Ungifted

by Kelly Oram

  Preston felt my stare and looked up. How he knew I was there to see him I have no idea, but my heart thumped nervously when he crooked his finger at me, beckoning me to him. I tried not to shake too noticeably as I approached him.

  “You’re afraid of me,” he said out of nowhere.

  I blanched, which only proved his point. There was no use pretending with Preston, so I took a deep breath and admitted, “You’re very intimidating.”

  My comment amused him and he went back to reading his book. I realized that if I wanted him to talk to me I’d have to earn his respect. I had to get past my fear. “You can’t blame me for being nervous,” I said quietly. “You keep people on edge purposely. The question I wonder is—why do you make so much effort to scare people off when you’re clearly disgusted by their fear?”

  Surprised, Preston closed his book and gestured to the chair across from him. “Have a seat.”

  “European history?” I asked as I sat down, distracted by the fact that he was reading a biography on the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Every independent study student had to choose a specific subject for the semester. History Buff didn’t fit the image I had of Cynthia’s oldest brother.

  My question seemed to amuse Preston again. “Actually, it’s a leadership course.”

  That made so much more sense to me. I didn’t realize I was nodding my head in agreement until Preston questioned me. “You approve?”

  “I can see it,” I admitted honestly. “Not in the political sense like my dad, but you’d probably make an excellent military leader.”

  Now I’d really surprised him. I blushed under his stare and looked at my lap as I tried to explain myself. “You’re always so calm and collected, and you naturally command respect from everyone around you. You keep your brothers in line like no teacher here can. Plus, Cyn idolizes you, so you have to be a decent person because there aren’t many people in the world Cynthia Layton looks up to.”

  I felt Preston watching me, but I couldn’t bring myself to make eye contact. I couldn’t believe I’d just said all that. My confrontation with Ethan the night before must have made me lose my mind.

  I had no clue what was going through Preston’s head right then, but I was still surprised by what he said next. “You put on a good show, Grace St. Claire.”

  The statement startled me into looking up at him. He was studying me with a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “You’ve got everyone fooled quite nicely. You’re nothing like the girl people think you are.”

  I knew what he meant, but he wasn’t right. I shrugged awkwardly. “I don’t put on any kind of show. I’m only ever myself. People just see what they want to see.”

  Preston studied me a moment longer and then sighed. “Fair enough.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms casually over his chest. “So what can I do for you today, Grace? What brings you to my lonely corner of the library?”

  “What can you tell me about Andrew De La Cote?”

  Preston’s whole body tensed so subtly I could barely see it, but I felt it all the way to my gut. Goose bumps formed on my arms and the hairs on the back of my next stood up from the barely-contained fury radiating off of Preston.

  “What makes you think I know this person?” he asked.

  “Um.” I practically cowered beneath Preston’s piercing stare. “Because when I brought him up to Cynthia this morning she freaked. But she wouldn’t tell me anything about him. If he’s really as dangerous as she seems to think he is, then there’s no chance her brothers don’t at least know about him. I figured out of all of the Laytons you would be the one to be straight with me. Who is he? What’s Cynthia hiding from me?”

  “Cynthia’s not the type to hide things from people. You must have been imagining it.”

  I shook my head. “Trust me. I know Cynthia. She knew more than she was willing to admit, and now you’re skirting the question, too.”

  Preston raised a challenging brow at my accusation. “If she is hiding something, then she must have a really good reason, Grace. Maybe you should stay out of it,” he said. “Maybe she’s just trying to protect you.”

  “I’m sure that’s exactly what she thinks she’s doing,” I agreed, “but ignorance is dangerous. If someone is trying to kill me, then keeping me in the dark about it only makes things worse.”

  “Wait a minute.” All of the ease left Preston. He leaned forward with a frown on his face. “You think someone is trying to kill you?”

  “Stage lights don’t just fall from the ceiling by themselves, you know?”

