Free You Don't Know Me Like That by Reshonda Tate Billingsley

you?” I asked as she took a seat in the back of the room.
    She looked up from her seat, and I couldn’t make out the look in her eyes, but it was almost like she had an attitude with me.
    â€œDid you hear me?” I said.
    She paused, then said, “Sorry, my mind was somewhere else.”
    The whole way she said it was cold. “What’s wrong with you?” I asked.
    She just glared at me before saying, “Nothing.”
    â€œObviously something is, since you’re acting like I peed in your punch or something.”
    She shrugged. “Nah, I’m good.”
    I looked over my shoulder to make sure Mrs. Williams wasn’t listening. “Have you come up with the topic for your research paper yet?”
    â€œNo. Why?”
    â€œBecause when you do, I was hoping you could find me a topic too.”
    Again, she didn’t say anything, just sat there staring at me.
    â€œIs that going to be a problem?” I asked.
    She shrugged again. “Nah, it’s cool. Anything for the great Maya Morgan.”
    My hands went to my hips. “What is that supposed to mean?”
    Before she could answer Bryce walked in, laughing, his arm around this girl named Callie. As soon as he saw me, he lost his smile. So did Callie. She quickly pulled away from him.
    â€œM-Maya, I’m sorry, I . . .”
    Bryce cut her off. “Nothing to be sorry about. Maya and I aren’t together anymore.”
    I couldn’t help but let out a little snortle. Glad to know it was official now.
    â€œYeah, I’ve moved on,” I said.
    â€œOh, yeah,” some Valley Girl sitting in the row next to Jayla said. “You’re dating the singer, J. Love, right?”
    I grinned. “Yeah, we’re together now.” Okay, I was exaggerating, but the way Bryce was gritting his teeth, the lie was well worth it.
    â€œOh, my, God. He is sooo fine,” the girl said.
    â€œAnd isn’t he like stupid rich?” the girl sitting next to her asked.
    â€œThat he is.” I looked at Callie. “So, don’t let me stop you.” I looked Bryce up and down. “I’ve moved on to bigger, better, finer, and richer things.”
    With that, I spun and walked out of the room.

Chapter 15
    T onight was the night. J. Love’s party. He’d been out of town all week, but he was supposed to get back this afternoon. I was a little shocked that I hadn’t heard from him today. But I did know that he had back-to-back tours, so I gave him a pass.
    â€œGirl, I cannot wait.” Kennedi interrupted my thoughts as she swirled around in her dress. We’d spent all evening in the mall, trying to get ready for the party tonight.
    â€œI can’t believe we are actually going to party with J. Love,” Kennedi said.
    â€œShhhh,” I said. “Keep your voice down. I don’t want my mom trippin’ about us going to an industry party.”
    Kennedi stopped and modeled in front of my full-length mirror.
    â€œDoesn’t she know that you’re a celebrity?”
    â€œYeah, tell me about it.” I pushed my diamond hoop earrings through my ears. “But she’s still on that ‘you’re still underage, and as long as you’re under my roof, you’ll do as I say’ routine.”
    â€œMan, that sucks,” Kennedi said.
    I handed her backpack to her. “So take that dress off and just put your stuff in here. We’re going to get dressed at Sheridan’s house.”
    She took the backpack and began stuffing her six-inch heels and makeup bag into it.
    She slipped her dress off and put it in the bag, too. “I still don’t understand why Sheridan has to go,” she said, slipping on some jeans and a T-shirt.
    I took a deep breath. “We have been through this a thousand times. You two are just going to have to learn to get along, because neither one of you is going anywhere.”
    â€œYeah, but she stabbed you in