Misters & Mochas (High School Clowns & Coffee Grounds Book 2) Read online

  Misters & Mochas

  Book 2 of the High School Clowns & Coffee Grounds Series

  A.J. Macey

  Contents

  Misters & Mochas

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue

  Chaps & Cappuccinos

  Special Thanks

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by A.J. Macey

  Blurb:

  Emma’s to-do list:

  1- stay away from Brad

  2- survive the ACT

  3- make memories with my boys

  Moving cross country a month into my senior year was turning out to not be so bad despite all my initial dramatics. I had made some awesome friends and even got a great part-time gig at the coffee shop. Oh, let’s not forget to mention I got a boyfriend… three in fact, all of who have made the not-so-awesome parts of my forced relocation after my parents’ divorce easier to handle.

  But when our creepy classmate decides to press charges against Jesse, the confrontation with my parents finally comes to head, and my still-pestering ex from California decides to take it up a notch- will we be able to deal with all the stress, or will we end up in over our heads?

  #TickedOffTuesday entries just got a whole lot longer, but we can totally handle our senior year and make it to graduation, right?

  Warning:

  The High School Clowns & Coffee Grounds Series is a WhyChoose/Reverse Harem trilogy featuring MFMM meaning the female main character doesn't have to choose between her love interests.

  This book contains references involving PTSD, sexual assault recollections, abuse, underage drinking, and other themes that some readers may find triggering.

  Copyright 2019 by A.J. Macey

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

  may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover: Moonstruck Cover Design

  Editing: Personal Touch Editing

  Formatting: Inked Imagination Author Services

  Dedicated to:

  My daughter, Evelyn Rose.

  Run wild and follow your dreams.

  Misters & Mochas

  Book 2 of the High School Clowns & Coffee Grounds Series

  By A.J. Macey

  1

  November 18th

  She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails – Elizabeth Edwards

  #IWillSurvive #BestFriendsEver #MotivationMonday

  I stood in the parking lot, surrounded by Reid and Kingston, while Jesse grabbed his bag out of the back of Reid’s Jeep. Sighing, I mentally prepared myself for the storm of questions I was sure I was about to get. Thankfully, it was almost Thanksgiving break.

  Only a week and three days of classes. I tried to make that my mantra for this week. Maybe if I say it enough times, it’ll sink in.

  Eight days of questions, then I’d have a four-day weekend to spend with my boys.

  “Ready?” Reid questioned. Jesse nodded before turning to Kingston and me. I sighed again and returned the gesture. Adjusting my backpack, I steeled myself to enter the school. Maybe they hadn’t heard about what happened, I hoped—until we crossed the threshold.

  They’d definitely heard about Jesse’s arrest.

  Stares from every single student shot our way, and hushed whispers buzzed around us as we walked past. I held my head high, despite wanting to curl into myself, taking everything in stride because right now, all I cared about was Jesse knew we were here for him. Reaching down, I intertwined my fingers with his and squeezed lightly.

  “Hey, Emma, boys,” Zoey greeted with a bright smile, Aubrey and our other friends following suit as if there was nothing going on, and we totally weren’t the entertainment for the entire student body of Arbor Ridge High School.

  “Hey, Zo,” I replied with a grateful smile. “How was your weekend?”

  “Boring. Homework and cleaning to prep for Thanksgiving next week. You? Did you guys have a good time at Kingston’s barbecue? That was this weekend, right?” Zoey continued to ask questions, looking over at Reid and Kingston, where they stood behind Jesse, the latter with his nose buried in a textbook as it always was before school. Kingston answered, content to play along and pretend it was a normal morning. I knocked my knee into hers with a tiny thank you. The bell rang, and we all headed to homeroom. Flashing me a wink, she headed down the hall with Kingston, Carter, and Jason. Reid and Aubrey broke away leaving Jesse, Brayden, and I at the table.

  “Come on, babe,” I said, nudging Jesse with my elbow as soon as his book was put away. Smiling, he pulled me into his muscled chest and pressed his lips to mine in a quick kiss. My heart sputtered as we walked to homeroom, Brayden chuckling at my dreamy grin before breaking away from us.

  Homeroom passed quickly, Jesse and I content to study or read so we wouldn’t have to look around us at all the curious, gossip-hungry gazes aimed our way. When the bell rang, I stuffed my notebook back in my bag, expecting Jesse to have taken off as usual, but when I looked up, I noticed him standing, patiently waiting.

  “I don’t want you to have to fend off any questions or shit by yourself,” he murmured, answering my unspoken question. My confused expression smoothed out in understanding, and we walked down the hall toward my American History class. We almost made it before someone stepped in front of us. The newcomer had bleached blonde hair, styled into a buzz cut, and I had absolutely no idea who he was.

  So much for this day going smoothly.

