Halfway Perfect by Julie Cross Page A

eighteen came around. But after the excitement wore off, he’d start listing off all the things I needed to do to improve my stamina… stay away from carbs … why do you think so many models smoke … maybe if you hadn’t stayed up so late studying for classes that you don’t even nee d to take.
    Wes hated that I wouldn’t drop the correspondence courses when I turned sixteen.
    â€œWhy do you need to go to college, Evie? You’re a professional. You need to focus on you r career.”
    Once, he threw my SAT prep book into the kitchen sink, not knowing it was full of soapy water. I had to buy a new one to replace it. After that, I hid all my books and never studied in front of him. We went a long time without fighting after I made that decision. The break from arguing was such a relief that I almost did drop my classes.
    Wes and I were made to do nothing but destroy each other, and love wasn’t enough to fix that. Maybe love is never enough. Maybe relationships need to be based on practical matches and common goals.
    Or maybe there’s something wrong with me. Maybe I’m not compatible with anyone.
    I spot Janessa and Russ walking toward me, and I pull myself from the wall. I’m still technically on the unpaid clock.
    â€œWell, that went well,” Janessa says and I don’t know if she’s talking about the drama from a few minutes ago or the day as a whole.
    â€œSorry about the gossip session earlier,” Russ says to me. “We’re glad to have you here, Eve. You’ll bring a unique perspective for sure. And it’s great to hear your recovery went well.”
    Right. My recovery. From drug addiction.
    I suppress a laugh. “Uh…thanks.”
    Russ leaves me alone with Janessa. We both stand there in silence for a minute, and then she says, “I suppose you could have started next week. I’m doing a series on statues in New York City.”
    I laugh. “Too late now.”
    She gives me a hard pat on the arm. “It’s good for you. Builds character.”
    A few minutes later, I’m back in the bumpy van. As we pull away, I get another text from Alex.
    ALEX : News has spread to Nebraska.
    I have no idea what he’s talking about, but I decide to remove his real name from my phone before replying. It takes me a second to label him. Usually, I don't put real names in my phone. Steph is Reese Witherspoon—short, blond, curvy, and outgoing…it fits. The RA for my dorm is Bella Swan because she shakes her head a lot when she talks and she trips over everything.
    Alex gets labeled Calvin Klein.
    ME : Nebraska?
    CALVIN KLEIN : My parents. My hometown.
    Alex is from Nebraska? That might be worse than Indiana.
    ME : Which news has spread? The fake g/f?
    CALVIN KLEIN : Yep. Except not the fake part.
    ME : This is bad?
    CALVIN KLEIN : Haven’t decided yet.
    ME : Are you going to tell them it’s fake?
    CALVIN KLEIN : Too risky. Neighborhood gossip has traveled all the way to NYC before.
    ME : But if you told them not to tell…?
    CALVIN KLEIN : Doesn’t matter. They won’t get that it’s important to keep it a secret.
    ME : You don’t have to explain to me. My parents are selfish a-holes too.
    CALVIN KLEIN : They aren’t assholes. They’re normal. Normal people don’t get this world.
    ME : I get it. You shouldn’t tell them. You’re right.
    CALVIN KLEIN : Where do you take a 14 yr old on a date?
    ME : PG-13 Movie? Chuck e cheese?
    CALVIN KLEIN : Ha-ha. We think alike.
    The van stops, and I tuck my phone away before climbing out. It feels special to be one of only a few people to know Alex’s secret. That’s probably why he texted me. Who else besides Elana is he going to be able to vent to?

Chapter 10: Alex
    October 10, 7:30 a.m.
    â€œI really need a job.”
    Eve is sitting on the floor beside the makeup area, fiddling with her camera while Hugo works on getting me