The Impact of You

Avery

Jase remains silent beside me, and I can sense there’s something more on his mind than just escaping the party inside – only I have no idea what it is, or why he’s chosen me as company. I grin to myself thinking Madison will be proud that I’m out here talking to the Pretty Boy. And pretty, he is. It’s almost too much to handle having him this close and personal. He smells freakin’ incredible too, like a hint of spicy cologne and a trace of laundry detergent. I want to bury my nose in his neck and inhale, get closer to that delicious scent. Of course I do no such thing.

“What’s the most interesting thing about you?” he asks suddenly.

I am so not telling him that. His question is an odd one, but I go with it. “I was adopted.”

“Really?” His gaze flicks to mine.

Whenever I tell people, their eyes light up in wonder, like I’m suddenly special, different. I don’t know if they expect me to be from some cool foreign country, or maybe have celebrities as parents, but the truth is nothing like that. “Not from anywhere interesting. Just Colorado.”

“That’s cool. Have you ever been back to visit?”

wanted to take me there as a graduation present, but I don’t know…” I shrug. “I’d convinced them I didn’t want to go. I actually did. Desperately. But I felt guilty for wanting to. They got uncomfortable whenever I brought up anything about my birthmom, as if they thought they weren’t enough for

dads thing. He just nods and continues picking at the fraying string on his jeans, like he’s listening thoughtfully, both to the things I’m

on the mood I was in, I would picture my

silently pick at the hem of his jeans, I’m

deep voice rolling over me like a seductive

running from my past, and he’s trying to discover his future. Either way, it seems we’re both over the

Jase

say something stupid. And the way her bright green eyes gaze into mine, who knows what I could admit to if pushed.

flick nervously to mine, like I’ve uncovered some big secret. Only I have no clue what it is. Avery straightens her shoulders and lets out

moment she watches me from