Star-Crossed Read Free Page B

room. “We’ll talk about it later, OK?”
    You nod, and he kisses your forehead goodbye. Reuben waves and your dad salutes back. Your dad walks up to your mum, kisses her lips and strokes her hair, whispering something in her ear. She giggles and kisses his cheek.
    â€œOh, come on, that’s too much for breakfast!” You groan, half joking but half serious, hiding from your parents behind your glass. Reuben smiles at your reaction. “I thought you were going , already…”
    Your parents break apart and your mum rolls her eyes. Your dad shakes his head, blows her a kiss and holds up his hands at you. “I’m gone!” he proclaims, opens the door, waves, and shuts it behind him.
    Your mum tips the remainder of her coffee down the sink and also goes to get her coat. “I’ll be back by sixish, OK?” she calls.
    â€œYeah, see you then. Love you.”
    â€œLove you too. And I know you’ll be heading for the café, so there’s money for coffee or whatever in the cupboard. Have a good day, you two.”
    The door swings closed behind her and it’s just you and Rubes again.
    You turn to Rubes and grin excitedly. “So – what part did you get? I’m sorry I had to take off straight after I auditioned, but I had a hot date at the dentist’s.” You wink.
    â€œUnlucky,” he laughs, taking your hand, and inclining his head. “And as for my part? Why, Juliet, thine eyes are cast upon those of the young Mercutio…”
    You let out a small yelp of delight and practically throw yourself at him. “Oh my GOD! That’s so great! It’s what you wanted!”
    â€œI know.” He grins. “I’m completely stoked! There were so many other guys there, like Dennis Hathaway – you know, blonde hair, stocky, plays on the rugby team? And Danny Jupp from the year below – now he’s a hottie and a half!”
    A thought suddenly occurs to you. “Wait a second – I can’t believe I didn’t ask as soon as you walked in – who got Romeo?”
    You think you see Reuben’s smile flicker, but then he laughs and taps your arm.
    â€œYou know what? I don’t actually know. We’ll find out later.” He clears his throat and claps his hands. “So, where are we eating this morning?” He counts off places on his fingers. “Starbucks? Coffee Aroma … The Caf?” His eyes shine mischievously. A waiter at The Caf is unbelievably cute, and he works the Wednesday-morning shift. And Reuben wants him. You laugh.
    â€œRubes, you always say the right things. Let’s go.” You open the cupboard, take out a fiver and pick up your bag.
    Reuben looks at you. “Er, Jen? Jenny-baby? We have a slight fashion problem here.” He gestures to your clothes. You look down. You’re still in your pyjamas.
    â€œAh,” you say. “One second.”
    You run up the stairs to your room and throw open your wardrobe, pulling on the nearest clothes available, then run downstairs and grab your bag for the second time in ten minutes. You open the door and walk out, Reuben following you, with the first ever Wednesday smile on your face. Your eyes sparkle. Time to have some fun!
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    You reach your regular coffee spot and open the door. As you walk in, you automatically check out the till. The cute guy is there. Reuben spots him too, and gives you a swift wink.
    â€œHot chocolate?” he asks you.
    â€œYep,” you reply. “Go get him, tiger…”
    As Reuben walks over to the till, you wind your way through the early-morning, caffeine-addicted crowd to the only free table at the back.
    As you pass a table, someone grabs your arm.
    â€œHey, Jen!”
    You turn and see that it’s Misha Reeves, the Italian beauty of the school and an amazing actress, admired and envied by every girl in your year. Today she’s as much of a style-guru as