An Impossible Secret Read Free

see she looked uncomfortable, and it didn't take him long to figure out why. Alec Weston and two of his sidekicks were seated at the next table. Weston played on the same football team as Brice. He was a show-off, a big mouth, and a bully who spent most of his time trying to impress the girls. Weston leaned across the table, and took one of quiet girl's books. She tried to get it back, but Weston waved the book a few inches beyond her reach.
    “Give it back,” Brice said.
    “Keep your nose out, Brice.”
    Quiet girl looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights.
    “Give the book back.”
    In common with most bullies, Weston's targets were carefully selected. He went for those smaller and weaker than himself—those unlikely to put up a fight. Brice was neither small nor weak. Even with his two side-kicks, Weston looked unsure of himself.
    “We were only messing around.” Weston slid the book across the table to quiet girl.
    “Now get lost.” Brice motioned to the exit.
    “I didn't think she was your type,” Weston said as he brushed past Brice.
     
    “Thanks,” quiet girl said.
    “No problem. I'm Brice.”
    “Kerry.”
    “Nice to speak to you at last, Kerry.”
    She smiled, but then went back to her book.
    “You're in here a lot,” he said. “What do you study?”
    “Psychology.”
    This wasn't going to be easy. He wasn't sure if her mono-syllabic responses were a sign of shyness, or if she simply wanted him to shut up and leave her alone. Undaunted, he persevered.
    “I'm studying architecture,” he said.
    “Do you enjoy it?”
    Progress! She actually appeared interested.
    “Yes, but it's hard going. What about you? Why did you choose Psychology?”
    “I've always been interested in the human mind. What makes us do the things we do—that kind of thing.”
    “Do you plan on being a psychologist?”
    “I'm not sure what I'll do after my degree.”
    “I want to work as an architect in London.”
    “Why London?”
    “That's where all the interesting projects are. There's nothing around here.”
    “Thanks again for—you know.” Kerry smiled, but then went back to her studies.
    “No problem. Any time.”
     
    Brice tried to focus on his work, but his mind was elsewhere. Several times, he glanced across at Kerry, but she was deep in study. After an hour, he was forced to admit to himself the day was a bust. He was never going to get anything done.
    “I'm off,” he said.
    “Oh. Okay.”
    “I can't seem to focus. It must be the weather.” Brice nodded to the window. “Seems a pity to be inside.”
    Kerry nodded.
    “I don't suppose you'd like to come for a coffee?”
    “I errr—I can’t.” Kerry blushed.
    “It’s okay. Sorry, I should have realised you're busy. Bye then.”

 
    Chapter 7
     
     
     
    Kerry wished she could block out all the idiots on campus, but they seemed to home in on her. She’d been grateful when Brice had stepped in and put the bully in his place. He'd wanted to chat, but she found it difficult. She spent so much time on her own that she didn't know how it was supposed to work. When Brice had asked her to go for coffee, it had taken her by surprise—she’d said no before she’d even had time to think about it. After he‘d gone, two girls came over to her table.
    “Are you mad?” the taller of the two said.
    Kerry looked puzzled.
    “Brice West just asked you to go out for coffee, and you said no?”
    “I’m busy,” Kerry said. She couldn’t tell the girl the real reason: she’d never been for coffee with anyone except her mum
    “Busy? What with?” The girl picked up one of Kerry’s text books. “Psychology? You need a psychologist or a shrink to find out why you turned down a chance to go out with Brice.”
    “Come on, Sophie. Let’s go.” The girl's friend pulled at her arm. “She’s bloody weird that one.”
    Kerry didn’t get much work done. She couldn’t stop thinking about Brice. Why had he asked her out? Had he been teasing? If she’d