  “Grace, there could have been a million reasons for that.”

  I could tell by the calculating expression that Preston wasn’t entirely convinced of his own words. “Ethan doesn’t think so,” I said. “He hasn’t come out and said it, but after yesterday morning he took stalking to a whole new level. I was surprised he didn’t camp out in my bedroom last night with a myriad of weapons. Then when the whole Andrew thing was mentioned, he freaked every bit as much as Cynthia. He jumped all over me about staying away from Andrew, and now he’s left school. Ethan hasn’t missed a class in six years.”

  Preston sat quietly, digesting everything I was telling him as though he was trying to decide if Andrew was really out to kill me.

  “Something is going on,” I insisted. “I know both Cynthia and Ethan believe it has something to do with this guy, and I hate feeling scared. Andrew really frightened me last night. Please tell me what I need to know about him.”

  Preston hesitated and then gave in. “I don’t really know a lot about Andrew. I’ve only met him once. There’s sort of a Montague and Capulet thing between his family and mine. The only thing I can tell you is that he’s got a reputation of being popular with the ladies, and they usually don’t remember everything the next day.”

  “You mean he drugs them and then takes advantage?”

  “Something like that.”

  Remembering the way Andrew had been with me, I could only imagine what would have happened had my dad not come. I shuddered at the thought.

  Preston spoke his next words so softly I got goose bumps again. There was nothing but kindness and concern in his eyes. “Is that what happened to you, Grace?”

  “What?” I gasped. “No! Of course not! I mean, he came on to me and asked if I’d leave with him, but of course I didn’t go.”

  Preston’s mouth fell open. I’d never seen him lose his composure so completely. “You resisted Andrew De La Cote?”

  Not this again. I was so mad—not to mention humiliated—that my eyes stung. I pushed back the urge to cry and got to my feet. Slinging my backpack over my shoulders I mumbled, “I know you’ve probably heard the stories about me, but you shouldn’t believe everything people tell you. I wouldn’t hook up with someone who thinks I owe it to him to climb in his pants just because he’s gorgeous.”

  “Grace, wait.”

  I didn’t wait. I grabbed my crutches and did my best to escape. I got about two feet before Preston blocked my way with apologetic eyes.

  I shook my head and muttered, “First Ethan and Cynthia, and now you. Why does everybody think I’m such a skank?”

  To my surprise, Preston laughed. “I’m sorry,” he said, trying hard to look repentant. “I didn’t mean to insult you. I know you’re not…”

  “A skank?” I supplied flatly. I didn’t find this situation as funny as he did.

  “Promiscuous,” Preston said with another chuckle. “Falling victim to Andrew’s advances wouldn’t make you a skank; it’d make you normal. He’s really quite the Romeo, unfortunately. I’ve never heard of a girl not falling for his charms before.”

  “Then I guess it’s lucky for me I’m not really a fan of Shakespeare. Romeo’s not my type.”

  “No?” Preston laughed again. “And do I dare ask who is?”

  Preston smiled down at me with his intense green eyes and my heart fluttered. “I don’t know,” I said, swallowing the sudden unwelcome tension. “But it
’s not Andrew De La Cote.”

  Preston’s grin widened as he continued to hold me captive with his gaze. We stood there caught in an awkward—well, awkward on my end because Preston looked annoyingly at ease—moment until the bell rang. Preston held the library door open for me and then continued to walk by my side through the crowded hallway. “Do you need a ride home today?”

  I was surprised by the offer and more excited than I should be, but I couldn’t accept. First of all, Cynthia would kill me if she knew I’d talked to Preston. Secondly, Preston drove the family Suburban to school and I’d had my fill of the Layton boys for one day.

  “Thank you, but my father’s assistant is already scheduled to pick me up.”

  Preston shrugged as if it was no big deal. “Okay, I’ll talk to you later then.”

