XANDER’S POV
I watch Aria storm off down the hallway, her cheeks still red from embarrassment. There’s something about the way she carries herself when she’s angry that makes me smile. Most people crumble when they’re caught off guard, but she stood her ground. Interesting.
A hand slaps down on my back, making me turn around.
“Dude, what the hell were you doing with the fat girl?” Caleb asks, grinning like he just told the world’s funniest joke.
I raise an eyebrow. “Fat girl?”
“Yeah, Aria. That’s what everyone calls her.” He laughs, but it’s the kind of laugh that makes my jaw clench. “Come on, man, you’ve been here long enough to know.”
I’ve always noticed Aria. She’s in Class A, I’m in B, but our paths cross enough that I’ve seen her around. Smart, quiet, keeps to herself mostly. I never knew people called her that.
“Why do you call her that?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral.
Caleb shrugs. “Because she’s fat? I mean, look at her. It’s not like it’s a secret or anything.”
More of our usual crowd starts gathering around us. Jake, Marcus, Tyler – the whole crew that thinks they run this place.
“Who are we talking about?” Jake asks, sliding up beside us.
“Aria,” Caleb says. “Xander here was having some kind of heart-to-heart with her.”
“Oh, the fat girl?” Marcus laughs. “What’s the deal with that, Reed?”
The way they say it makes my hands ball into fists. Like she’s not even a person, just some joke they all share. I’ve heard this kind of shit before, but something about hearing it directed at her makes my blood boil.
“Actually,” Tyler says, his eyes lighting up with that look he gets when he thinks he’s had a brilliant idea, “we should make this interesting.”
“What do you mean?” Caleb asks.
“A bet. About Aria.” Tyler’s grin gets wider. “Who can win her over first? Get her to go out with them, maybe even get her in bed.”
The other guys start laughing, but I feel sick. This is exactly the kind of bullshit that makes me hate this school sometimes.
“Come on, that’s too easy,” Jake says. “She’s probably desperate. Any one of us could get her.”
“Then it’s a competition,” Marcus jumps in. “First one to seal the deal wins.”
“Wins what?” Caleb asks.
“Five hundred bucks,” Tyler says without hesitation. “From everyone else.”
My mind is racing. I want to tell them all to shut the hell up, to leave her alone, but I know these guys. They won’t stop just because I tell them to. If anything, it’ll make them target her more. They’ll think it’s funny that I’m defending her.
But there’s another way. If I’m the one who’s supposed to be getting close to her, then I’m the one who can make sure she’s protected. No one else will mess with her if they think she’s mine.
“I volunteer,” Caleb says, straightening up. “I could use the extra cash.”
“Please,” Jake scoffs. “She’d see right through you. You’re too obvious.”
“Then who?” Marcus asks.
All eyes turn to me. I can feel them watching, waiting.
“Xander’s the obvious choice,” Tyler says slowly. “He’s already got her attention.”
“Yeah, but can he actually do it?” Caleb asks, doubt creeping into his voice. “I mean, no offense, man, but you’re not exactly known for your… people skills.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“You know what I mean. You’re more of a ‘stare brooding from the corner’ type. This requires actual conversation.”
The guys laugh, and I feel that familiar surge of irritation. They always assume they know everything about me.
“Plus,” Jake adds, “she’s not your usual type. You go for the hot girls, the easy ones. This is different.”
“Different how?” I ask, even though I know I shouldn’t take the bait.
“Well, for one thing, you’d actually have to work for it,” Marcus says. “Can’t just rely on your looks and reputation with this one.”
“She’s smart,” Tyler adds. “Probably sees right through the whole bad boy thing.”
“So what are you saying?” I ask, crossing my arms.
“We’re saying it might be too much of a challenge for you,” Caleb says with a smirk. “No shame in admitting defeat before you even try.”
The silence stretches out between us. I can feel them waiting for me to back down, to prove their point that I can’t handle anything that requires actual effort.
But they don’t get it. This isn’t about proving anything to them. This is about making sure Aria doesn’t become their next target. If I don’t take this bet, one of them will go after her anyway. At least this way, I can control the situation.
“When do we start?” I ask.
The guys exchange glances, surprised.
“Seriously?” Jake asks.
“You’re actually gonna do it?” Marcus adds.
“Why not?” I shrug, trying to look casual about it. “Five hundred bucks is five hundred bucks.”
“How long do you need?” Tyler asks.
I think about it. If I’m going to do this right, if I’m going to actually protect her from these idiots, I need time to figure out how to approach her without making things worse.
“Give me a month,” I say.
“A month?” Caleb laughs. “That’s generous. I could do it in a week.”
“Then you should have volunteered harder,” I tell him.
The guys are practically bouncing with excitement now. They love this kind of drama, this kind of challenge.
“Xander Reed, going after the fat girl,” Tyler says, shaking his head like he can’t believe it. “Never thought I’d see the day.”
“This is gonna be legendary,” Jake adds.
“Alright, it’s official,” Marcus announces. “Xander’s got one month to win over Aria. Five hundred bucks to the winner.”
They all cheer and pat me on the back like I just agreed to climb Mount Everest.
30
