Then he should just drive past the next time he sees me in trouble. He shouldn't concern himself with me anymore.
As if to add to my annoyance, word quickly spreads about Parker and I arriving to school together. Which just fuels speculations that we're going out now. Everywhere I go, there are people talking about it. They take one look at me then turn to whisper to the person standing next to them. Even during class, some of my classmates sneak glances at me then fish out their phones to text their friends, ignoring the lecture in front. It's frustrating, but that's how it works around here.
At lunch, I'm not surprised when Quinn brings it up. "Okay, S, spill. Why are all the tongues wagging about you and Parker?"
I frown. "People are just making a big deal about seeing us at the parking lot."
Brayden lifts a brow. "What were you two doing in the parking lot?"
Quinn leans closer. "Do we need to know something?"
"Other than the fact that he simply gave me a ride to school? Nothing." I sip from my Coke, hoping they'll finally drop it.
No such luck.
"So, it's not true that you were seen making out?" she asks.
"What?" I sputter, almost spitting out my drink. "Who said that?"
"Uh, everyone?"
"So, just to make things clear," Brayden interjects, "that's a lie?"
"Yes!"
What's the matter with these people, seriously? It's one thing to gossip about what they saw, but to twist it into something else? A bunch of sickos.
"Fine. It's settled. But why did he give you a ride?" Quinn demands.
I shrug my shoulders. "I had a flat tire, and he saw me stranded at the side of the road. He was just kind enough to give me a ride."
"That's it?" Brayden looks a little disappointed.
Quinn stares at me thoughtfully. "Huh. I've never known Parker to give rides to girls. Even Peyton said she rarely spent time in his car."
If I tell them that it wasn't the first time I rode in his car—that I even spent hours getting drunk in it the night of Carson's party—they'll probably have a field day about it. But Avery is the only person I told it to. And it was only because she was there when Parker brought me home.
"Maybe he was in a good mood."
Brayden laughs. "When is Parker Holloway ever in a good mood?"
He has a point. Parker is just in a perpetual state of grumpiness.
"Hey, Sawyer."
We all look up to see Bennett King standing beside our table, flashing his trademark dimpled smile.
"What are you doing here, King?" Quinn doesn't look happy to see him.
Bennett smirks. "Nothing that concerns you, Peters. So I suggest you look away."
Brayden and I exchange a look.
"What is going on?" he mouths.
"I have no idea," I mouth back.
But then, maybe I do. It’s common knowledge that Quinn and Bennett used to be inseparable back in seventh grade. They hadn't talked about the reason behind their falling out, but everyone assumed it had something to do with the then-affair of Quinn's mom with Bennett's dad. They haven't been on speaking terms since then. In fact, they actively avoid each other. This is probably the first time I’ve seen them interact in years.
Quinn glares daggers at him. "How can I look away when your ugly mug is standing right in front of me?"
Bennett glares back. "Then close your fucking eyes."
Deciding to break the icy tension in the air, I draw Bennett's attention. "What's up, Bennett?"
He places some keys—which I recognize as my car keys—on the table. "Your car is already parked outside."
That fast? Slipping my keys into my bag, I glance over to where Parker is seated. But he’s not looking at me. He’s busy talking to Jamie and Giovanni. "Um, thanks. Can you give Parker my thanks, too?"
"Sure thing, gorgeous." He winks before walking away, ignoring the daggers still shooting out of Quinn's eyes.
She whips her head to me when he’s finally out of earshot. "What was that jerkface talking about? Are those your car keys?"
"First things first, missy, "Brayden says. "What was that weird vibe between you and Bennett? You usually just ignore him."
Quinn bites into her bacon sandwich. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I noticed that, too," I point out.
"I just don't like him, that's all." She shrugs her shoulders carelessly. "Anyway, enough about the jerkface. Just answer the question."
"Oooh, subject change. Real smooth," Brayden snickers.
Quinn simply ignores him. "Well?"
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. One of these days we'll get the real deal out of her. "Parker had someone take care of the flat tire."
"First, he gave you a ride. Then he handled the problem with your car. Hmm, interesting." Brayden strokes his imaginary beard.
Quinn crosses her arms over her chest and narrows her hazel eyes at me. "I'll say."
If they’re already acting this way because of one simple ride—and the flat tire thing—there’s no way I’m telling them about that night. Yeah, I'd rather keep it a secret.
*******
"Hey, kiddo."
Dad is sitting at the kitchen island, his laptop propped open in front of him. He’s writing, and apparently cooking—judging from the delicious scent emanating from the stove.
"Um, hey, Dad." I drop my bag at the stool across from him. "Where's Mildred?"
"Running some errands. How's school?"
"Still the same," is all I can say.
I'm still avoiding Peyton and Liam as much as possible, turning to the opposite direction whenever I see them. But he doesn't have to know that tidbit.
Duke whines at my feet, trying to get my attention.
I rub his ear, earning a lick in the hand. "Hey, boy. Wanna go for a walk?"
He barks and wags his tail in response.
"Okay. You wait here. I'll just change clothes."
He lets out another bark, as if understanding me.
Dad glances up from his laptop. "Don't you want to have a snack first? Mildred made some bilo-bilo."
My mouth waters at the mention of one of