  “If it isn’t the delinquent and the slut,” the boy sneered, looking from Jesse to me. My stomach flipped, my cheeks burning from the laughter of the surrounding students. Jesse stepped forward, half blocking me.

  “Don’t talk about her like that,” Jesse ground out.

  “Oooh, going to beat me up too, criminal?” the boy taunted. Pretending to cower, he mocked Jesse with a faux whimper. His fake fear only served to amp up the crowd slowing around us, stopping to watch the confrontation. Jesse took half a step forward, but I curled my hand around his arm, eager to avoid this escalating.

  “He’s not worth it, Jess,” I murmured softly, glaring at the jerk who had started this. “Let’s get to class.” Jesse exhaled sharply, but followed me without argument, his hand intertwined with mine.

  “Aww, called off by your bitch. Is she that good in bed, or are you just a coward?” the jerk called from behind us. That’s it. My head whipped around.

  “Go screw yourself, you’re wasting air.” Without further banter, I stormed down the hall, already over the day.

  “Jeez, what took so long?” Reid asked, his shoulders tensing as we drew nearer, taking in our hard gazes.

  “Assholes trying to pick a fight,” Jesse whispered. “Pretty sure this is just the beginning.”

  “Ugh,” Reid groaned, his hand coming down his face, muffling the sound slightly before he looked at us. “You guys alright?”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard worse,” Jesse added. The bell cut him off, but before darting off to his class, he gave me one
last kiss. Unfortunately, not even the sweet gesture could shake away the dark cloud rapidly descending over me.

  “Come on, Cali girl,” Reid said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and directing me into the classroom.

  It’s going to be a long day.

  I flopped ungracefully into my chair in my nutrition class, completely worn out and exhausted, even though it was only the third class of the day. Doodling in the corner of my notebook, I kept my head down and my eyes off of the people I heard whispering about me.

  “Hey, Emma,” Ashley greeted politely, her lips curled in a sympathetic smile.

  Ever since the party from hell, the gossips had been less of a nuisance to me. Ashley and the twins running interference by sharing the truth of what had actually happened compared to spreading the rumors still zipping through the student body. So, while it had been a rough start with them, it turned out not so bad.

  At least for right now.

  “Hey,” I responded quietly, unable to drum up much enthusiasm.

  “How are you doing?” she asked in a whisper. “We heard about what happened in the hall earlier. Dylan is a huge ass who’s always trying to get attention, so try not to let him bother you.”

  “So, that’s his name,” I muttered with a tired laugh. Douchebag Dylan does have a nice ring to it. “Thanks. I’m definitely trying to keep a positive attitude, but it’s, uh, a struggle.”

  That’s one way to describe it.

  “I can imagine. Do you want us to try to control as much as we can?” one of the twins asked. I still hadn’t figured out who was who, so I just flashed a grateful smile with a nod.

  “That would be great, but let’s do so before lunch when everyone’s not hovering around me,” I murmured. They agreed, all of us nailing down the details of where to meet before turning around to face the front of the classroom as Mrs. Sanders started her lecture.

  At least there are a few people on my side.

  “Let’s go, Cali girl,” Reid mumbled, dropping a kiss on the top of my head after we had packed up our backpacks and readied for lunch.

  “Hold on,” I pressed, steering him toward the top of the stairs. With nearly everyone rushing to get to the cafeteria, it was an easy spot to have privacy. When I neared the balcony, I stopped at the column we had decided on.

  “What’re we doing?” Reid asked, glancing around.

  “Hopefully, doing damage control to the rumors going around,” I explained, waving slightly to Ashley, Ivy, and Iris, who were coming down the hall toward us.

  “Ah,” Reid hummed, “very smart, Cali girl.”

  It was difficult to explain. Memories of what had happened at the party and Kingston’s barbecue flashed through my mind as I recounted the details, but I had to shove all those feelings away. You can do this, Em. It’s what we need. Ashley shook her head in disgust when I explained Brad and his family were more than likely going to fight us tooth and nail to see Jesse behind bars. As if on cue, I felt eyes on me. Glancing through the crowd, my gaze found the last person I wanted to see—Brad.

  God, I hate those ugly boat shoes.

  His cold, too bright eyes centered on me, and a devious Cheshire cat smile curled his lips. A shiver of fear worked its way up my spine as he took a bite of food off his fork, leisurely swirling his tongue around the metal tines. My appetite was lost, the feeling of Brad’s hands and mouth on me completely ruining any thought of eating.

  “Ugh, what a freaking creep,” Right Twin exclaimed, her voice pulling my attention to those around me. They were all glaring at him, Reid more so than the girls, his arm curling around me possessively.

  “I’ve always had a weird vibe from him and his snotty family,” Left Twin agreed before looking to me. “Don’t worry, we’ll try to spread the truth.”

