THE CEO’ S SECRETARY

Chapter Four: Rumors

CHAPTER FOUR: RUMORS

The next morning, whispers followed Ember down the hallway.

"That's her, right?"

"The girl from the restaurant with Wade."

"Did you see his hand yesterday?"

"I heard it was Gale who saw them..."

Ember kept her head down.

The door opened. Silence.

"Good morning, Wade," she whispered.

He didn't answer. Just opened his book.

Ember sat down. Turned to him.

"Good morning," she tried again. "How's your hand? I'm sorry about yesterday."

He snapped his head toward her.

"What?!"

The whole class jumped.

He lowered his voice, glaring. "You said what?"

"It was me," Ember said quickly. "It's my mom's restaurant. I—"

"See what you caused?" He held up his hand. A faint red mark.

In her head: Rude. Always cutting me off.

Out loud: "That's why I asked how your hand was."

"It's not fine, okay? Are you happy now?"

"But I showed you the bathroom. Didn't you run it under cold water?"

He stared at her. Really stared.

"Sorry," Ember mumbled. "For yesterday."

"Forget it." He turned back to his book.

Ember slumped. Whoa... he actually talked to me.

Wait... what's his name again?

---

The teacher came in.

"Page 14. Class president, to the board."

Ember watched. Let's see if he's actually smart.

Wade walked up. No hesitation. Solved the problem in 5 minutes flat.

"Correct. Hope you're ready for the competition."

"Yes, ma'am."

He walked back. Sat down.

Lunch bell.

Everyone left. Except Ember. And Wade.

"Why didn't you go out?" she whispered.

Silence.

"I can hear you," he said without looking up.

"Then why didn't you answer?"

"Are you blind? I'm studying." He glanced at her, then back at the book.

"Okay, class president," she whispered, putting in earphones. "Study hard."

He looked at her.

"Hey. What's your name?"

Ember turned. "Hmm?"

"Your name."

"Wade."

Her heart did a stupid little flip. He answered.

"Okay," she whispered. Smiling.

---

After school. Rain.

Ember stood under a shade, watching her bus drive away.

"Missed it," she whispered.

"Aren't you going home?"

Ember turned. gale.

"I didn't bring an umbrella," she said. "And I missed the bus because of the rain."

"Want me to walk you?"

"Sure."

They walked. Sharing an ice cream. Laughing. Talking.

"This is my house," gale said.

"Want to come in?"

"No, I should go. Bye, gale. See you tomorrow!"

She waved.

Then she was alone. Walking in the rain.

A car stopped.

The door opened. Wade.

"Why didn't you take the bus? Your mom's restaurant is far."

"I missed it."

"Because of the rain?"

"Come with me." He pointed. "My car is over there."

"I have a driver."

"Okay... thanks."

Inside the car.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

"The restaurant," Wade said.

"Ah... I'm actually going home today," Ember whispered.

"Her house," Wade corrected. Then he smiled. Reached into the glove box.

"Want some chocolate?"

Ember stared. Did Wade just... smile at me?

"Thanks," she whispered, taking it.