—A TRIBE CALLED QUEST When Jeremy finally arrives, I’m calm, cool, and collected. I don’t want him to worry about my drama with all of his own on the horizon. Instead, I want him to be in full acceptance mode so he can enjoy a cupcake or two in my presence, as the recipe prescribed. “Hey, Jayd. Sorry I’m late. Are you all right?” Jeremy asks, gently caressing my face with the back of his right hand. “Mrs. Bennett said you were upset when you left her room. Why didn’t you stay and wait for me?” he asks, looking truly concerned. I doubt the broad told him about our conversation. Just thinking about it makes me hot again. But, I don’t want to spoil the few moments we have together. “Oh, I had to catch up with an old friend,” I say as I regain my composure and force a smile, even though all I can think about is Mrs. Bennett and Misty. “I’m fine, and you?” I ask as he takes my hand and leads me toward the front of the school where he’s parked his car. “I’m cool.
