Infinity Read Free Page A

his breath, Nick picked his backpack up from the tiled beige floor and glared at Stone, who at least had a busted lip.
    So much for not getting into trouble.
    But what was he supposed to do? Let the weasel scum insult his mom?
    Disgusted, he entered the office and sat in the corner chair outside the principal’s door. Why wasn’t there an undo button for life?
    “Excuse me?”
    Nick looked up at the softest, sweetest voice he’d ever heard. His stomach hit the ground.
    Dressed al in pink, she was gorgeous, with silky brown hair and green eyes that practical y glowed.
    Oh. My. God.
    Nick wanted to speak but al he could do was try not to drool on her.
    She held her hand out to him. “I’m Nekoda Kennedy, but most people cal me Kody. I’m new to the school and kind of nervous. They told me to wait here, then there was a fight and they haven’t come back and … I’m sorry, I babble when I’m nervous.”
    “Nick. Nick Gautier.” He cringed as he realized how stupid he sounded and how behind he was on her conversation.
    She laughed like an angel. A beautiful, perfect …
    I am so in love with you. . . .
    Get a grip, Nick. Get a grip. . . .
    “So, have you been going here long?” Kody asked.
    Work, tongue. Work. He final y choked an answer out.
    “Three years.”
    “You like it?”
    Nick’s gaze went to Stone and the others heading into the office. “Not today, I don’t.”
    She opened her mouth to speak, but Stone and crew surrounded her.
    “Hey, baby.” Stone flashed her a cheesy grin. “You new meat?”
    Kody grimaced and sidestepped them. “Get away from me, you animals. You smel .” She raked a repugnant stare over Stone’s body and curled her lip. “Aren’t you a little old for your mom to be picking out your clothes for you? Real y? Shopping at the Children’s Place at your age? I’m sure there’s some third-grader dying to know who bought the last navy I-sore shirt.”
    Nick bit back a laugh. Yeah, he real y, real y liked her.
    She went to stand by Nick and put her back against the wal so that she could keep an eye on Stone. “Sorry we got interrupted.”
    Stone made a sound like he was about to vomit. “Why are you talking to the King Loser Dork? You want to talk about ugly? Look at what he’s wearing.”
    Nick cringed as Kody examined the sleeve of his shirt.
    “I like a man who takes fashion chances. It’s the mark of someone who lives by his own code. A rebel.” She cast a biting glare at Stone. “A real lone wolf is a lot sexier than a pack animal who fol ows orders and can’t have an opinion unless someone else gives it to him.”
    “Oooo,” Stone’s friends said in unison as she got the better of him.
    “Shut up!” Stone shoved at them. “No one asked you for your opinions.”
    “Nekoda?” the secretary cal ed. “We need to finish with your schedule.”
    Kody gave Nick a last smile. “I’m in ninth grade.”
    “Me too.”
    Her smile widened. “Hope we have some classes together.
    Nice meeting you, Nick.” She made sure to step on Stone’s foot as she walked past him.
    Stone yelped and mumbled an insult for her under his breath. Then he and his three friends sat down in the chairs that were opposite Nick’s.
    Ms. Pantal walked past them to go talk to Mr. Peters.

    They’re going to cream me over this. . . .
    As soon as she was gone, Stone tossed a wadded-up piece of paper at him. “Where did you get that shirt, Gautier?
    Goodwil or did you find it in a Dumpster? Nah, I bet you rol ed a hobo for it. I know you people couldn’t afford even something that tacky.”
    Nick refused to rise to the bait this time. Besides, he could handle insults directed at him. It was the ones against his mom that elevated him to fighting mad.
    And this was why most private schools had uniforms. But Stone didn’t want to wear one and since his father al but owned the school. …
    Nick got to be mocked for the clothes his mom thought were respectable. Why don’t you ever listen to me,