After Alex Died Read Online Free

in Pennsylvania.”
    That shocked me. When we were in high school, Cameron’s parents were his biggest fans. I remembered going to basketball games and his mom and dad would be wearing matching T-shirts with Cameron’s photo on the front.
    “My mom got a one-bedroom condo,” I admitted. It still hurt.
    “That’s harsh.”
    I shrugged. “I’m an adult. She said she needed to cut down on expenses. I get it.”
    A look of realization seemed to cross his face. “So that’s why you said you needed this job. Free room and board.”
    I put my index finger to my nose.
    “I’m not as dumb as I look,” Cameron joked. Dumb was the last thing you’d ever say Cameron looked. He was one of the guys every girl wanted to date in high school. Tall, muscular, blond with flawless features and a winning smile, he was the complete package. Everyone thought he’d make millions of dollars not just playing professional sports but getting tons of endorsement deals. He was the type of all-American looking guy you’d imagine being on a cereal box.
    “That doesn’t explain why you’re here. You’ve got a place to live.”
    He swallowed then rubbed his forehead. He suddenly looked uncomfortable. “I needed a way to finish my probation hours quickly so I could accept a scholarship at a school up in Boston. My probation officer hooked me up with his gig.”
    Anxiety poured through me as I thought about why he was on probation. All the memories of Homecoming and Alex’s suicide came flooding back. My breath caught as I fought back a sob.
    Cameron was staring at his shoelaces again and I knew the conversation was over. Luckily it was almost time for our break.
     
    ***
     
    I stood out in the warm sun trying to clear my head. As I took a deep breath of the humid air, I could feel someone grab my shoulders from behind. Sofia came around in front of me and gave me a broad smile.
    “This may end up being the best summer job ever.”
    “I don’t think Dr. Jones will approve of you and Antonio hooking up,” I warned her.
    “Why do you have to burst my bubble like that?”
    “I’m just saying…”
    She crossed his arms over her chest. “I didn’t hear Dr. Jones say anything about not dating our co-workers. And I already checked the packet. It doesn’t say anything about it in there either.”
    I shook my head in disbelief. “You already checked the packet?”
    She nodded.
    “It may not say anything but I still wouldn’t cross Dr. Jones. She’s one tough woman.”
    “You’re telling me, if one of the hot guys we’re spending the summer with, came on to you, you’d refuse?”
    “First of all, you’re making a huge assumption that any guy, hot or not, would hit on me. There’s no evidence to support that assumption.”
    Sofia raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
    “Yes.”
    “I find that difficult to believe. If your hair wasn’t a rainbow of various shades of cotton candy pink and blue and you went a little lighter on the eyeliner and you wore something other than black, you’d probably have every guy knocking on your door.”
    “Maybe I don’t want any guys knocking on my door.”
    “Girls?” Sofia offered.
    I shook my head. “No, nothing like that. I’m just dealing with a lot right now. I don’t need a guy to complicate things.”
    “Does Cameron know that?” Sofia gave me a sly grin.
    “Cameron?” I scoffed. “Even if he was the last guy on Earth, it would not be a consideration. I told you, we have a history. Besides, he’s way out of my league anyway.”
    Sofia actually laughed. “That boy is not out of your league. And there’s definitely something going on between the two of you. I can feel the energy between you. You can’t deny it.”
    “The energy you feel is hatred and disgust.”
    “Okay, whatever you say.” Sofia’s expression was dubious.
    “Look, you don’t know what happened when we were in high school.”
    “Care to enlighten me?”
    I shook my head. “I don’t really like to