Chapter 2
Thank God I finally made it through.
Today was the day Grayson finally showed his true colors.]]
After school, Grayson refused to take the bus home with me.[]
“Stella, you know my family’s place got bought out for development, right?“||
“You know how much we got?”]
He held up his fingers.
“Thirty million.”
“I won’t be taking the bus anymore.”
“You get what I’m saying?“]
Honestly? I didn’t.[]
So I just said:
“Cool, we can split Ubers then!“]
Grayson clicked his tongue.]
“It’s not about transportation.“]
“Then what’s it about?”
His tone suddenly felt like I was talking to a stranger.]
“Mom says we’re moving out of this dump soon.“]]
“I mean, we’re basically millionaires now. And you’re…”
“I’m what?”
Grayson sighed.
“I didn’t want to spell it out, but damn, you’re dense.“]
“Everyone deserves to reach for something better. You can’t expect me to hold myself back, right?“]
“So Stella, you get it now?”
After all that bullshit, I finally understood what Grayson meant.
Chapter 2
He thinks his family’s payout makes him too good for me.]]
He wants to dump me.[]
“Fine.”
He looked shocked that I agreed so easily.[]
I had to ask:]
“Who’s this ‘something better“?”]
“Sutton Clarke.”
“She’s more… on my level right now.‘
Ah. The gorgeous rich girl everyone worships.
“Cool.”
I pulled out my phone.[]
“I’ll agree to break up, but you’re telling my mom yourself.“]
Grayson frowned.]
“Stella, we’re not kids anymore. Is that really necessary?”
I stood firm.
“She won’t believe it unless she hears it from you.“]
He clicked his tongue again.
“Fine.“]]
“TskTsk. Breaking up with poor people is such a hassle.”
Excuse me?
Poor people? Is he talking about me?
When Mom heard Grayson’s voice, she lit up.
“Grayson sweetie! Come over for dinner tonight!“]
“Your mom’s been MIA lately–not answering calls or texts.“[]
Grayson was quiet for a moment, like he actually felt bad.
“Actually, I’m calling to tell you something.“]
Chapter 2
“I think we need to focus on school right now. We can’t get distracted by relationships.“[]
“So Stella and I decided to break up amicably.“]
“What do you mean amicably?!“]]
I yelled into the phone:[]
“Grayson, stop lying!“]]
“Mom! His family got rich and now he thinks I’m not good enough!“]]
“He’s dumping me for the popular girl!“]
Grayson hung up immediately.
“Stella Sterling!”
First time he’d ever snapped at me like that.
“Why can’t you be classy about this?“]
“Did
you have to make me look like the bad guy to your mom?”
Are you kidding me right now?]
“Whatever, it’s done.”
“Starting tomorrow I’m officially going after Sutton. Tell everyone at school we’re over.”
Watching Grayson walk away, I felt weirdly grateful Mom made me play poor all these years.
How else would I have seen his true colors?]
But what made me happiest?
Finally done pretending to be broke.]
And no more fucking buses.]
