Nia's phone rang, jolting her from Logan's magnetic charm.
He stepped back abruptly, letting go of her hand. His expression shifted to confusion as she fumbled to retrieve the phone from her jeans pocket.
Could he be feeling the same pull she was? And also confused about why he did?
Nia glanced at her phone screen—Jack's name lit up.
"Hi, Jack. I'm on my way," she answered quickly.
"Hush, girl. Mr. Reuben's been asking about you nonstop," Jack replied before hanging up.
When she looked up, Logan was staring at her phone, his gaze unreadable.
"Is that your boyfriend?" he asked, his tone neutral but probing.
Seriously?
Nia shoved the phone back into her pocket.
"Don't you think you're being nosy?" she clipped, turning to leave. This time, he didn't stop her, which—much to her surprise—left her feeling disappointed.
"Whatever," Logan muttered, his voice laced with disdain. "It's not like I care. I bet he's a lowlife like you."
Nia froze, biting her lip to keep from snapping at him. She forced herself to walk on, but his voice called her back.
"Nia."
She turned, her heart pounding with irritation.
That trademark smirk spread across Logan's face, and she braced herself. Whatever he was about to say, she knew it wouldn't be pleasant.
"I see you're really hellbent on coming to Brunswick School. I might not be able to stop you, but trust me—I'll make sure you regret it."
Logan sauntered off, not bothering to hear her reply.
On the ride back, his words lingered in her mind like a dark cloud. She didn't know why it bothered her.
"Damn, you're brave, girl. Nobody has made Logan feel so little before," Franklin said, steering the car through the quiet streets. He had decided to drive Nia himself.
"He's so arrogant," Nia muttered, her voice sharp with frustration and hatred.
Franklin chuckled. "Yeah, but you shouldn't let your guard down. Logan's not one to make empty threats. There's a reason he's called the Daredevil."
"You call him that too?" Nia asked, raising a brow. "Conan mentioned it when we first met."
"Everyone does," Franklin replied, parking in front of the grocery store.
Before she could open the door, Franklin was already there, holding it open for her.
"Thanks," she said, managing a small smile.
"It's nothing," he replied, grinning. "Just try to avoid Logan however you can, because he's best at humiliating people. He seems hellbent on making you regard him highly," Franklin said.
Nia scoffed. "I'd love to see him try."
---
The grocery store was quieter than usual when Nia walked in. Her coworkers huddled in a corner, chatting idly. She was the only student among them; the rest were saving up for college.
"Hey, Nia!" Stacey called, waving.
Jack smiled widely at her, his square face lighting up.
"You're Late today,?" Rita said, frowning. She never missed a chance to point out Nia's wrongs.
"Yeah, I had to meet someone," Nia replied casually.
"Always making Jack cover for you while you mess around," Rita sneered, with a disgusted expression on her face.
Nia frowned. "It's not like he's complaining."
"And it's none of your business," Stacey added with a pointed glare, making Rita hiss as she returned to her counter.
Doesn't even bother hiding her jealousy anymore, Nia thought as Jack approached.
He smoothed a strand of her hair, a gesture that made Rita's glare sharpen.
"You're not getting away that easily," Jack said, his blue eyes teasing. "Who'd you meet? Was it a guy?"
Nia chuckled, patting his shoulder. "Nope. I'll give you the full story on the way home."
Jack grinned, his quiffed blond hair catching the light. He wasn't particularly tall, just about a couple of inches above her 5'5" frame, but he was good-looking.
Rita's crush on him was obvious, but Jack had confessed to liking Nia just last week. She'd gently turned him down, insisting they were better as friends, and to her relief, things hadn't become awkward, even though he had been sad about it.
Mr. Reuben stormed in with a frown on his face, his balding head gleaming under the lights. He was a fat, short middle aged man who didn't joke around whatsoever, especially not with his money.
"Where have you been, Nia? And why's the shop fucking quiet today? it's weekend for fuck's sake!" He exclaimed in frustration, his face flushed.
"Sorry, Mr. Reuben. I had to help my parents with something urgent and couldn't call ahead," she explained.
He rolled his eyes and stomped off, muttering under his breath.
---
Walking home later, Nia recounted her encounter with Logan and the Duvernoys.
"Brunswick School is a dream for students across the country," Stacey said, awestruck.
"Exactly. I can't give up this opportunity just because of Logan," Nia replied firmly.
"Hey, if Logan or whatever disturbs you again just let me know okay?" Jack said, his voice tight with anger. "Just because he's a billionaire's son doesn't give him the right to be a jerk and treat you badly."
Nia smiled. "Thanks, Jack, but you don't need to worry, I'll handle him myself," she assured.
"Nia, I must say," Stacey said, her admiration evident, "Sticking to the right thing, especially considering the financial situation of your family, takes a lot of guts. I'm proud of you."
Nia grinned. "Thanks, Stacey."
"So, are you quitting the grocery store?" Jack asked, his tone subdued. "Your parents will have more income, and you'll need to focus on school, and keep up with the academic standards of Brunswick School."
Nia sighed. "I don't know yet, I need some time to think about that. I love being with you guys, and I don't really have friends aside from you two as well."
They nodded, falling into a comfortable silence. Nia tilted her head back, gazing at the stars as they walked. A thousand thoughts swirled in her mind, but one stood out:
How will my family react to this news?