Such a Bad Influence: A Novel, page 30
“She was a straight-C student who got suspended twice.” I wasn’t winning any awards for mentorship. Though I was still blaming him for the second suspension. He never should’ve told her about Mrs. Hanson’s poor eyesight; maybe Alex wouldn’t have stolen her glasses, then.
“I never said they were good accomplishments.”
“Keep this up and I’ll tell Wendy you’re available and on the market.”
He smirked but didn’t say any more. That satisfied me.
First, the principal spoke, followed by the superintendent, and then the valedictorian. Jeez, it seemed like everybody was giving a speech. Didn’t they know it was ninety degrees outside?
Though it was rude, I stood and clapped as Alex walked across the stage and became an official graduate of Elswood High School, the thirty-seventh-best public high school in Ohio. I clapped as loudly as I could from the stands as she shook the principal’s hand and moved her tassel from one side to the other. I noted with smug satisfaction that her hat remained firmly attached to her head the entire time.
When it was over, I cried, and Wade laughed, promising to tell Alex that I’d held out until she walked across the stage. I couldn’t help it. I was too proud of her not to cry. I cried looking at a sunset, so obviously I’d weep watching my best friend accomplish something significant.
After the ceremony, we filed out of the stadium, promising to meet his family at the bar for the party. I walked toward the parking lot, but Wade grabbed my hand, halting my progress.
“Where are we going?” I knew Alex would be waiting by the truck, counting down the seconds until she could forget this whole high school thing had ever happened. I made a mental note to remind her to thank Mary for the graduation party. She wouldn’t be pleased at all by the attention, but like Mary had said: “Tough.”
I followed Wade under the bleachers, thankful to be in the shade. Where was he going? Did he drop something down here?
“I should’ve done this when I was seventeen.” Wade looked at the bleachers above us, a smile on his face.
We didn’t have time for a detour. “Alex is waiting. Do you want to risk her wrath for making her remain at this high school a second longer than necessary?”
He stopped, glanced upward a second time, then pulled me closer.
“I believe I owe you an under-the-bleachers kiss.”
I gulped. That was not what I expected. My heart rate increased, the same way it always did when he touched me. I tilted my head to the side as he leaned down and kissed me.
My hands went to his hair as his encircled my waist, drawing me onto my toes. The kiss was better than it would’ve been when we were teenagers. I was no longer infatuated with the arrogant high school quarterback who had everyone’s attention. I was in love with Wade, the man I trusted more than anyone else.
I laughed as my phone rang, and I broke off the kiss. I pulled the cell phone from my purse. My heart lifted at her impeccable timing.
I accepted the call. “I’m on my way, Alex.”
Acknowledgments
To my agent, Laura Bradford, for plucking me from obscurity and believing in my work: Thank you for never giving up on this story.
To Chantelle Aimée Osman, my amazingly talented editor, who turned this writing dream into a reality: Thank you for changing my life forever. I feel so ridiculously lucky to have you and the Lake Union team in my corner. To Carmen Johnson, Michelle Flythe, Dee Hudson, Rachel Norfleet, Sarah Horgan, Jill Kramer, and Emma Reh—thank you for all of your insights and help with shaping this manuscript into its best possible version.
Thank you to my dear friends Olivia and Robin, the first people to read my writing, who provided endless support and encouragement along the way; and thank you to Kristin, Selamawet, Ann, Laura, and Tess for being the very best of friends anyone could hope for.
Thank you to my family—Kelly, Paul, Jacob, Allison, and Annie—for all your love and support.
And finally, to every reader who picked up this book: Thank you. It means the world to me.
About the Author
Grace Demyan was born and raised in rural Ohio and currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia. After graduating from Tufts University and Tulane University Law School, Grace began her career working for the US Department of Defense. When she’s not writing or reading, she loves visiting historical landmarks, exploring the great outdoors, and listening to country music. She writes contemporary women’s fiction with heart and humor. For more information, visit www.gracedemyan.com.
Grace Demyan, Such a Bad Influence: A Novel
