Next Friday…

That was great. I had a lot of time to prepare. I nodded at Axel, turning to leave. “Thank you.”

And I did mean that. They were sending me to college when my own parents never even bothered to make a move. I was grateful, if not a little sore that they were desperate to get rid of me.

“Rosette, wait!” Axel grabbed my arm, stopping me from going. I stood still, looking forward. “Would you look at me? Please?”

“State what you want, Axel, or let go of me,” I said, smacking myself inwardly when my voice came out bitter. I wanted to go for cool, but...