When morning self-study ended, Holly Winslow had just taken out her pink lunchbox when Valerie Walsh, from the second row, called out to her. "Holly, let's have breakfast together."
Pantheon chuckled, nudging Zeke Zane with his shoulder. 'This is gonna be good.'
Holly Winslow glanced at Mortimer Quincy. "No, thank you. I'm eating with my cousin."
Valerie Walsh smiled sweetly. "Come on, join us. It's easier for girls to talk together." As she spoke, she came over to take Holly's hand.
Holly: "..."
'I can't just tell Valerie that Mortimer and I are a couple, can I?' she thought. She opened her mouth, then closed it again.
Just then, Mortimer Quincy slung a long arm around Holly Winslow's shoulders, his survival instincts on high alert. "Thanks, but no thanks. I'll keep my Holly company."
His tone was both cool and swoon-worthy. Holly's heart suddenly skipped a beat. She touched her nose, hiding a smile.
...
