In Too Deep by Eliza Jane Read Free Book Online Page B

concern me.
    I click yes on all the following: in “smart” classes, have fixed someone’s computer, on speed dial as someone’s personal tech support, skipped parties to program or repair computers. 
    I might just have something in common with these gifted geeks after all.
    ***
    My first week of classes has left me physically sore and mentally exhausted, yet with each passing day my plan to get sent home has become little more than wisps in the back corner of my mind, only remembered when I text with Piper. But yesterday, when she mentioned Wes’ hook up with Stacey, it only solidified my resolution to stay here at least a bit longer. Not to mention my parents are over the moon about me being here.
    Friday night I’m sitting on the center of MJ’s bed while she swirls miniature brushes into well-used compacts. She brushes my whole face with a thick foundation.
    “What do I need this for?” I’m not used to wearing anything that covers my whole face.
    “It evens you r skin tone out,” MJ says. I study her more closely and see that her makeup is flawless, but still manages to look natural. I loosen my shoulders, and begin to relax a little.
    “So, what will tonight be like?” I ask.
    MJ concentrates on sharpening a black eye pencil into a tissue lying on the bed.
    Sara tucks her dark hair behind her ears. “It’ll be most of our class, plus a few second years hanging out, playing games, reveling in their geekiness. A few people will drink too much. Some of the girls will get annoying and turn up the music to grind on each other, you know, pretty typical stuff.”
    I smile while MJ swipes bronzer across my cheeks and forehead. “Sounds like fun.”
    She shrugs and finished by lining my eyes with the black pencil and adding a few swipes of mascara. When I look in the mirror I’m pleasantly surprised. My complexion is clear, I’m a bit tan and my blue eyes stand out against the dark makeup.
    MJ gathers everything from the bed, stuffing it into the pink makeup bag and then we set off for the basement.
    “You go ahead.” I shoo her out the door. “I’ll meet you down there in minute.” MJ eyes me curiously. “I’m gonna make a quick phone call.”
    She nods once and turns to leave. The phone call home’s not a bad idea, but really I need a minute alone. I don’t have the energy to fake sounding happy and well-adjusted right now. I just want a second to myself. I open the trunk at the end of my bed and refold all the clothes I shoved inside when I was too overwhelmed to unpack earlier this week. At home, I had two dressers plus a walk in closet that were never this organized, but with less space to work with, I have a strange desire to keep it tidy.
    I’m not sure why I’m hesitating joining them at the party. Maybe because if I make friends here, it’ll be like admitting I’m staying. I haven’t decided yet, but I certainly haven’t been doing anything that would get me kicked out like I’d originally planned. Piper’s recent texts to me have gone unanswered. I didn’t know how to tell her that it doesn’t look like I’ll be thrown out anytime soon and that I’m enjoying this reprieve from seeing Wes.
    When I’ve refolded the last tank top and placed it on the top of the stack, I let the lid drop closed. I steal one last glance at the mirror and head into the hall. Just as I’m turning the corner, I meet Colt at top of the staircase. He stops his descent from the third floor and waits. His eyes linger on me and suddenly I’m self-conscious under his scrutiny. I can’t help but wonder if he’s remembering me in all my glory: hip cocked out and gyrating like a drunken lunatic.
    My patience is shot. All week I’ve answered endless questions, I’m adjusting fine – thank you – with plastered on fake smiles and polite nods, and I don’t have it in me to be polite right now, especially to the guy who stood by watching me attempt to dance at Bria’s command. Mostly I’m mad at myself