D.O.R.K. Series Box Set

by Haley Allison

  Now I realize you can’t always control your feelings, and they don’t always make sense.

  I adore Gio. He’s incredible. Not only is he famous, hot, and funny, but he’s really opening up to me now. He has told me all about the problems he has had with his mom and how deep his abandonment issues go. Sometimes I think he might struggle with those feelings even more than I do. We trust each other now, and things are bordering on serious. I’m happy with him. I can’t even believe how well things are going.

  So why do I get butterflies in my stomach and stupid grins on my face whenever Logan Caldwell even pays attention to me?

  This is so wrong. This whole situation is weird. I’m falling for the guy my sister wants me to have nothing to do with, yet at the same time I have a crush on a guy I’m in a band with who happens to have a girlfriend. All these ingredients combine to make one big mess. Sometimes I think maybe I shouldn’t be going out with anyone at all…

  Then Gio sends me a cute winky text and I melt into goo and start this whole cycle all over again.

  Seriously, the dude is my kryptonite. He’s going to get me in so much trouble. I’m not even worried about Dad finding out now. If Raven ever reads my unread texts, it’s all over. That’s why I put my phone upside down now and never leave it alone. I live in mortal terror of her snooping on me.

  I wish my love life could just be simple and not an effing soap opera. If I found a genie in a bottle, I’d wish for that, a good reputation, and for Jess to be normal and never have given me up.

  I don’t know what to do. I guess my only choices right now are to hide things with Gio or be alone, and I don’t like that second option at all. Living next door to Gio and not having him when I know he still wants me would be torture. Hiding things from Raven is hard, but not as hard as that. When it comes to Logan, I just need to squash my feelings. No good can come out of them. I have to pretend they don’t exist.

  Right now I’m almost missing the period of my life when guys didn’t even give me a second look. I never thought I would, but at least back then it was a lot less confusing.

  Ttyl,

  Mads

  October 12

  Save Me

  It’s the end of another Monday, and Raven is getting unbearable even for me. I swear to God if she tells me one more time I need to straighten my posture I’m going to permanently alter hers. She thinks since I’ve stood up to her a few times that means she can squash me by bossing me around even more. I’ve started slumping at the table on purpose just to show her I couldn’t care less what she thinks.

  On top of that, now I have to try to run not just one, but three miles for P.E. and I hate running. I’ve always been more of a hiker/climber. Running any sort of distance without stopping is hard for me because I don’t have much endurance. I thought you were supposed to run one mile for school, but since this is Wilcox, of course everything has to be three times harder. Now I have to practice like I’m entering a 5K. Luckily, Cass has experience with that, so she’s willing to help me train. I just don’t know when I’m going to get time for this. My schedule is crammed as it is.

  I guess it won’t be so bad to spend some extra time with Cass. Sometimes it feels like she’s the only sane person in my life. She’s a celebrity too, but she never engages in any sort of drama or scandal. People love her because she’s so laid back and approachable. I wish I could be just like her. If only I wasn’t so damn clumsy and prone to making stupid mistakes, I would be.

  I’m amazed she hasn’t run screaming from our family and all the drama we’ve been a part of. It must be because she loves Dad so much. You can see it in her eyes every time she looks at him. This, the culmination of over twenty years of love, is what she’s been waiting for her whole life. They may have been afraid to commit to each other before, but all of that is history. I’m expecting Dad to have a talk with me about asking her to marry him any day now.

  Our little family dynamic is pretty blissful when Raven’s not around. I mostly give Dad and Cass their privacy so they can act like middle-aged lovebirds without making me want to vomit. They do invite me to spend a lot of time with them, though, especially in the music room. Both of them want to see me succeed with this band. I think they feel responsible for my success in a way, and I couldn’t ask for better mentors. I still get stars in my eyes sometimes when they show off their skills for me in private. Being a fan of your own father’s music just makes you love him even more.

  Yes, I’m a teenager and I love my dad. I’ll admit that to my diary. If a friend asks, I’ll be like, “Yeah, my old man’s all right.”

