Fragile Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page B

reach into my pocket and pull out money.
    Tyce puts his hand on mine. "I've got
it."
    I start to protest but he's already gone.
    Lucy leans over and says, "I love going on
dates with you two."
    Startled, I respond, "We're not on a date.
And if we were, I'd say it's the other way around. You're on a date with
Tyce."
    Lucy pats my knee. "Hon, you are so
delusional. That man's got the hots for you."
    "No way!"
    "Yes, way!"
    "No!"
    "Girl, fight it all you want, but this
train has left the station."
    I want to keep arguing with Lucy, but she always
has to have the last word. I don't want her embarrassing me in front of Tyce.
    Lucy giggles and I ignore her.
    Tyce returns with our goodies just as the lights
dim and the previews start. It looks like a lot of good movies are going to hit
the theaters soon. I wonder if we'll still be triple dating. I grin at my
silliness.
    The movie is very romantic and funny. I can't
remember when I've laughed so much. When there's a scene with the couple
kissing and going to bed, I'm glad it isn't explicit. Even though the theater
is dark, I can feel my face burning.
    Tyce puts his arm around the back of my chair
and lightly places his hand on my shoulder. I can't help thinking Lucy should
be sitting in my spot.
    After the movie, we go to the drive up window at
McDonald's and Tyce teases us about getting him to watch a chic-flick. He says
he gets to choose the next movie and it's going to be action packed with lots
of car chases and crashes. Lucy says that's okay, just as long as there are some
steamy scenes. She always says what's on her mind. I envy her freedom of speech.

8: Kaylee's Pity Party
     
    A couple of weeks after my triple date at the
movies, Professor Wilkes asks me to stay after class. It's been two months and
he still hasn't called on me to tell a funny happening from childhood. I know
I'm the only person who hasn't spoken in front of the class, but I'm sure my
time is short. My heart pounds while I wait for the axe to drop on whatever he
has to say.
    The professor stops erasing the white board and
sits behind his desk. "Morgan, I've been teaching this class for many
years and I have a gut feeling for students who are terrified of public
speaking. That's why I haven't called on you. Some teachers think the best way
for students to overcome their fear is by forcing them to speak. That's not my
belief and it's the reason I haven't asked you to do anything other than
written work. I also want you to know that I'm not going to make you do anything
you're not ready for. Every time you're in class, I can see the tension in your
face and how you try to hide at the back of the room. So…does this help?"
    I nod vigorously. "Yes, sir."
    "Of course, I can't give you a passing
grade if you don't participate in the speaking assignments. So if you aren't
ready by the end of next month, I'll have to drop you from class with an
incomplete. But that's better than a failing grade because you can take the
class again in the future."
    I'm so grateful to Professor Wilkes I want to
hug him.
    After school, Tyce is parked in front of my
dorm. He jumps out of his truck and says, "I'll be tutoring Kaylee in a
couple of hours. Would you like to go with me? She keeps asking about
you."
    "Is it okay with her parents?"
    "Oh, sure. They were home for a few days
and then left again. I think they went to Paris."
    I roll my eyes. "Must be a tough
life."
    Tyce responds seriously, "It is—for Kaylee."
    "How's her health?"
    "She doesn't like to talk about it, so I
get the scoop from her governess, who is really a nurse. They're still looking
for a kidney donor."
    "How can her parents just leave when she's
so sick? My mom and dad never left my side for weeks after my accident."
    Tyce gives me a funny look. He asks, "How
long were you in the hospital?"
    "Three months."
    His gives me that unreadable expression again
and reaches for my hand. He places it between his two palms. "I'm so sorry."
    I pull my hand away. I don't