by Blair, E. K.
“Dude.”
He smiles, ignoring my irritation, and then turns the corner and rushes to his class.
“That’s way outta my way, man!” I holler before colliding into another student. “Fu—”
“I’m so sorry.” Her voice comes before I’m able to gather my bearings enough to see who I bumped into. When I do look, she’s already kneeling and grabbing the books she dropped.
“I’ll get those.” I squat next to her, and when I hand over her books, I finally get a look as we stand.
Long blonde hair frames her face, which is soft in color compared to most of the overly tanned girls in this town. But when you live in Tampa and the beaches are the main hangouts, what else can you expect? Her cheeks flush with embarrassment, and when she looks me in the eyes, she apologizes again, saying, “I’m sorry. That was my fault.”
“I wasn’t paying attention either, so no need to apologize.” She shifts nervously on her feet and hoists her backpack higher on her shoulder. “What’s your name?”
“Adaline,” she responds and then shakes her head as she corrects herself. “I mean Ady. People just call me Ady.”
“You new?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Not in a bad way, but yeah. You have that lost look in your eyes.”
“And here I thought I was blending in,” she says and then smirks. “That is, until you ran into me and sent my books flying across the floor, causing a scene in front of everyone.”
“I thought you said it was your fault? You even apologized for it.”
“I was being polite. You know, new girl and all. Wouldn’t want to make any enemies on my first day, but you should really watch where you’re going.”
Her humor cracks a smile on my face. “All right then. I’ll take the blame if it’ll make you feel better.”
“It will. And thank you,” she responds with modest perk.
“I guess I’ll see you around then.”
I start to head to class but only make it a few steps when she shouts, “Wait.” I turn back, and she adds, “You never told me your name.”
“Kason. People just call me Kason.”
“Very funny.”
“See you around, Adaline.”
“It’s Ady,” she corrects as I head down the hall to first period, and I chuckle before making a detour that causes me to show up tardy.
I knew I’d never make it the full seven hours.
The day moves along in the same pattern as every day before, but it isn’t until sixth period that I see her again. I sit in my usual seat at the back of the classroom and watch her eyes skitter around the room to find an unoccupied desk. She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear while kids file in behind her.
I typically mind my own business with girls, avoiding interactions that could possibly lead to an interest on their part. It’s safer that way. But for some reason, I decide to put the poor thing out of her misery.
“Adaline.”
She raises her chin and smiles when she spots me.
“I told you, it’s Ady,” she says when she approaches, but I ignore her reminder.
“No one has ever claimed the desk in front of me.”
“Seriously? It’s March.”
“Your point?”
She hangs her bag on the back of the chair and shifts to the side to look at me when she takes her seat. “No point. Just wondering why you’ve sat back here for nearly the whole year by yourself.”
“Maybe I’m a loser.”
She laughs. “That’s a stretch.”
“How so?”
“I saw you at lunch. I can tell you’re not a loser.”
“Spying on me?”
She unzips her bag and takes her notebook out. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m the new girl, remember? It’s kinda my job to be observant.”
I catch Micah from the corner of my eye as he walks down the aisle, and Adaline looks up, following my line of focus.
“You again,” he says to her before taking the seat to my right.
“You’ve already met?”
“Third period English,” he tells me and then turns to her, saying, “And for the sole purpose of you being new, I won’t hold it against you that you’re sitting in my desk.”
She shoots me an annoyed glare, to which I smile.
“In my defense, he told me no one sat here.”
“Figures. This dick would throw anyone under the bus for a good-looking blonde.”
“You think I’m good-looking?” Her tone is playful and full of mockery.
“His words, not mine.”
“That isn’t a denial.”
She then turns in her chair, closing off the conversation, and I’m already somehow intrigued with the new girl and her air of confidence. Looking to my side, Micah mouths she’s hot. I shake my head at him and then open my notebook, trying to redirect my focus when I feel the fangs of urgency bite.
I shift in my seat, hyperaware of my surroundings, but as I take a quick scan of my classmates, I find them all lost in their own conversations.
The teacher calls everyone’s attention and begins her instruction while I struggle to pay attention to the lecture. I take notes and listen, all the while counting down the minutes until the final bell. When the last tick hits, I grab my bag, scrape the legs of my chair against the floor, and rush to get my fix.
“Dude,” Micah calls. “Don’t forget. Indian Rocks tonight.”
“Got it,” I throw over my shoulder, not wanting to look back and risk the chance of catching another glance of her. Sitting behind her and smelling the sweet scent of her shampoo was torture enough. So, I hightail it to my car and speed home to quell what’s starting to feel like a curse.
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This duet has become so close to my heart. It wasn’t always the easiest to write and many tears were shed during the process. My goal was to write an honest and respectful story about an abusive relationship, and I have to thank to following people for helping me bring this story to life.
To my fans, I cannot thank you enough for continuing to love my characters and support my stories. Your loyalty means the world to me. The greatest joy is being able to open my heart and share what’s inside with you.
To my husband, none of this would be possible without you. I know I say that a lot, but it is so very true. You are my support, my best friend, my partner in crime for life. Thank you for all you sacrifice in order for me to follow this passion of mine.
Sally Gillespie, you are one of my biggest blessings! The time you give me is simply incredible. Thank you for helping me in the creation of this story. It was such a memorable journey for me.
Ashley Williams, wow! Just WOW! How do I even thank you properly? The hours upon hours you have devoted to this duet are downright incredible! You make my words strong, even though you bust my balls to do so. From the early mornings to the late nights, and everything in between, you are always there for me. You are an amazing editor and friend!
My sister, Kelley, thank you for, once again, advising me on all the medical situations that arise in this story. You always take the time to clarify and explain everything I need to know to create an accurate storyline.
Bloggers, there are too many of you to name, but each and every one of you are equally important. Thank you for your undying support.
As always, when I end a story, I must turn to my characters and say the most heartfelt thank you of all.
Kate, you are so strong and courageous—a bright light that was momentarily dimmed. My wish is that women will read your story and find hope within it.
Trent, my crude and inappropriate Trent, you’re a true friend—selfless and strong. You care so deeply for the ones you love and have so much depth to you. Your personality shed light on this p
ainful tale, and because of who you are, you brought Kate back to life. I don’t think you will ever know just how special you are to me. I am so heartbroken to say goodbye to you. I will miss spending my days with you, but I will revisit you often. Thank you for simply being you.
Ady, it was such a treat to see you blossom through this side of the story. I hope that people will read about everything you survived in the Crave Duet. You are a fighter and exactly who Kate needed to help her find herself again.
Thanks to each one of you!
