Jillian Dodd - Hate Me

“Oh, um, my mom’s name is Kathryn,” I lie, using her middle name. “For work, she uses the last name Monroe, like mine, but my stepdad’s name is Tom, uh, Hart. So, even though they aren’t actually married, a lot of people would think of her as . . .” Shit. What did I say her first name was? “. . . Mrs. Hart. Maybe, Mrs. Tom Hart. Kathryn Hart. She’ll answer to just about anything, really.”

Aiden’s mom puts a finger to her temple. “Hmmm, Monroe sounds familiar. I know. George and Elizabeth Monroe. They’re from Scottsdale. Any relation?”

“No, most of my relatives are in Texas.”

Aiden thankfully stops the Arrington Inquisition by clearing plates and asking his parents if they'd like to see the rest of the loft.

While he shows them around, I make myself busy with the dishes.

When they go upstairs, I grab my purse and add more lies to my ever-growing list. It’s no wonder I can’t remember half of them anymore.

They finish up the tour, join me in the kitchen, and Aiden asks, “Will Abernathy and Fritz be there?”

“Who?”

“The couple you and Damian were talking about. The love-at-first-sight couple.”

“Oh, I don't know. I haven’t seen a guest list because I’m not going.”

Jeez, does he ever forget anything?

“Abernathy. That's an unusual name,” Aiden’s dad comments. “Isn't there a Scotch with that name?”

“No, that's Aberloure,” Aiden tells him.

His mom changes the subject. “Your Christmas tree turned out beautifully. I thought Aiden went a little crazy on the ornaments, but it was the perfect amount.”

“Thanks,” I say. “He did go a little crazy.”

Aiden leans against the kitchen island in the exact spot he was in when I got down on my knees and unleashed the Titan. I tilt my head and look dreamily at him.

He smirks at me, then looks down. I know he knows exactly what I’m thinking about.

I hear his dad say, “This loft is incredible. Aiden told us about its former life as a concert hall.”

The answer to my previous question: no. Aiden clearly never forgets a thing.

Damn that godly brain.

“That’s why I love it. The history and character.”

“And your closet is beautiful, too. Aiden said you have one like it at home?”

“Uh, yeah.”

Ohmigawd, people. Please, no more questions.

But they don’t stop.

Aiden’s dad asks, “Do you have plans for today? Do you want to go do something?”

“We have tickets to see The Nutcracker this afternoon. Do you want to see if I can get a couple more?”

“Oh, no, we should probably get to the airport. I start my testing on Tuesday.”

“I hope that all goes well,” I say. “That must be scary.”

Aiden’s dad looks at the floor, but his mom says, “Better to know the truth so you can deal with it.”

After they leave, Aiden pulls me into a hug. “Sorry for the twenty questions.”

“It's okay. I didn't mind,” I lie.

“I want to spend New Year’s with you. Wherever you are.”

“That would be nice.”

“What would you think of spending the week here? I've always wanted to watch the ball drop in person.”

“That would be amazing. But maybe we can go to a party? One that overlooks the ball dropping, instead of standing outside in the cold.”

“That sounds even better. Dancing all night. You in a sexy little dress. Kissing at midnight.”

“It’s a date,” I tell him. “Can we make some hot chocolate and go upstairs, so I can stare at the tree before we leave? It's so pretty.”

“Perfect. We’ll relax for a while before we have to go. Why don’t I finish cleaning up while you go put your robe back on.”

“You want me back in my robe?”

“Yes, it’s soft and you’ll be naked underneath.”

We see The Nutcracker , have dinner, and then take a late train back to school.

I finish doing the homework I didn’t do all weekend—while Katie tells me all that happened while we were gone—and am just getting ready to go to sleep when my phone buzzes.

Hottie God: ifly<3

Me: Are you telling me you’re fly? LOL

Hottie God: I totally am, but no. ifly = I fucking love you.

Me: Oh :) Well, then, ifly too <3

Hottie God: Leave your window unlocked. I'm not sure I can sleep without you.

That many times.

7am

Annie comes running into our dorm room laughing while Katie and I are still getting ready. “Look what I got from my naughty Santa! Hold your hand out!”

Katie does as asked. Annie holds up a cute little plastic reindeer, hits a button, and the reindeer poops a chocolate turd into her hand.

“Oh, that’s gross!” Katie yells.

“But it’s chocolate!” Annie counters, which causes Katie to look closer at the reindeer poo and then pop it into her mouth.

“That’s good!” Katie says.

“Did you both sleep in?” Annie asks.

“Yeah,” I say. “I was tired.”

“Did Aiden wear you out?” Annie teases as she plops on my bed. “Tell us what happened.”

“It was more the whole week that wore me out. Dance practices, then the competition. Aiden and I shopped all day Saturday. I got all my Christmas shopping done, though. Speaking of wearing someone out. What did you and Jake do this weekend?”

“Partied a little. We did one night with everyone in Bryce’s room and then Riley took us to Stockton’s on Saturday night. Jake got a little drunk. He was so cute.”

“Cute when he was drunk?”

“He was more like tipsy, I guess. He just said some really sweet things to me.”

“Drunk words equal sober thoughts,” Katie says as she whizzes by us throwing books into her backpack.

“What does that mean?” Annie asks her.

“It means,” Katie replies, “that when you’re drunk you say things that you would be too chicken to say sober. For guys, that’s usually how they feel about you.”

Annie’s eyes light up. “Really? Ohmigosh. That makes it even better.”

“What did he say?” I ask.

She pulls her arms into her chest and hugs herself. “That he’s falling in love with me. And the best part about it is he isn’t just saying it to get in my pants.”

“Because he’s already in them,” Katie laughs.

I finish loading my bag and then sit on the bed next to Annie. “Are you both being careful?”

“We’ve used a condom every time,” Annie says. “I have too many life goals to risk getting pregnant. I also made an appointment with a women’s clinic in town so I can go on the pill.”

“That’s smart.”

Katie is sort of fidgeting. “Katie, what about you?”

“Well, Bryce doesn’t really like to use them, so usually he just pulls out.”

“Katie!” Annie and I both say together, horrified.

Annie continues. “That’s like playing Russian Roulette! Do you want to get pregnant?”

“No! But . . .” Katie starts to say.

“No buts,” Annie snarls. “I’m making you an appointment. We’ll go together.”

“I’m a little worried, actually. The other night he waited too long.”

Annie covers her eyes with her hands. “Katie!”

“Don’t chew me out. It’s not my fault.”

“It will be your fault if you get pregnant. It’s your body and your responsibility to protect yourself. We’re going to the pharmacy after school and buying you condoms. You will tell Bryce no condoms equals no sex. And pray that you’re not already pregnant.”

Katie lowers her head and nods. “Okay.”

I glance at the clock. “We better get to class.”

As I run out the door, I trip over a present lying there, wrapped with a pink bow.