  Ttyl,

  Mads

  I stagger to a halt, my chest burning and constricting with every labored breath. Not even half a mile in, I’m unable to run even one more yard. Sweat is running down into my eyes and blurring my vision, giving me even more of an excuse to stop. I flick my water bottle open and relish the ice-cold liquid as it slips down my fevered throat. Cass jogs in place patiently beside me as she waits for me to hydrate and catch my breath.

  “I’m sorry, Cass,” I rasp.

  She smiles and shakes her head, not breaking her rhythm. “You’re doing fine, sweetie. You’re just a rookie yet. You’re going to have to build up to this, but you can do it.”

  “Man, between you and Gio…” I stop to gasp for breath and then continue. “I should have twice the lungs I have now by the end of this school year.” “Gio?” She arches a blonde eyebrow.

  My eyes widen when I realize what I just said. No one else knows about my surfing escapades with Gio yet. I just gave myself away.

  “He’s teaching me how to surf after our Physics study sessions,” I explain without going into further detail.

  “Ah, I see.” Cass is oblivious or she’s pretending to be, either of which I’m fine with. “Anyway, having bigger lungs is actually a really good thing for you. Not only will you be healthier, but you’ll sing even better than you already do.”

  I smile. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. That’s a benefit I hadn’t thought of.”

  “Set a goal for yourself that means something to you,” Cass suggests. “Don’t make this just about school. Think about your singing and where you’d like to be when this school year’s over. How long can you hold a note right now?”

  I grimace. “Not long enough.”

  “See? That’s a great thing to strive for. Holding a note for several measures is so important in any kind of music. I’m sure in your Chorus class they’ll be teaching you the same thing.”

  “I think Ms. Juarez already mentioned that once or twice,” I say with a nod.

  “Well, if that’s the case, there’s no time to waste. You ready to go again?”

  I reluctantly nod. Cass picks up a slow jog again and I follow slightly behind her. She slows her pace even further to match me. I feel a little guilty for ruining her daily jog with my inability, but she flashes me smiles along the way to show me she doesn’t mind. She’s a tough trainer, but her sweet nature keeps me from feeling like a failure. I just keep telling myself over and over as my aching feet pound the pavement that I can do this. If I can put up with Raven, if I can deal with the media, if I can hide a relationship with the hottest guy in L.A.—scratch that, anywhere—I can run a damn 5K, even if it does feel like my heart is going to drum right out of my chest.

  Cass brings us back to the mansion about forty minutes later when I can barely even move, let alone run. She reassures me of how well I’m doing as we approach the front gate. Just at that moment, Gio drives past us in his Maserati from having dinner out with Steph and Alfonzo and sees Cass and me. I force a smile when he waves at us even though I actually want to melt through the ground. He has now seen the beet red face and hair soaked with sweat that results from me doing any sort of strenuous exercise.

  I wasn’t planning on him seeing this side of me until we were married and having our first child.

  I hurry inside to take a cold shower. For once, I actually enjoy the
cold water hitting my skin. Hot water would roast me alive after having my internal temperature spiked a good five degrees. After getting all fresh and fruity-smelling, I dry off quickly and put on a fresh t-shirt and athletic shorts. I have a ton of homework to do in a very short amount of time, so I need to get comfy and get on it right away.

  I hear a buzz on my nightstand and go over to check my phone. The heat returns to my cheeks when I see a text from Gio.

  Gio: Hey, sexy. Saw you running in on the way home. Looking forward to inching my fingers toward your fit butt and getting them slapped away later.

  I giggle and text him back.

  Me: Please don’t judge my hot, sweaty face. I didn’t grow up running 5Ks or even miles.

  Gio: Your face is hot, all right. I wish it was across from mine as I’m lying in my bed on top of the covers.

  I smile and lie down on my bed.

  Me: I’m on mine pretending I’m with you right now.

