Lessons of the Heart Read Free

them against the floor. For some reason, I don’t want to leave. I’m not sure why, though. Maybe because I don’t know his name yet.
    “Thanks for your help, um. I’m sorry, I guess I never got your name.”
    I laugh and hold my hand out to him. “Britta.”
    “James.”
    He takes my hand again and another round of tingles travels between our fingers. The sudden jolt of electricity surprises me, and I pull my hand back abruptly. James looks down at me with a slight concern on his face, but I force a smile, trying to play off my strange reaction.
    The bell rings again and I start backing away. “I better get going to class. Guess I’ll see you around.”
    He nods and flashes one last smile in my direction as I back away. “Guess I will. Nice meeting you.”
    I quickly turn and half-run down the hall toward my locker to retrieve my books for next period, which I’m already late for. But my sixth-period class I’m supposed to have Mr. Ward and obviously he won’t be there today so I think I may have a reprieve from punishment.
    As Mrs. Malloy warbles on and on about something that she’s reading directly out of the textbook, I can’t help but daydream about James. It’s been a while since someone has started my heart beating like this again. Okay, so I’ve never really had that rush of emotions toward a guy, making me all stupid and lovesick. Yeah, I’ve had a few boyfriends and some of them quasi-serious, one lasting a whole six months. But nothing permanent.
    Boys are a distraction I don’t need. My only focus this year is passing all my courses and graduating at the top of my class.
    “Hey, Britt?” Chase leans over and whispers to me.
    “What?”
    “You going to the party tonight?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Cool. Want to hang out while we’re there?”
    I look around trying to find Penny, who is all the way on the other side of the room making goo-goo eyes at Travis Fishman. Gross.
    “Why not,” I reply, putting as much enthusiasm into it as I can.
    “Awesome. You look nice today, by the way,” he says, still leaning over.
    “Chase?”
    “Yeah?”
    “I’m trying to figure out what she’s saying. I’ll talk to you tonight.”
    He nods and leans back into his chair, leaving me alone again. Thank God. Now I just need to decipher what Mrs. Malloy is talking about because somehow I have a feeling it has nothing to do with the topography of Europe.

A S I WRAP THE FINAL lock of hair around my curling iron, I sigh as I look at my reflection. After watching numerous YouTube videos about how to do the smoky eye and pouty lip, I think I’ve captured it. My shirt is dressy but casual with the infinity scarf wrapped around me and my skinny jeans are actually behaving themselves for once.
    “Damn girl you look hot!” Penny exclaims from the hall behind me.
    “Shut up.”
    “No seriously dude. Smoking hot.”
    I look over at her as I unplug the iron and lightly spray on my favorite perfume. She’s dressed to kill with her destroyed skinny jeans, off the shoulder shirt showing her electric-green bra strap, and messy side ponytail at the nape of her neck. She can pull off stylish better than anyone I know.
    “Speak for yourself. Looking good as always. Whose heart are you breaking tonight?”
    Penny smirks and leans against the doorjamb. “I was thinking about Travis, but I’m willing to keep my options open.”
    I head to my room, with Penny following closely behind. “Yeah I saw you making eyes at him in class today. But really, Travis Fishman?”
    She shrugs and sits on my bed while I dig out my boots from the closet. “What? He’s hot, he’s the captain of the football team, and I’m pretty sure he wants me.”
    I roll my eyes. “Exactly the kind of qualities you should look for in a solid relationship.”
    “Bitch.”
    “Love you.” I blow an air kiss and she sticks out her tongue.
    Liam walks into my room. Of course, his Penny radar is perfect as always.
    “Sexy lady…and