Since we’ll be working on reading passages and answering questions tonight, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to test it out.
His eyebrows shoot up. “Again?”
“Yup. Only this time, I know it’s gonna work.” I root around my purse for the pen and pull it out. “This is a reading pen. Basically, you scan a line of text and it reads it aloud for you.” I open my folder and take out a piece of paper containing one of the passages. “Here. Try.”
He examines the pen. “It looks expensive.”
It was. But only because I wanted to get him a really good one.
It was totally worth digging into my car fund, though, because I know this will be a game changer.
Especially if he agrees to let me talk to Mrs. Herman.
Shaking his head, he places the pen down. “I appreciate it, but I can’t accept this.”
Is he crazy? “Of course you can. I know the ruler didn’t help that much, but this will. I did a lot of research and this one is supposed to be the best—”
“It’s too much money.”
I don’t understand why he keeps focusing on the price tag. “So what? I don’t want you to pay me back, I just want you to use it.”
A sound of irritation escapes him, and he stands. “I’m not a charity case, Lennon.”
I honestly don’t get why he’s making such a big deal about this.
“I never said you were.”
“Pizza is one thing. Lavish gifts are another.”
I can’t help but laugh because he’s being ridiculous. “It’s just a damn pen, Phoenix. I’d hardly call it lavish.”
My comment only makes him angrier. “Maybe not to you, princess. But not everyone has a rich daddy who shells out money whenever they want.”
Ouch. I’m the farthest thing from a princess.
I also didn’t ask my dad for a penny. I bought it with money I saved up over the years from babysitting and tutoring.
And while my dad makes a very good living and I’ve been fortunate to never have to go without, I’d hardly call him rich.
Songwriters aren’t millionaires like people seem to think. Even after they write a hit song.
“My dad didn’t pay for this.” Tears prickle my throat, but I force myself to swallow them. “I did.” To my absolute horror, my voice cracks and my vision blurs. “I just wanted to help you.”
Humiliated at the thought of him seeing me cry, I turn around.
“Shit.” I hear his sharp exhale of breath before his fingers skim my shoulder. “I’m sorry. It’s just…you do so much for me as it is. Way more than I deserve.”
That’s not true. He has more raw talent in his pinkie finger than most musicians out there today have combined.
But even if he didn’t, he still deserves my friendship and support.
I just wish he knew how much faith I have in him.
“You’re going to change the world one day, Phoenix. And when that happens, I’m going to cheer you on from the sidelines with the biggest smile on my face.”
I knew from the first second I laid eyes on him that he was special.
So does everyone else.
The fingers brushing my shoulder glide up the side of my neck. I feel the contact everywhere.
His voice is such a low rasp I almost don’t hear him. “Lennon.”
I close my eyes as heat floods my body, settling between my thighs. For the briefest of moments, I give myself permission to pretend I’m not the fat girl…but the kind of girl Phoenix Walker is attracted to.
All too soon, his touch is gone, though…and I’m faced with reality again.
“Thank you for the pen.”
After taking a cleansing breath, I turn and sit back down on the futon. “You’re welcome.”
He places the pen over the paper, smiling a little when it reads a sentence aloud. “This thing is pretty sweet. Too bad I won’t be able to use it for the final.”
Here goes nothing.
“About that.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ve been thinking…”
“The suspense is killing me,” he jokes after another minute goes by.
“I want to tell Mrs. Herman the truth.”
He shuts it down instantly. “No.”
“Come on, Phoenix.” He’s failed to comprehend what this could mean for him. “I know once I explain the issue, she’ll have no problem accommodating you. And then you’ll be able to pass the final…all on your own.”
“I don’t need everyone knowing I can’t read,” he grinds out.