  I doubted it considering this was the first time we’d talked in the year we’d gone to school together, but I still smiled and nodded my head. As I turned to leave, I felt Preston’s hand come down on my shoulder again. “I admire courage,” he whispered against my ear.

  His sudden closeness startled the daylights out of me. I let out a yelp and jumped so high Preston had to reach out and steady me or I’d have fallen on my butt. “You asked why I scare people off all of the time,” Preston said as he set me securely back on my crutches. “Only the bravest people ever confront me.” His grin widened into a sharp, almost predatory smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep your secret safe.”

  I felt my jaw drop. Surely Preston couldn’t believe I was brave after all that.

  Preston laughed at my disbelieving expression. “It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, Grace,” he said as he gave me a parting salute and wandered off toward the student parking lot.

  When I finally got home, Randy intercepted me in the foyer before I could even take my backpack off. His eyes were sparkling. “Grace!” he said excitedly. “Finally! We’ve been waiting for you.”

  That’s when I heard the other voices. All I could tell was that they were distinctly male and they were laughing heartily about something. “So he’s already found my babysitter? That didn’t take long. He must not have been very picky about it.”

  My attitude didn’t spoil Randy’s good mood. “I think you’re going to be very happy, Grace.”

  “You found me the Punisher?”

  “The guy whooped my butt four times in a row.”

  Wow. That was actually very impressive.

  “And it’s hard for me to say what passes as good-looking to a sixteen-year-old girl, but I texted a picture to my twelve-year-old and she responded with a smiley face and a hundred exclamation points. I really think you’ll be excited.”

  “What about my third requirement?” I demanded. There’s no way he got everything right. Not after only two hours of interviews.

  Randy’s smile turned to a smirk that said he knew a secret that he found highly amusing. “This one’s definitely more interested in you than your father. I have no doubt.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Oh, nothing,” he said with a wink that I couldn’t interpret.

  It was impossible to believe. It was too good to be true. I didn’t have that kind of luck. But still. Randy was so excited, and he seemed so sure. And Randy is someone I trust. So when he asked me if I was ready to meet the guy and headed toward the voices, I couldn’t stop myself from feeling hopeful.

  My dad and my new bodyguard were in the kitchen sitting at the breakfast table. The minute I saw them, I stopped short and my hand flew to my mouth to stifle my gasp. I was so stunned that I didn’t even wince when I dropped my crutch on my broken foot.

  My dad took my reaction to be some kind of excited shock and rose to his feet, beaming with pride. Randy assumed I was excited too and clasped me on the shoulder, snickering happily.

  Ethan, on the other hand, knew perfectly well that while I was, in fact, shocked, I was far from happy. He pulled himself to a stand much slower than my father had and locked his steady gaze on me. “Hi, Grace.”

  “No.” I shook my head forcefully. “Nuh-uh. Not a chance. Find someone else.”

  Both Randy and my dad were so confused. Randy looked disappointed that I wasn’t excited, but my dad got angry and defensive. “My decision is final, Grace.”

  “But, Dad—”

  “Save it. We had this conversation this morning. This is about your safety. You wanted no security. Discreet is the compromise.”

  “My safety? He’s sixteen! He’s a junior in high school! How can he possibly be qualified?”

  “He’s already saved your life once.”

  “So that makes him an expert?”

  “I’m qualified.” Ethan spoke softly but confidently. And he still hadn’t shown any sign of emotion whatsoever. He was calm and collected—not giving away any hint of the kind of tension that existed between us.

  “He’s more than qualified, Grace. He took down Randy four times in a row.”

  “With embarrassingly little effort,” Randy admitted. “If this weren’t about your safety, I’d hate the kid for my sorely bruised ego. Trust me, Grace; you’re safe in his hands.”

  “Ethan’s highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and weapons training,” Dad said.

  “Weapons training?” I was unable to refrain from throwing Ethan a startled look.

  Ethan blushed and shrugged uneasily. “My uncle is a highly ranked general and an ex-army ranger. He taught me well.”