  “Seriously, thank you,” I stated, unable to explain how much I appreciated their support. Feeling a small hint of relief, I curled into Reid’s waiting arms.

  “Come here, Cali girl, I got you.”

  “I know you do, babe,” I mumbled, my words muffled by the press of my face against his chest. In his arms, I felt strong and safe.

  Screw those jerks who think this situation is funny.

  One day, they’ll learn how much they screwed up by believing the wrong person. Until then?

  I have my boys.

  November 19th

  My dad proceeded to call me while I was in school and left a five second voicemail. This was like the eighth time I had talked to him since our move. I miss my dad, and whatever alien took him over can go back to its own planet.

  #WhereIsMyDad #Abducted #TickedOffTuesday

  “Bye, Babydoll,” Kingston whispered, his lips brushing against the crest of my ear. “I’ll text you.” I blushed brightly as he started to leave, trailing after Reid and Jesse, who were climbing into the Jeep.

  “Bye, King,” I mumbled, my fingers brushing over my lips in a poor attempt to keep my giggle contained. He flashed me one more handsome smile before heading to the car.

  “Emma!” my mother called from behind me, the garage door closing quickly. “Ah, good. Can you help me, please?” Nodding, I darted down the stairs and took two of her work bags as she pulled her small rolling file bag behind her.

  “Wow, they’re really keeping you busy, aren’t they?” I joked, keeping my tone lighthearted when, in reality, I felt a chest deep ache, knowing I had basically been forgotten since flying to the middle of nowhere.

  Or that my dad has barely talked to me.

  Or that my boyfriend is facing assault charges.

  Or that I know I have to sit down with Kingston’s dad and recount every terrible detail from the party from hell.

  “Yes, yes, they are. I have several contracts I’m working on and three major events I’m planning over the next month and a half,” she explained breathlessly as we hauled her work stuff to the main floor and dropped it in her office. “You hungry? I’m going to make some sandwiches.”

  “Yes, please,” I said, perking up.

  Maybe she’ll finally have dinner with me.

  Settling into a chair at the table, I watched my mom flutter around the kitchen as she pulled out ingredients. We were both quiet, and while it wasn’t necessarily an awkward silence, it was strained. At least it is for me. I was unsure of what to say or do. How did my mom become a stranger in only a few months?

  “Stella Bell contacted me earlier today,” she added randomly, and my heart thudded into my throat. I hadn’t yet told her I was dating Kingston—let alone three boys—since she hadn’t been around.

  “Oh, yeah? What about?” I asked, keeping my tone curious but steady.

  Well, as steady as I can when I get nervous.

  “They’re having a Thanksgiving get together next Thursday and asked if we wanted to come,” she explained. My brows shot up. I had planned on going after Reid had basically whined today at lunch until I gave in. I mean, not that it was hard to convince me; I certainly didn’t want to spend Thanksgiving alone.

  “So, are you? Going, I mean. Kingston and the boys asked me today, and I planned on it, but I wasn’t sure what your schedule was,” I explained as my mom handed me a plate with a sandwich.

  “I figured it would be good to get to know them and their parents a bit more.”

  “I think it’s only going to be Kingston’s parents. Reid’s will be returning home from an international flight, and they’re having their own family dinner on Saturday. Jesse’s are working.” Reid’s part of the statement was true, but Jesse’s? I had lied easily, hoping she wouldn’t be able to tell I had no idea what his parents did or what they were doing for Thanksgiving.

  “Well, that’s a shame, but it would be nice to meet Stella and Kaleb,” my mom replied simply before grabbing a soda out of the fridge and turning to leave the kitchen.

  “Have some more work to do?” I called, my heart squeezing as she had turned to look at me.

  “I have to input a bunch of information into the sy
stem for a meeting tomorrow with one of the clients. We can have dinner together tomorrow, how about that?” she compromised.

  “Sounds great,” I said, plastering a brittle smile on my face as she turned and walked into her office, my eyes filling as soon as she shut her office door.

  Alone.

  Again.

  November 20th

  I proceeded to crush Reid’s soul today when I told him that all Froot Loops are the same flavor.

  #Oops #SorryBabe #MyBad #WeirdnessWednesday

  “What’s the plan tonight? I mean, other than studying, are we getting together after?” I asked, piling all the books I didn’t need for studying and homework into my locker.

  “Figured we can all go to the library or something, maybe Coffee Grounds and work on our stuff while you two study. If you want,” Reid suggested.

  “I’m good with that.” Kingston agreed. “Get ahead on the last bit of reading for the test next week.”

  “Alright, studying, it is,” I chuckled. “Let’s go.” We made our way out into the emptying parking lot, content to stay silent as we walked to the Jeep.

  “Can we stop by your place, Emma, and drop all our extra stuff off before we go? I could go for a pop,” Reid asked as he looked to the back seat where Kingston and Jesse were buckling up.