9
I got home and found Chad’s parents, the
Millers, were there.
They looked surprised when I walked in alone.
“Ashley, where’s Chad?”
I forced a smile and tried to sound casual.
“The team needed him. He had to go back.”
I felt this awful urge to tell his parents the
real reason, make them hate Tiffany before
they even met her, make sure Chad and
Tiffany never got their approval.
But I figured, what was the point?
That was Chad’s problem now. It had nothing
to do with me.
Mrs. Miller pulled me close, looking
sympathetic.
“Ashley, Chad messed up. But don’t worry,
“You’re feeling uneasy, right? So let’s get married when you graduate, okay? I’ll drag
Chad back here, make him work for his dad’s
company, no more chess. He’s not getting
any younger, and as much as he loves chess,
it can’t be a career for life.”
I shook my head.
“I’m still young, Mrs. Miller. I’m not ready for
marriage. Whatever happens, happens.”
Mrs. Miller understood what I meant and
sighed sadly.
My mom came over, pulled Mrs. Miller aside,
and started whispering something soothing.
My dad gave me a pat on the shoulder.
L
“How about I call the school, get you a break?
You could go visit Chad in the city?”
“Nah, Dad, I’m swamped.”
Besides, I’d really tried.
I didn’t want to waste any more time on Chad.
We were over.
