The Halo Effect (Cupid Chronicles) by Shauna Allen Read Free Book Online Page B

to get this humiliation over with. Like he needed a babysitter. What, did she think he was four? And why did they have to meet at school? Cuz his mom was chicken, that’s why. Supposedly she’d entrusted the school counselor and the program with the details of approving his Big Buddy and the match. Again. Chicken.
    He approached the office door and his heart began to race with anticipation. With sweaty palms, he pressed open the silent door. It was after school, so most everyone was already gone. Only one gray-haired secretary remained. She smiled up at him.
    “Hello. Can I help you?” She smacked her gum.
    He took a step in her direction. “Yes.” Uh oh, his dumb voice cracked. He swallowed and tried again. “Um, yes. I’m supposed to meet Mrs. Baker?”
    She stood. “Just a sec. I’ll get her for you.”
    It only took a minute for Mrs. Baker to appear, her face much happier than last time they met. “Tristan! I’m so glad you’re here. Come to my office. I have someone for you to meet.”
    Duh. He knew why he was here. He didn’t say a word as he followed her, the sound of her pantyhose rubbing together grating his nerves.
    When they got to her office, he paused. She turned around and smiled. “It’s all right, Tristan. Come inside. This is a friendly meeting. Nobody’s expecting anything from you.”
    He took a deep breath and stepped inside her office. Time to see what a “Big Buddy” was like.
    “Hi, Tristan.” The man stepped forward with a huge grin and extended a hand. “I’ve been so excited to meet you.”
    Tristan just stood there. His jaw might’ve hit the ground. There must’ve been some mistake. The Big Buddies from the brochures looked like businessmen and Boy Scouts and shit. They wore suits and penny loafers. Or at least jeans and polo shirts with their hair neatly trimmed.
    Tristan swallowed as he took in the Gigantor in front of him. Whatever a mentor was supposed to be, he was pretty sure they weren’t supposed to be Incredible Hulk biker dudes on steroids. Seriously, the guy must’ve weighed, like, four hundred pounds or something!
    Tristan turned confused eyes to Mrs. Baker. She simply smiled reassuringly. She didn’t seem afraid. “Tristan, I’d like you to meet Michael Smith.”
    His eyes flew back to the giant, who was calmly waiting for him to accept his handshake. Seriously? Was he being punk’d?
    Mrs. Baker rounded to her desk and began shuffling papers. “So, Tristan,” she said, oblivious to his concern. “Michael thought he could spend some time with you here at school this afternoon. Then you could catch the late bus home.” She glanced up over the tops of her glasses. “Your mother has already said it’s okay with her if it’s okay with you.”
    He shot a look over at his new “Big Buddy.” They got the big part right. He’d let his hand fall back to his side since Tristan hadn’t taken it and turned his attention to Mrs. Baker. Tristan took the opportunity to study him for a moment. He was bald, but he didn’t look old, so he must shave his head. He wore black leather everything except for a faded red T-shirt and scuffed biker boots. And, of course, he was nearly as round as he was tall. And the dude was tall.
    “Tristan?” Mrs. Baker interrupted him. “Whad’ya say? Do you want to stay after school and visit with Michael here for a little while and see if you think you can be friends? There’s no pressure. We’re doing this for you. It’s your decision.”
    But they both stared at him so expectantly. The big guy’s eyes practically begged like a starved puppy.
    He nodded. “Sure. I guess. I’ve already missed the bus, anyway. Nothing else to do until the late bus comes.”
    Michael grinned like a kid that had just been handed a piece of candy.
    Mrs. Baker smiled. “Great. Why don’t you check in with me in the next few days and let me know how it’s going, okay?”
    He nodded and strode out without bothering to see if the guy