First Came You (Fate #0.5) by Faith Andrews Read Free Book Online Page A

not stand for an illegitimate pregnancy. Your father would be devastated. Do you understand?”
    Do I ever! I have no intention of getting myself in that kind of trouble. Could you imagine? I can’t. Kids are a very long way off for Tommy and me. Eons into the future.
    Unable to contain my excitement, I leap across the table and throw my arms around my mother’s neck. “So, you’re okay with it, then?” It’s all I can think about. My mother just gave me permission to date Tommy.
    Backing away from our hug, Mom deadpans, “I’m okay with you and Tommy taking things slow. Remember what I said. I trust you. Don’t break that. Don’t do something stupid and think I won’t find out. I always do.”
    Somehow, she’s right. It’s like that old saying mothers try to scare their children with: “I have eyes in the back of my head.”
    “You can trust me, Mom. I promise. Thank you for being so cool.” I kiss her cheek, and her hands find their way to my hair.
    Petting me and holding me close, she whispers in Italian that she loves me. “ Ti amo, Gabriella.”
    I hug her tighter, wondering how I got so lucky.

    Before calling it a night and heading to bed, I ask permission to walk over to Tommy’s to tell him the good news.
    When I approach his front door to knock, I hear shouting from inside.
    At first it sounds like an argument between Mr. and Mrs. Edwards. My parents have them all the time, so I don’t judge. But at closer inspection—or eavesdropping, if I’m being accurate—I recognize Tommy’s voice and his Irish temper. “You’re ridiculous! I’m busting my ass. I’ve given up my summer to show you how dedicated I am. I ask you for one little thing and you treat me like a child?”
    His father wastes no time bellowing back, “You live under this roof, you’re still a child in my eyes. End of story. The answer is no.”
    With that, there’s a loud thump—the slamming of a door. Followed by stomping—Tommy probably stalking off to his room. And finally, whimpering—Tommy’s mother crying.
    Whatever I just witnessed is probably none of my business, but I can’t help wishing I could come to the rescue the way Tommy has for me so many times in the past. The good news about us will have to wait for tomorrow. The bad news and the mystery behind what has the Edwards’ household in such an uproar, will keep me up all night.

Over the last two weeks, Tommy’s been super busy with schoolwork and his part time job at the bank. Figures that I finally get Mom’s permission to date and I haven’t seen much of my boyfriend. Other than him brushing off the fight I overheard, I don’t worry about his absence too much because I’ve been pretty occupied myself.
    I mean, what girl doesn’t have to prepare herself in every way imaginable for her senior year of high school? This will be the best year of my life. There’s prom, yearbook, college applications, and all the cool social status type things that come with being part of the graduating class. I’m stoked. This is my year. I can just feel it.
    As I’m organizing my closet to make room for my new outfits, Mom calls to me from downstairs. “Gabby, we’re going to the market. Is there anything specific you’re in the mood for this week?”
    “Yes!” I shout back. “Can you please get Pop Tarts—the ones with the icing? Oh, and some Diet Coke? I’m headed out in a bit too, okay?”
    “’Kay, bella. We’ll be back soon. Dad’s taking the ride, too.”
    “Okay!”
    A little while later, I stop by the bank to say hi to Tommy and to bring him a sandwich for lunch. On the walk back home, I ring Maria’s bell to ask if I can borrow a shirt of hers I’ve been admiring for a while. We get caught up in chatting about her latest movie date with Ben.
    “I think I really like him, Gabby. He’s so sweet.”
    “And super hot!” I add, giggling.
    “Not as fine as your older man, but he’s a keeper. At least for senior year. Once college starts, I