Page 80 of Always Love You More

“What’s wrong with her classes?” Jameson snaps.

Billy holds up his hands. “Whoa, easy. I didn’t mean any offense.” He shifts to me. “Just didn’t realize you were some sort of genius or something.”

“I’m not a genius,” I say quietly.

“You’re taking AP Chemistry, Advanced English, and AP American History, aren’t you?” When I don’t say anything, heturns in his seat. “Who knew you were secretly a nerd this whole time?”

I roll my eyes. “I’m not a nerd.”

“What’s your GPA?”

“I don’t know.”

“Come on,” he teases. “I bet you do.”

I peer over at Jameson and find him smiling at me. “What?”

“Nothing.” He shrugs. “Just didn’t realize I was dating a genius.”

“Would you guys stop?”

Luke chuckles as Billy pushes, “Come on; what is it?”

“Fine,” I relent. “My weighted is a four point three.”

“Jesus,” Billy mutters as Jameson asks, “Doesn’t it only go to four?”

“Well, yeah, the unweighted does, but AP classes can push it over a four.”

“So, you’re better than perfect?” Billy asks.

Jameson lets out a short laugh. “Not surprised.”

My face heats. “Really, it’s not a big deal.”

“It is,” Luke cuts in. “That’s something you should be proud of.”

He pulls to a stop in front of the school as I mutter a shy thanks.

I drift my gaze over to the building and the students passing by, excited that this year I’ll have someone to walk in with.

As if he can read my thoughts, Jameson’s hand comes down over mine.

“All right,” Luke says. “Have a good first day.”

We all mumble our replies as we climb out of the truck. Billy jumps out first, opening my door for me. I slide out, and Jameson steps out behind me.

They each position themselves on either side of me, and a warmth spreads through me.

For the first time, I’m starting a new school year and I don’t feel completely alone.

Chapter 22

Jameson

Aswemakeourway down the hall, we get the same reactions that me and Billy have grown used to—people move out of the way, their gazes linger, and whispers follow behind us. But it’s different this time. They watch us with newfound interest, their attention focusing on Sam. I reach out, sliding my hand along the small of her back, making it clear who she is to me.

I pull open the door to the office, following in behind Sam. The small brunette at the front desk is a student, and I vaguely recognize her as one of the girls who’s hung around Billy.