  Gio: Yet you’re right next door…

  Me: Yeah :/

  Gio: This really sucks. Sneaking around, having to hide everything, not being able to be together when we want to…

  Gio: Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to do it if it’s the only way I can have you. It just sucks.

  Me: Agreed. I miss you :(

  Gio: I miss you too, even though I just saw you in Physics today.

  Me: That doesn’t count. We can’t make out in the middle of Physics class.

  Gio: We can’t even go under the bleachers.

  Gio: Are you sure you want to stay on Raven’s good side?

  I mash my lips together in thought. Do I? Come to think of it, I’m not really on her good side, anyway. She just has to stick up for me and support me in front of other people because we have a deal. Still, she holds a lot of sway not only at Wilcox, but with the general public. I still need to keep her from destroying me. Plus, there’s the thing with Jess…

  Me: Idk. I’m still thinking about everything. It’s hard because things are really complicated right now.

  Gio: How so?

  Me: I can’t really say. Not yet. It’s a private family thing.

  Gio: You can’t even tell your boyfriend?

  My stomach jumps. Excitement buzzes in every nerve of my body. I reread his text five times to make sure that word is actually there.

  Me: You’re my boyfriend?

  Gio: Well, I assumed you weren’t seeing anyone else.

  Me: I’m not. We just never talked about this.

  Gio: Well, let’s talk about it then. What do you think about having a secret boyfriend?

  A smile bursts onto my face in spite of myself. Part of this feels wrong, but the other part has me soaring fifty feet above the ground. Giovanni Abate just referred to himself as my boyfriend. My boyfriend. I never knew what cloud nine felt like until now.

  Me: Hmm. “Secret boyfriend.” The concept is intriguing.

  Gio: Intriguing…and naughty ;)

  Me: Lol you’re just naughty in general.

  Gio: And you love it.

  Me: Yes I do.

  Gio: You love me. Just admit it.

  Me: Let’s not push it, babe ;)

  Gio: Damn. I’ll wear you down one day.

  I grin and shake my head, thinking that day might not be too far away.

  Me: Lol. Maybe so. Anyway, I’m down as long as you swear you can keep a secret.

  Gio: I swear.

  Gio: I’m so happy you’re my girl, bella.

  I muffle a squeal into my pillow.

  Me: Me too :)

  October 13

  Somebody Pinch Me

  Since I can’t seem to make this real in my head, I’m going to see if writing it down makes a difference.

  Giovanni Abate just asked me to be his girlfriend.

  I said yes.

  That means Giovanni Abate is my boyfriend.

  If I didn’t have an evil twin, I could go to my Facebook profile right this second and update my Relationship Status to “In a relationship with Giovanni Abate.”

  This is my wildest, craziest, most ridiculous dream come true. If I could go back in time one year and visit myself, I’d laugh in my own face at the thought of ever being this person’s girlfriend. It was the most unattainable thing I could have imagined back then, and now it’s a reality. I can’t even believe how far I’ve come. I went from a geeky farm girl with glasses and braces to Gio Abate’s girlfriend in under a year. Is there some kind of medal you can win for that kind of transformation? Even if there was, I’d probably turn it down. The only rewards I need are Gio’s lips on mine and his promise he won’t be sharing those lips with anyone else.

  The only damper on this incredible event in my life is, of course, the fact that we have to keep this a secret. I can’t brag about this to anyone the way I want to. There are only a couple people I could tell that I know won’t breathe a word to a soul, and those are our two best friends. I’m about to call mine right now.

  I just kind of needed to believe this before I called Ana to talk about it. I still don’t, not really, but I’ve got the proof here in my phone if I start to doubt myself again.

  I wonder if he’s still planning on giving me the bracelet he showed me in his dresser the day I first went over to study with him. That would be a nice tangible reminder of the reality of this moment…

  I guess I shouldn’t be greedy. I got Gio. Millions of girls want to be me right now. I should be grateful I’m able to type this at all. Bracelet or no bracelet, he’s all mine, and I’d take him even if he wasn’t the hottest celebrity guy that ever walked the planet.

