How to Hook a Bookworm by Cassie Mae Read Free Book Online

shut, but instead I get a very “stage-whispered” yell. “Your grades do matter. There’s no way in hell you’re dropping out, and if you fail, that means summer school. That isn’t free, Brea. It’s damn expensive, and it’ll just put more stress on Mom’s back. She doesn’t need that.”
    “You mean you don’t need that,” I spit before I can stop it. I immediately regret the comeback because Levi never complains about what he’s been doing since Dad ran out the door. He’s the one who picked this family up after Mom’s depression and my bitchery. I know it weighs on him, but he doesn’t say anything. Even after selling his car, his drums…he let it slide off his back. I sit up, tucking my knees under my chin, avoiding his eyes. “Sorry.”
    Silence creeps on us, and I chew on my thumbnail, debating on apologizing again. After about thirty seconds, Levi sits back on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair.
    “Maybe I should stay.”
    “What?”
    “Maybe I need to stay here.” He lowers his hand. “At least until Mom gets a permanent job.”
    “No job is permanent.” As soon as it’s out of my mouth, Levi shoots me a look like I’m purposely being a pain in the ass to keep fighting, but that’s not it. “I just mean if you keep using that as an excuse, you’ll never leave. And as much as I want you to stay, you’re twenty years old. You need to get out of here. Be on your own. Or with your girlfriend. Whatever you’re planning on doing.”
    “Don’t you think I know that?” His voice rises, and I jolt back from his tone. “I want out of here so bad, there have been days I’ve put Sierra on the back of the moped and wanted to drive away. Just drive till there’s no gas left in the tank. I’ve wanted to apply at colleges, move out of state, get the hell out and away from all this.” He pulls out his phone, checks the time, then jams it back in his pocket as he stands. “But I don’t. Because I love you, and I love Mom. And I’m not like Dad. I won’t run away just because shit is hard. If I have to stay here till I’m seventy I will. So don’t drop out. Don’t go looking for a job. Work hard at getting your grades up so you can graduate. That’s what Mom wants for you, and that’s what I’m working so damn hard for you to do.”
    Heat rolls through my chest, and I take it back. I’d rather have worry than this. Not disappointment. I know I’m not pleasant company. I know I make hard things harder. I’m not strong, but I put on that front because I hate being weak.
    But I am weak.
    To fight from crying, rage comes out instead. Anger at my brother who doesn’t deserve it, but it comes out anyway.
    “I’m sorry to be such an inconvenience to you. I’m sorry I’m stupid and can’t focus in class because my mind is on my half empty stomach. I’m sorry you feel like you have to stay for me, because I’m hardly worth the effort. I’m sorry I can’t—”
    “Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you’re part of a team.”
    Both of us jump at my cell, screaming out the theme of The Lego Movie at volume three hundred. I growl at the floor, lean over, and snatch my phone up.
    Jay.
    I totally forgot about him. How awful is that? He’s the sexy sophomore angel sent to our school who wants to hang with me…and I forget.
    “Hello?” I croak, then quickly clear my throat.
    “Hey, is this Brea?”
    I shoot a glance at my brother who’s still standing two feet away from me, calming his breathing and pinching his nose.
    “Hi Jay. Um…can you hang on a second?”
    “Sure.”
    Covering the mouthpiece, I drop my hands to my side and swallow hard. I want to say something to him. Apologize again for yelling, for making things worse, for not even knowing why we’re fighting it just explodes sometimes when things build in my mind for too long. But I don’t. All I do is make sure my voice is steady and soft when I say, “You don’t want to be late for