Page 19 of The Tenth Circle

“I’m sorry, for real. Got a test on the fourth floor and my English teacher held the class back to tell us all about his thirteen year old Bearded Collie’s birthday party.” He gathersmore things than he can handle and stands, carefully passing them over to me when I’m on my feet too.

A soft spot appears through my annoyance, since Bex’s got a fat chihuahua who’s been increasing my tolerance for dogs.

“Bearded Collie, huh?” I huff, a tiny smile lifting the corner of my lips. “I got myself an animal lover too.”

“Boyfriend?”

“Best friend.”

“Ah, see, I like animals, but not enough to risk losing valuable time.”

That reminds me. “A test already?”

He blows out a breath. “Already.”

“Sucks, sorry.”

The guy shrugs. “All good. What’s your name?”

I hike Bex’s bag over my shoulder, thankful more than ever mine’s a backpack. “Hendrix.”

He holds out a hand. “I’m Stevenson.”

I return the gesture. “Hey there, Stevenson.”

“Nice bumping into you, Hendrix.”

“Wish I could say the same.”

Remorse returns to his face. “Seriously, I’m really?—”

I wave him off, back to scouring for Bex. “It’s fine, I’m screwing around.”

A smile spreads across his face—sweet but not too sweet. A gentleman’s expression. “You lost or something?”

Negative Ghostrider, but my friend sure is.

I blink rapidly as I refocus my attention on him.

“No, why?”

Kids swarm around us, some swerving out of the way to avoid Stevenson. He doesn’t seem too bothered, though. “I dunno, you seem lost or in a rush.”

“A rush?” I laugh. “Like you?”

As if the reminder slaps him in the face, he shoots out, “Shit.”

“Yeah, shit sure is right Stevenson. Better get going.”

There’s that guilt again. “I don’t want to be rude.”

“You already accomplished that with our little fender bender.” I wink to let him know I’m kidding.

Shaking his head, Stevenson responds with, “I see you’re quick with one-liners.”

“Got my moments.” I jut my chin over my shoulder. “Now go before I bore you with stories about a Chihuahua.”

“Oh, no no. I hit my quota on doggy details for the day.”