Ethan took it upon himself to play detective for Morgan and ask Will about Alex’s relationship status. Will said he hasn’t met Alex’s girlfriend yet, so he’s not sure how serious they are.
Then Morgan brought up prom, and the room filled up with this heavy, awkward tension. Will and I didn’t get a chance to discuss it, but I’m guessing it goes without saying that we can’t go together. That would defeat the purpose of keeping our relationship a secret until we can tell Kendrick in person, which Will insists on.
Will dropped me off a few blocks away from school this morning. We didn’t kiss. Didn’t hug. Just in case someone was watching. It felt gutting. Having to climb out of the passenger seat like the guy in the car wasn’t my boyfriend. We exchanged smiles in the hall after first period, but it didn’t go any further. It’s weird. How I was in his arms this morning, yet to the world we’re strangers.
It doesn’t help that he didn’t once spend the night with me this weekend. The only night he stayed over was Friday. Kept saying he had to train and he’d see me the next day. But then, first thing in the morning, he’d turn up on Morgan’s porch with coffee, ready to spend the day with me. I was so happy to see him I couldn’t be bothered to think twice about it.
I know this situation is fucked-up—boy, do I know it—but I still can’t shake the giddy feeling in my stomach. Nor can I stop my heart from speeding at the mere thought of him. Telling Morgan I’ll see her in art class, I turn the corner and stop at my locker.
“No way? Haze came to see you?” a familiar voice squeals.
I flip my head back to see Callie walking by my locker with Bianca.
“Yep. And don’t think I didn’t notice he came back right in the time frame this Winter chick stopped showing up at school.” Bianca cackles. “He got sick of her. I knew he would.”
“Well, what happened?”
“What do you think happened?” Bianca smirks.
I cringe in disgust. I could punch Haze on my cousin’s behalf right now. If only this guy was ever at school.
So much for saying he loved her, huh?
Kendrick was right.
He better be out of her life.
I’ve witnessed my lot of awkward moments in life. But sitting at the same table as the guy I rejected, who tried to get me fired from my job, and my boyfriend that I chose over said guy? I don’t see how any situation could top that.
Working in silence, I focus on my art project, careful not to make eye contact with anyone. Bianca decided to show up for once in a lifetime, and she’s been talking with Luke, which I’m grateful for, since the class started. I would hate for him to talk to me or Will—
“So, Will,” Luke speaks up.
Of fucking course.
“Got a date to prom?”
Will doesn’t reply right away, probably trying to keep his fist away from Luke’s shit-eating grin.
“Wasn’t planning on going,” Will says.
“What about you, Kass? Are you going?” Luke asks, proud of the corner he’s backing us into. He knows damn well Will and I can’t go together. “Because my friend Greg’s looking for a date. And I thought you two could go together. You know, since you’re single.”
Will’s fists clench on cue, and he tucks his hands under the table to hide it.
“So? You interested? I’m sure he’d love to take you out. And you could use some action in that love life of yours.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” I shift in my seat.
“Come on, he’s a nice guy. And he thinks you’re cute. What’s the harm?”
“Yeah, just say yes, girl,” Bianca chimes in. “He’s hot. If you don’t, I have a friend who will.”
“See? She has a friend who would be interested.”
“Why don’t you want to, Kass? Did someone else ask you? Are you not available?” Luke presses.
I glimpse at Will from the corner of my eye. He’s fuming, close to losing his temper. I don’t know why I keep waiting, hoping for him to step up, tell Luke to fuck off.
That I’m taken.
He won’t.
He can’t.
“No, no one asked me.” My gaze falls to the floor, my voice so weak I barely hear it.
“Great. It’s settled, then. I’ll tell Greg he’s got himself a hot date.” Luke beams.
I don’t find it in myself to argue. And in that moment, for the first time since we made it official… I regret dating someone who only wants me behind closed doors.
Relief pouring out of me, I trail to the school’s exit with Morgan. About time this day ended. I unlock my phone. Ethan texted me that he’s outside. He’ll be driving me and Morgan home since Will has training tonight.
I notice I have a message from my mom.
Mom: Sweetie, I need you to come home from your friend’s tonight. I also wanted to tell you, Winter has gone back to Canada early for a funeral. Your brother went with her.
I scoff, shaking my head at her story.
A funeral? Seriously?
Seconds before I pad out of the school, my phone pings again. I expect it to be a message from Will—we didn’t get a chance to talk after Luke blackmailed me into going to prom with his buddy—but it’s not.
Far from it.
It’s from Zoey. I haven’t said a word to her since I found out she slept with Blake.
Zoey: Isn’t that your boyfriend?
Zoey: Not satisfying him already? That’s got to hurt. Oh, well, at least it took longer than last time.
Zoey attached a picture.
With trembling fingers, I tap the file, zooming in for a better look. The picture shows a scene I wish weren’t true.
Will.
Leaving a motel room.
Kassidy
My footsteps are fast-paced, decisive. I can barely breathe as I lurch down the hall toward Zoey’s locker. Crushing my phone into my fist, I pray
