Fake It Till We Kiss — The Six Grand Deal

Riley? Jax's mother? How did she even get my number? My mind raced. Then I kept my voice calm. You've got it wrong, ma'am. I've just been tutoring Jax. His latest AP Lit essay, I helped him with it.

My God, an A on that paper! That was you? I knew he couldn't do it on his own. How much did he pay you? Well, he didn't pay me, ma'am. That ungrateful little jerk. Listen, sweetie, keep his GPA above a 3.5. I'll wire you three grand a month.

Three grand! That would cover my living costs for a whole year! Ma'am, Margo's grades are slipping too. Maybe I could tutor both of them? Deal. Six grand a month. After the call, I checked my bank app. Six grand. Already there. I burst out laughing.

With that money, I never had to ration my meals again. I told myself that was all that mattered, that I could deal with the Carters later, but they just wouldn't give me a break. Margot dragged Jax over to me, sobbing.

Jax! It was her! She set Chelsea's gang on me! It's over. He will defend his stepsister, of course. A wave of unexplainable bitterness washed over me, and my eyes started to sting. I watched him part his lips and even squeezed my eyes shut,

hoping to avoid what was coming but you slapped her I she started it I should