Choices by Annie Brewer Read Free Book Online Page A

eyes that I’d get distracted and stare.
    “Um, just having a bad day I guess.” I lean against my locker and clutch my books in my hands against my chest . His bangs hang over his left eye and I just want to brush it back. It’s driving me crazy! Say something!
    “So what’s your name?” I ask casually.
    “Carter. And I’m sure you can guess my last name now.” He teases.
    “Um, Morris? Davis?” We laugh. Wow, I’m actually laughing.
    “Do you want to talk about it?” Were we talking?
    “Talk about what?” I seriously forgot what we were talking about. Names I think.
    “What got you upset? You know, when I’m feeling down I drink coffee. It helps.” I’ll make you feel better. I roll my eyes, discreetly. I swear I think my hormones are screaming at me. They are out of control!
    “Okay, first of all, ewe. I hate coffee. And second, I’m just dealing with drama.” And I’m sure if you knew the situation, you’d walk away because that’s what guys do.
    “Sorry to bother you. But I got to get back to work now. See ya around maybe. What was your name?” He asks as he starts walking backwards.
    “Gracie.” I shyly reply.
    “Nice to meet you Gracie. Hope I see you again.” He winks then takes off in the other direction.  My breath gets caught in my throat.
    Okay, so one thing I’ve always wished I was good at was winking. I can’t wink to save my life. I taught myself to whistle and blow a bubble, which took me hours in the bathroom in front of the mirror to master those two. But when I tried winking in the mirror, I always did the same thing, squint both of my eyes and my top lip would rise along with the rest of my mouth which after a while, I just looked ridiculous. So I gave up. But damn, that scene that just took place completely set my blood on fire. It took every ounce of strength-and believe me, I have none-not to ask him to come back and do that again. Oh my God. Where did that creature come from? Oh yeah, my principle’s womb. I guess I can see it; she’s a pretty petite middle aged woman with dark hair and pretty eyes. His eyes, they are so expressive. I could get lost in them.
    “Uh, Gracie what are you staring at?” I whip my head around to see my best friend standing next to me with a curious expression.
    “Uh, nothing?” She crosses her arms in a “I don’t believe you” like gesture.
    “Okay, I just met the principle’s son. Her freaking son. Oh my God Meg, he’s gorgeous. You should see him.”
    “You mean Carter?” She asks, grinning. I gape at her.
    “You know him?” I’m appalled. How does she know him and I never met him.
    “Well, yeah he works at the coffee shop we always go to.” Oh that’s why. I don’t drink coffee. Maybe you should start now. She goes to the coffee shop a lot with her family. Wait.
    “You mean that’s the place you spend hours surfing the net?” She grins mischievously. Then looks me over
    “You look like hell. Did he see you like this and still talk to you?” I love her blunt honesty. “Were you crying Gracie?”
    “Yes, but he didn’t care. And yes again but he didn’t care. He implied I should drink coffee. Apparently it helps when he’s having a bad day. Oh so then he actually caught me crying, then he asked what was wrong and winked at me before he left.” I start shaking her shoulders like a madman.
    “Oh no, not the winking. I know how much you hate that everyone and their mothers can wink. Except you.”
    “Thanks Meg. Did I ever tell you what a great friend you are?” She laughs and grabs my shoulder. “I just tell it like I see it. I’m an honest bitch, which is why most girls hate me.”
    “Welcome to the club sista. So when are you going to the coffee shop again?” I ask, as I adjust my books to the other hand. She cocks her head to the side.
    “You don’t like coffee. And it’s more of a little quaint café. It’s not far from here but it’s off the highway.” She states matter of factly.
    “Well,