The Naughty List by Suzanne Young Page B

eyeing my boyfriend.
    I slid my hand into Aiden’s as we began to weave through the tables on our way to the hall.
    “By the way, it’s Christian ,” Christian called from behind us.
    “Right. Sorry,” Aiden replied, but didn’t turn around.
    I smiled. Maybe he was jealous. I held his hand a little tighter.
    SOS INTENT TO INVESTIGATE
    CASE: 045
    CLIENT: Mandy Morgan
    SUBJECT: Travis Murray
     
    This is the SOS official notice of intent to investigate Travis Murray. The client has accused Mr. Murray of “stepping out with his ex.” It is unclear whether the subject had terminated his previous relationship or “gone back for seconds.” The investigation will begin in 48 hours.
    If you wish to cancel this investigation, please text a stop work order to 555-0101. Stop orders must be placed within 24 hours of this written notification.
    We trust that this notice will remain confidential as some of the information contained within could compromise our top-secret status.
    Thank you for thinking of SOS, and we truly hope that our investigation ends with positive results. Have a great day.
     
    Keep smiling,
    SOS
    Text: 555-0101
    Exposing Cheaters for Over Two Years

CHAPTER SEVEN
    I SHOULD HAVE ENJOYED GOING TO AIDEN’S HOUSE. It was really nice. An old Craftsman with intricate woodwork and oriental rugs, filled to the beams with beautiful furniture from around the world. It was also, however, filled with his mother’s scorn for me.
    “How’s cheerleading going?” she asked. Her green eyes, creased at the corners, were boring into my face.
    “Very well. Thank you for asking.” I smiled at her and then looked across the table at Aiden. He was avoiding her, rolling pasta onto his fork. I wished I could avoid the conversation too.
    “That’s nice,” she said. It sounded forced. She hated me. “And your grades?” she asked.
    “Tessa’s on the honor roll again,” Aiden said. Aw. I loved it when he was proud of me. I gazed lovingly at him.
    His mother didn’t seem as appreciative. “Well,” she said, sucking on her teeth. “Maybe if you two spent less time together, you’d be on the honor roll too, Aiden.”
    There was a hiss in my throat, but I forced it down with a sip of water. Aiden didn’t need to be on the honor roll. He was a great athlete and a total sweetheart. Studying just wasn’t his thing. She didn’t adore his adorableness as much as I did.
    “Tessa,” his mother said sternly from the head of the table. “Are your parents at all concerned with the amount of time you two spend together? And the late nights?” It was the last part she really didn’t like. Her eyes narrowed on mine.
    “Uh, not really,” I said honestly. “My parents love Aiden, and they trust him.”
    Mrs. Wilder set down her fork with a clank and took a deep breath. Here it comes.
    “Look, Tessa,” she said in fake sweetness. “I think you’re a really nice girl, I do. But I just don’t think it’s healthy for two teenagers to be together as much as you and my son are. You guys really need a break from each other.”
    Even though I knew she’d say it—again—my face stung. I was a nice girl (I was glad she’d noticed), but Aiden and I were far from unhealthy. We loved each other. Healthily!
    “Mom,” Aiden pleaded, tossing his napkin on the table. She glared at him. He got quiet, and I closed my eyes. Sometimes I just wanted him to speak up.
    “You really want to go away to college in such a serious relationship? Without ever having dated anyone else?” she asked, looking at him angrily.
    I clenched my fists under the table. That was not okay. Aiden didn’t need to date anyone else. He didn’t even need to consider dating anyone else.
    “Please, just stop.” Aiden dropped his head in his hands as his elbows rested on the table. He hated fighting with his mother.
    She exhaled. “I’m sorry,” she said, although I knew she wasn’t. “It’s just ... I married my high school sweetheart and look how