Plastic Hearts by Lisa de Jong Read Free Book Online

inspiration just compounded my discomfort.
    I spent the entire class painting what I learned about Dane Wright onto canvas using one of the easels at the center of the room. At least I wouldn't have to spend my time sitting next to Mr. Green Eyes.
    Stealing a few glances at Dane while painting, I noticed that he hadn't done anything during class other than doodle in his notebook. At one point, I saw Mr. Thomas walk over and say something to him. Dane said something in response and Mr. Thomas nodded and walked away. I was starting to feel anxious that his part of the presentation was going to include a bunch of scribbles on notebook paper. Hopefully, I was more inspiring than that.
    When I was satisfied with the work I’d done, I returned to my desk with a few minutes to spare before class was over. I wanted to look over my Anatomy notes because I heard that Dr. Draper had a habit of giving pop quizzes. My notebook hadn’t been open for more than two minutes when my stomach growled, reminding me that I’d skipped breakfast in order to get to class on time.
    "That sounds like an invitation to ask if you would like to join me for lunch. Nothing fancy, just the cafeteria, but I’ll pay,” Dane said, eyeing me with such confidence that I was sure that he rarely heard the word no when he asked a girl out.
    "Actually, I can't. I have to head over to the Med Center for Anatomy, which I’ll have to do every Monday, Wednesday and Friday immediately following this class. Just thought I should let you know so you don't waste your breath asking me again,” I said curtly, crossing my arms over my chest. He stared at me for a minute, letting my words sink in before the sides of his lips turned up.
    "Okay, have it your way today, but eventually you’ll cave," he said, the cocky grin still on his face. Like an answer to a prayer, class ended and we were dismissed. A leggy blond from the back of the room came up and grabbed Dane's arm as he walked out. She whispered in his ear as he placed his hand on the small of her back. I would never admit it out loud, but I felt a little pang of something in my chest. Was I jealous? I didn’t know him very well, but I had the distinct feeling he went through women like I went through chocolate. Just another reason to stay far away from Dane Wright.
    I did need to eat so I headed toward the cafeteria to quiet the monster that was growing in my stomach. There was no way I was going to make it without eating something and after what I had just witnessed in the art room, Dane probably wouldn’t be in the cafeteria. I didn’t want to think about what he was doing right now.
    Jade was sitting with the usual crowd when I joined her. She eyed me suspiciously, "Are you feeling okay?"
    "Why wouldn't I feel okay?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
    "Look at your tray,” Jade said, pointing to my tray. Instead of my normal healthy salad or soup, I had chosen a cheeseburger and french fries. It was something I only did every six months or so and today was a special occasion. My mother never allowed me to eat this stuff at home; it was strictly forbidden. It was just another one of the little ways I could show some resistance without rocking the boat.
    "The snooze button got me this morning so I didn’t eat breakfast,” I said, as I picked up a french fry and popped it into my mouth. Missing the alarm had been a very rare occurrence for me. My friends always joked that I was a walking watch and usually I lived up to that statement.
    I inhaled my sandwich as I listened to Kevin rave about a new bar downtown called Loft 10. "They have a dance floor and the place is always packed,” he said.
    "Kevin, we aren't old enough to get served in a bar. Isn't there a campus party with a keg that we can go to instead?" Jade tilted her head to the left and crossed her arms over her chest. Kevin was attractive if you liked the big bulky jock type. He had short brown hair with golden flecks, blue eyes and huge arms; bigger