge-covered twins in tow. “Is there something you forgot to tell everyone?”
“No!” I rolled my eyes. “I’m only seventeen! But…I just don’t want my parents asking questions about who you are and stuff. It’s been a long day.”
He shrugged. “Your wish is my command.” Parker tipped an imaginary hat at me.
I laughed. “Thanks for the ride,” I said almost shyly. Then I smirked. “But you’re never getting into my pants. Or skirt.”
With that, I slammed the door shut, but not before Parker’s laugh made its way into my ears.
When I arrived at my house, I wasn’t surprised to see my mom’s car out front. She’d probably just picked up my grandmother from the airport.
Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened the door and entered the living room.
I immediately saw my grandmother sitting on the couch, wearing a pair of gray pants and a black Mao-style shirt with red flowers that buttoned up her neck.
My mom fluttered nervously around her, looking jittery. She’d obviously consumed even more coffee than usual in preparation for this visit. “Oh, good Maya, you’re home.” She sounded massively relieved, which was far from how I felt.
“Maya, let me look at you,” my grandmother said with a heavy Asian accent, standing up and eyeing me critically from head to toe. “You gain weight? Your butt so big.”
My face turned beet red. “No, grandma. I didn't gain weight. How was your flight?” I asked, trying to deflect the attention from my butt.
“Good, good. Come, I show you something.” She pulled me over to the couch and pushed a stack of pictures into my lap.
She was never was one for formal greetings.
“I found perfect boy for you,” my grandmother promised, shoving one of the pictures under my nose. “He very good. Will be doctor someday. Going to Harvard, very smart boy.”