Being constantly on alert was exhausting. Lacy immediately began spreading the same rumors as before—some people lacked originality—but Keeley was more concerned that Lacy had another scheme brewing, especially since Aaron was constantly and obnoxiously close to her. It was driving Keeley crazy.

Her only defense was temporary surrender. Aaron wanted to play games? Two could play at that game. Trying to ignore him and getting angry hadn't worked; if anything, he'd become more persistent.

So, the week after his ridiculous lunchtime display, she decided inaction was the best action. If she gave him what he wanted, he might lose interest more quickly.

It wasn't difficult—she simply amplified her natural tiredness. Her plan worked better than expected; Aaron thought she needed a spa day. She initially tried to dissuade him, but relented, knowing that weeks of effort would be wasted if she didn't remain consistent.

Keeley couldn't deny the massage and facial were rejuvenating, though she shuddered to think of the cost. In her past life, her mother-in-law had insisted on a spa day with other socialites for her bachelorette party (everything was a networking opportunity in that family), and Keeley nearly fainted at the bill. Even after years as Mrs. Hale, she never fully adjusted to such extravagance, always feeling like an imposter despite her best efforts to fit in.

As the manicurist buffed her nails, Keeley wondered how long Aaron would pursue her after graduation. Outside of school, they had no reason to see each other, as he'd be in a different state. Surely the game would end then. He'd likely end up with Lacy or another socialite, fulfilling his parents' expectations, leaving her in peace.

Keeley wasn't worried about their plotting beyond high school. Once she was off Aaron's radar, she'd also fall off Lacy's. Fading into obscurity as just another high school classmate would suffice. She only had a month and a half left before escaping the backstabbing world of the wealthy.

By the time the manicurist and pedicurist finished, Keeley's nails were Tiffany blue, accented with small white flowers on her big toes, thumbs, and ring fingers. A glance in the mirror stopped her heart. She looked like Aaron's wife—her weariness masked by expensive beauty products. It wasn't a pleasant reminder.

"Are you all done?" Aaron asked, looking up from his book as she emerged.

"Yeah, thanks," she replied quietly. She was truly exhausted—tired of the confusion, drama, and stress.

"your nails look nice."

She contorted her face in disbelief. Had he just complimented her appearance? He never noticed such details; the last time she could remember was when he'd called her new haircut "decent," over six years ago!

"You noticed?"

"I notice everything about you."

That wasn't comforting; it was alarming. Aaron was one of the least observant people she knew. Since when had that changed? He had to be bluffing.

"Oh yeah? Then what color is my hair tie?" Keeley had taken her ponytail down during the massage and facial but put it back up for the nail services because her hair was messy.

"Purple," he replied boredly.

Her heart nearly stopped. It was purple. Who was this guy, and what had he done to her ex-husband?

"you got lucky."

Aaron raised an eyebrow, challenging her. "Try me again, and I'll prove whether I got lucky or not."

It seemed like a dangerous game, but Keeley's curiosity won. "Fine. What kind of shoes did I wear yesterday?"

"White tennis shoes with neon pink laces."

Right again. This had to be a fluke. "The color of my literature notebook?"

"Blue."

"What did I eat for lunch today?"

"A chicken salad sandwich, baby carrots, and my apple and cake."

His accuracy was frightening. Part of her wanted to stop, but she was getting angry. Why did this emotionless idiot notice her now, when she didn't want it, when she would have killed for this attention to detail before?

Her voice rose. "What kind of candy bar did I have last Tuesday?"

"It wasn't a candy bar; it was a bag of Skittles. You picked out all the yellow and orange ones because you don't like them."

"You're terrifying," she whispered, hastily covering her mouth, fearing his anger.

Instead, he seemed smug. "I win."

Keeley couldn't deny it. His observational skills were astounding. But why waste them on her now, when he hadn't bothered with them before? Orhad he always noticed and chosen not to say anything? She wasn't sure which was worse.

"You seem to be feeling better," Aaron stated.

"Huh?"

"Your personality is back."

She cursed herself internally. Her anger had made her slip up.

"Am I not allowed to be tired?" she asked petulantly.

"No."

That jerk. Keeley refused to speak to him the rest of the ride home, but she had the odd feeling he was secretly grinning, despite his stoic expression. She'd lost this round badly. What kind of maniac remembers that much about someone eating Skittles, anyway?

I removed the promotional material for NovelFire.net. I also made several minor changes to improve flow and clarity, correcting grammatical errors and punctuation.