Discern Read Online Free PDF Page A

he said with an uncomfortable smile.
    “Oh, I guess he forgot to mention it.” That ugly feeling of betrayal resurfaced. I could feel my facial expression change, and I knew for sure Ryan was aware.
    “Don’t take my word for it—believe me—I could’ve been misinformed.” He lightly patted my shoulder.
    “Sorry, I have a lot on my mind. If my dad is happy, then that’s all that matters.”
    I was definitely upset. It isn’t as if I hadn’t noticed and addressed my father’s late nights out, but the truth still felt like a stab in the back. Everyone else in town was probably aware of his personal life except his own daughter. I had tried my hardest just last night to make him feel comfortable about the subject so he wouldn’t have to hide it. My face felt warm and was probably red with anger.
    “So when is the wedding?” he asked, changing the subject.
    “What wedding?” I asked in horror. Was my father engaged?
    “Yours.”
    “Oh, like I said, what wedding?” I rolled my eyes.
    “What happened?” His face gave away the joy he tried so hard to hide.
    “It’s a long a story. Braden and I won’t be tying the knot anytime soon—or ever, for that matter,” I said, trying to keep it light.
    “Good. You deserve a lot better than that as…dude.” He stumbled on his words.
    “Yes, I do.”
    No need to start dwelling on the past—especially not in front of Ryan. I once had the biggest crush on him in ninth and tenth grade.
    “I bet you felt a little uncomfortable with the teacher staring at you the whole time. I couldn’t help but notice his fascination with you for the past hour and a half,” he mentioned.
    “He was?” I was completely surprised, although I hadn’t really been paying attention.
    “You didn’t notice him gawking at you?” he asked shocked.
    “No, I guess I was off in thought. He was just going over the syllabus, so I didn’t think it was a big deal,” I shrugged.
    “Oh, well if you want an A in this class, I’m sure it will be easy for you.” His words burned, as if he somehow thought my relationship with Braden had tainted my values.
    “Well I’m not that type of girl, and you should really pay attention to what the teacher’s saying rather than where he’s looking,” I snapped.
    “I’m sorry. I take it back. I was only joking, Haley. Honestly, I was just a little concerned.”
    I couldn’t understand his concern. “About what?”
    “He’s kind of creepy,” he said warily.
    “I actually met him before I started school.” I wasn’t sure why I was defending the teacher, but it seemed logical at the time.
    His eyes were wide. “Oh, so the two of you are friends?”
    “No, we’re not friends, nor anything else. I met him on the plane ride back home, so we’re exactly what I said—nothing,” I scowled.
    “That’s good.”
    I kicked the carpet with my foot, not sure where to go with the conversation.
    “Are you working for your dad again?” he asked.
    “I haven’t yet, but I’m sure he would like that. Are you working anywhere?”
    “Yeah, I work over at the women’s shelter. I help manage the place for my mom,” he said. His mother had the same kind, charitable heart as my mother once had.
    “Your mom still works there?” I asked, not really surprised by her dedication to the community.
    “Yes, she’ll never leave,” he smiled, shaking his head.
    “She has such a big heart. I guess her kindness has rubbed off on you,” I smiled. I was impressed with Ryan’s compassion.
    “Hey, don’t think I’m doing it just out of kindness, I need the money, too.” He obviously didn’t want me to think of him as soft.
    “I know, but it’s nice that you decided to work there.”
    “It hasn’t been the same since…” he stopped. His face was red with embarrassment.
    “Nothing has been the same since her death,” I sighed.
    “I’m so sorry, Haley. I didn’t mean to mention her.” His voice dropped.
    “It’s fine. I’m glad she hasn’t