  “Swords, knives, archery…,” Dad bragged. “Just to name a few. He’s also an expert marksman and an expert in martial arts.”

  “And an expert in stalking,” I said.

  Ethan flinched at my choice of words. It was the first thing that had been able to crack his armor, but neither Randy nor my dad saw his reaction because they were both frowning at me.

  “I’m serious,” I told them. “And do you really want someone that dangerous creeping around your daughter all of the time? Having access to my home? My bedroom? Did you ever ask him why he wants this job?” I went on. “Do you care at all that he makes me uncomfortable? He even knows that he makes me uncomfortable, and he still interviewed for the position. What kind of person does that?”

  Dad and Randy both looked startled. I could see that they were second-guessing their decision and apparently so could Ethan. He wasn’t happy about it, either. His eyes narrowed slightly, filled with anger, and then suddenly he flashed me a smug smile.

  “How did your meeting with the school psychiatrist go today?” he asked me. “Did he help? Are you feeling better at all? I was really worried about you after your breakdown in class.”

  I was too shocked to be angry. Ethan ratted me out on purpose to take the negative attention off of himself. It worked like a charm, too. Dad forgot all about everything I’d just said. “Psychiatrist?” he asked. “Breakdown?”

  “It was nothing.”

  Dad automatically turned to Ethan. “What happened?”

  Ethan didn’t hesitate. “Grace was upset, and she lost her temper. She said some inappropriate things—along with a few choice words that are prohibited at school. It was so unlike Grace that our teacher sent her to the school psychiatrist instead of giving her detention.”

  The rat! He had no shame! And worse, he wasn’t affected at all by my look of betrayal. Getting this job was obviously all that mattered to him and he was willing to play dirty to keep it. See if I ever let him carry my books for me again.

  My dad digested Ethan’s story and then looked severely at me. “What did the counselor say about your inexcusable display?”

  When I stayed silent, my dad sighed. “Grace, if you don’t tell me I will just call the school and speak with your counselor, but I would rather hear it from you.”

  I gave up and pulled the prescription out of my bag. As I handed it to my father, I gave Ethan a look that clearly told him I would never forgive him for this. He actually had the nerve to look apologetic, and in that moment I’m pretty sure th
at Ethan Dunn was my least favorite person in the entire world.

  “Antidepressants!” my dad roared. “The nerve of that man! My daughter is not mentally unstable! The school is going to hear about this!”

  Of course my depression would be a personal insult to my father. This was exactly the reaction I’d expected from him, but Ethan looked shocked. When my dad pulled out his PDA in search of the school’s phone number, Ethan cleared his throat. “Sir, I strongly suggest you speak with the doctor before you call the school accusing people of things.”

  Dad looked murderous but Ethan didn’t back down. “I know Grace very well and, trust me, she needs the help. She probably needs the medication, too. That’s partially why I was interested in taking this job. I’m worried about Grace and no one else appears to be paying enough attention to her to see that there’s a problem.”

  I wanted to kick him for what he said, but I had to hand it to him—he really wasn’t scared of my father. Randy was definitely right about that. Never thought that would work to my disadvantage, though. Talk about major suckage.

  Dad looked at Ethan, then down to the paper in his hand, and then to Randy. Randy shrugged helplessly and Dad finally looked at me. He sighed as if I were a hopeless case, then looked at Ethan as he said, “Fine. Do what you feel is necessary. Just try to keep any counseling and medication as under the radar as possible.”

  “I know you were talking to me, right?” I snapped.

  “No. I was talking to him.”

  I glanced at Ethan and this time he had the decency to quickly look away.

  “Don’t you think therapy and medication should be my decision?”

  “Do you think it should be, Grace? When you clearly weren’t competent enough to take care of yourself before there was a problem?”

  I sucked in a painful breath. My dad had just stripped every ounce of my dignity away. I had to close my eyes, but at least I managed to keep the tears at bay.