Falling for the Ghost of You(84)

“Well, I’ll tell you…” And she launches into an amazing story about her adventures in Paraguay. This story doesn’t end with her in jail, for a change.

Later, when I’m pulling her blanket and comforter up to her chest, Helize’s eyes suddenly take on a sheen.

“Sometimes I wonder what might have been,” she whispers as I lean over her. “The thing is…I was a very proud girl. I never wanted to take the chance I might get hurt. Isn’t that funny? I was game for any exciting adventure that came my way, but when it came to risking my heart, I was a coward. Charlie used to say…” She lets out a little chuckle. “He used to say, ‘Helize, you’re going to regret not forgiving me. I could have been the greatest adventure of your life.’ ‘Course, last time I saw him, he had gained two hundred pounds, and lived in an Arby’s.”

“Wow,” I murmur, fixing her nasal canula. “Bullet dodged.”

“Indeed.”

“Well, Helize,” I say, tucking her in. “You’ll always have me.”

“Yes…what was your name again, dear?”

She’s kidding, of course. See, no one ever told Helize she’s not funny. Big mistake.



It’s the dawn of a new year, and I’m lying in bed by myself, full of regrets. Did I do the right thing by breaking it off with Zane? He lied to me. Maybe he didn’t use me, but he didn’t trust me with the truth, either. Even if I could forgive him that, how would I ever fit into his rock star life? I couldn’t stand all those girls chasing after him constantly—I would have to beat them down. And being with him would put me in the public eye. Could I handle that? No, I don’t think I could. Oh, god, I can just imagine the paparazzi catching me off guard, surrounding me—and I start shouting “penis!” at them. Then Mom would jump in and tell them about the summer her sweet daughter turned tricks in her grandma’s bakery.

I can just see the headlines now: Aiden Cross Dating Girl with Family History of Tourette’s.

No one wants to see a headline like that. Way too long.

Yeah. It wouldn’t be good.



So being back at school sucks—especially without Lauren. At least everyone is too busy talking about what they did over break to gossip about her and Mr. Jensen. I’m sick of yelling at everyone about it, anyway. Like it’s the first time a teacher hooked up with a student at Hidden Cove. It’s not even the fifth, if the rumors are true about Ms. Goolihan and Edward Alva.

Oh, there's a new rumor going around that my drug dealer pimp bought me the Bentley. I may have inadvertently started that one when that snotty cheerleader bitch, Alissa asked who I had to do to score a car like that. I may have replied something about my drug dealing pimp daddy. But who really knows how these things get started, right?

I’m at home , working on my book when my phone rings. I look at the display in surprise. It’s Kim.

“Hey, Kim,” I answer. “What’s up?”

Kim’s cheerful voice comes through loud and excited. “Oh, my god, Violet! Did you watch The Joanna Show today?!”

“Uh, no. I don’t really watch…”

“Aiden Cross was on, and he was talking about you!” she shouts.

“W-what?!” Holy crap! “What did he say?!”

“Oh, my god! I saved it—you have to come over and watch!”

“What did he say?!”

I’m already running around, looking for my shoes, while Kim squeals in my ear.

“You have to come over and see for yourself. Violet! I'm so j! He is sooo hot!”

“I know!” I shout back. “Can I pick Lauren up and bring her over, too?”

“Yeah, of course! Oh, my god!”

I text Lauren on the way to let her know I’m coming to get her. She just barely opens the door when I’m already dragging her out by her arm. I’m so jittery I can barely drive. Zane talked about me?! On a nationally televised talk show! What did he say? Oh, my god—did he say my name?! What was he thinking? Or was he talking about some other chick, and Kim is just confused? Grr, if that’s the case.

Matt answers the door as I’m raising my hand to knock. I’m so flustered, I almost rap my fist against his forehead.

He looks shocked to see me. “Violet! What are you—?”

“Yeah,” I mutter and practically push him aside.

I drag Lauren in and spot Kim bouncing around at the top of stairs. Her eyes are sparkling excitedly as she waves us up.

I take the stairs two at a time, Lauren following much more slowly behind me. It’s inevitable that I trip, but I bounce right back up.