  Ttyl,

  Mads

  I have to hold the phone six inches away from my ear to avoid going deaf after Ana hears the news of my new relationship status. Her shriek could wake the dead and compel them to rise from their graves to obliterate the human population. I laugh as she continues to squeal and gush over how sweet we are. I’ve told her everything that happened over the past few weeks. She’s been rooting for this outcome ever since I told her I thought Gio might still be interested in me.

  “I’m so glad you two are back together. I didn’t think I could take any more of your sighing and pining over him,” Ana jabs.

  “Thanks a lot, girl.” We giggle. “Nah, I know I’ve been a hopeless case lately.”

  Ana’s voice lowers with concern. “What about Raven?”

  I grunt. “Never mind her. She faked a relationship with Gio and lied to my face. She is not a good person. Gio and I shouldn’t have to suffer any more than we already have.”

  “I guess that’s true,” Ana concedes. “Just be careful, okay? This could get ugly real fast if she ever finds out.”

  “Oh believe me, I know. I’m glad she’s not at the house anymore so I don’t have to worry about her overhearing us.” Raven just went back home yesterday.

  “Congrats, Mads. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks! By the way, how are things going with you and Jerica?”

  “They’re going. It’s hard growing closer to someone who’s so far away from you, though.”

  The sadness in her voice damn near breaks my heart. “Ana, I’m so sorry. You haven’t mentioned anything to your parents yet, right?”

  “Oh, heck no. I’m not saying anything to them until I turn eighteen. That way if I have to leave, I’ll be able to go freely without any kind of attachments here.”

  “Okay. That sounds like a good plan.”

  A tremor enters her voice. “I miss you so much. I don’t know how I’m going to last more than six months without you.”

  I smirk. “Well, unless you plan to tour with me someday, you’d best get used to this distance, hon.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s right.” Static crackles in the phone when she blows out a forceful sigh. “I love having you as a best friend, but I gotta be honest, sometimes I feel like I got screwed. Am I ever going to see you again?”

  “Of course,” I say with a chuckle. It’s funny when she
gets all theatrical on me. “I’ll see you soon. Hang in there.” “I will.”

  The next day at school, Raven sends out an e-vite from the lunch table to all the people she deemed worthy of attendance at our Halloween birthday party. We’ve been discussing party plans with the minions today, which seems to have put her in a slightly more cheerful mood. I can almost feel the collective deep breaths the assistants are taking. The smiles on their faces make me happy. I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of getting attached to these girls.

  By the time school’s out, over a hundred people have already RSVP’d yes to the party. As we’re standing on the sidewalk waiting on Raven’s limo with her, she beams with approval at the good reception among the Wilcox students. Other young celebs were invited too, and some big names have promised they’ll be there to help us celebrate. I love the fact that this party is taking her mind off of Jess and making her a little more civil. As much as I can,

  I’m going to try to get her absorbed in planning for the next couple of weeks. It’ll be painful spending extra time with her, but it’s a public service, really.

  Fifteen minutes later, Raven’s driver hasn’t showed up, and she’s back to her usual prickly self. She dials his number and shouts English profanities at the poor man when he tells her he’s home sick and just woke up. After purging the bitchiness from her system, she hangs up and roughly shoves her phone in her book bag. She clears her throat and takes on her most syrupy tone of voice.

  “Madison, could you be a dear and take me home today? I don’t have another option unless I call another driver, and that could take a while.” Great. Just great. Now I won’t have any way to escape her at all for another half hour.

  “Of course, hon,” I say, also putting on a sweet tone in front of the students who are still lingering on the sidewalk around us.

  We say goodbye to the minions who waited with us and, reluctantly, I let Raven climb into the passenger seat of my car. We throw our bags into the back seat and as soon as I crank the ignition, Raven finds a pop channel on the radio and turns it up to full blast. I roll my eyes but don’t say a word, thinking the sound of a music genre I generally dislike is better than listening to Raven’s complaining all the way to the mansion. She’s quiet until we’re about five minutes down the road, and then she starts singing along with the radio.