Chapter 177 Questions and Answers
I really didn't want to leave Trent. For the first time in my life, I wasn't anxious around a boy. And not just any boy, but Trent! I don't know if I should be cautious around him or not. So far, he's just been super sweet to me.
The Charlie a year ago probably would've fainted because he actually knew my name, so I'm going to take this as progress. and he's not pushing me for anything. We're just talking.
Well, I say talking, it's more of a question and answer, and he's the one asking all the questions. How is that fair? I want to ask some questions, but he just winked at me and promised I'll get my chance.
"You probably know my whole damn life already, Charlie. I'm not exactly a secret, but I would really like to get to know you," he dodged when I asked him when it was my turn to ask something.
And it is true, most of the school knew all about Trent and his girlfriends. They knew he was QB on the football team. Everyone knew his dad was a cop. Everyone knew he was an only child. And everyone knew he was smart. He was in at least half of my AP classes.
We sat talking for an hour about me! I didn't even know that was possible. I can't possibly be that interesting. He asked me about growing up with my sisters. He asked me if I had a favorite, and while I denied it, he looked like he didn't buy it.
"Liv sounds like a brat. She also sounds like she's been using you. But I guess I can't say anything, I was spoiled too. But I don't like it that she was taking advantage of you, Charlie. You are just too sweet to complain," he argued.
The sad thing is, I know he's right. But I can't really do anything about it. I'm still hoping she grows up. She's still young-ish. She can change. I have to believe that.
"What's it like to grow up with a ballerina?" He asked. "I heard once upon a time your parents owned the old ballet studio too."
I was actually surprised he knew that! "Not many people remember that. I was only 13 when they died. When we went to move with Aunt Beth, Josie could only dance when she wasn't around. Josie is one of the hardest working people I know... Well, until she met Rick," I joke. "Now he won't let her lift a finger. And if he's not there for her, he has Jeff to take care of her."
"Who's Jeff?" he asks immediately, suddenly very interested in the help.
I feel weird telling him who he is. Not many people have paid help pretty much at their beck and call. None of the staff ever lived at the house, but they do have their own access to it.
"Jeff is just a guy Rick hired from one of his clubs. He was a bartender, but he needed more money, so now he's kinda like the butler, I guess? He's a really good cook," I shrug. "He's a really good worker and really sweet."
"How old is Jeff? Like in his 50's?" he asks again, looking hopefully.
"No, he's only a couple years older than us," I respond. "Why the hell would Rick hire a poor old guy to keep up the damn mansion? That's just cruel and unusual punishment. Jeff's fit and strong. He helped us with our rooms when we first moved in. Even painted them for us!"
Trent growls, giving me a pouty look. I don't get it.
"What?" I giggle. What is that look for?
"I could've come help you paint your room," he grumbles.
I snort. "Yeah, and would you bring your girl of the month to help? I'm sure she would've loved that!"
Trent looks slightly sheepish. "If I'd known you back there, maybe I wouldn't have been dating anyone back then," he murmurs.
I look at him for a moment. He can't mean what I think he meant, did he? He has to be teasing me again. I look down at the cup in my hand trying to hide my blush.
My tea got cold, but I didn't mind. I take a sip just to distract myself again. The ginger is helping to settle my tummy.
My hand is still tingling from when he reached for it. I'm not good with most touches, (especially when it comes from men) but his didn't scare me as much as it probably should have. In fact, I kinda wish he would've held it a little longer.
He apologized to taking my hand, which most girls would've thought would be ridiculous. But he doesn't know... He can't... why that meant more than even he realized.
I needed to change the subject before I made a fool of myself.
"So, now that you've finished your million questions, what classes do you have?" It was the first thing I could think of, and I'm glad I did.
We ended up talking about our classes. Turns out he as another two classes with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He suggested we share notes.
"I may or may not have taken horrible notes in class today and ended up drawing squiggles over my paper that look vaguely like shapes of organs," he blushed.
"Oh my God! Trent! how the hell do you expect to become a doctor if you can't even take notes!" I teased him.
"Easy! I'll just have my nurses take my notes for me!" he smirked. "Problem solved! Besides, you take amazing notes! I'm sure it wouldn't be that big of a deal to share," he coaxed.
"And how would you know if I was taking good notes?" I chuckled.
"Uh... good guess? Or I could've been spying on you. You've got really nice handwriting, by the way," he chuckled, giving me a wink.
Unfortunately, Trent got a phone call that cut our conversation off. He looked at his phone, actually glared at it and rejected the call before shoving deep in his pocket.