I'd never really been the subject of rumors. My profile at Durham High had always been low key. Plus, there was always someone or something more interesting to talk about. But I was pretty sure gossip never traveled faster than it did that day. The administration was able to take the video down before the start of third period. But by then, the damage was done.
The reactions were mixed.
People I didn't even know kept coming up to me between classes, saying things like (and I kid you not):
"Wow, that rejection was brutal. Would you mind if I repost it to my Instagram?"
My answer: It was. And yes, I would.
"Tyson is so hot! You go girl!"
I'd nodded and smiled awkwardly as the girl gave me a high-five.
"That video of you and Ty? Most hilarious thing I've ever seen. I must've watched it at least ten times. So funny."
Me: Glad it amused you.
"Tyson McCormack? Keep dreaming, Dog Girl."
That last one was from Penn, and I had ignored him completely.
"Hey, we don't know each other, but you're my new hero. If a normal girl like you can work up the nerve to approach a god like Tyson and be caught making out with Dare in the girl's bathroom, it means we've all got a shot."
Me: Thanks…I think. Also, Dare was with me in a classroom, and we were just talking. Not making out.
The girl had winked. "Sure, you were."
She left before I could correct her again, and as the day went on, I realized there were two rumors going around. The video was being talked about for sure, but that little interlude between Dare and I had made the rounds as well.
Estelle even mentioned it in Lit, though she was much nicer about it than anyone else.
"I thought the video was romantic." She shrugged as she took the desk next to me. "You just said how you felt. I don't see why everyone's blowing it so out of proportion."
Jovonte nodded. "Yeah, people get rejected every day—just not as publicly as you did."
Estelle elbowed him in the chest, and he grunted.
"Ignore him," she said. " Jovonte wouldn't know romance if it hit him in the face. He isn't trying to be rude."
"Sorry," he said to me. "I really wasn't."
"It's okay." I sighed. "Trust me, I've heard worse today."
"Speaking of," Estelle said, "I heard a little something-something in the halls before class. And it didn't have anything to do with you and Tyson."
"Oh?" I tried my best to sound innocent. "Well, this is high school. You can't believe everything you hear."
"Yeah, I know," she said. "I also know that my bestie would tell me if anything had happened between her and a certain someone."
"She would," I said slowly. "If there was anything worth telling."
Estelle eyed me speculatively. "Maybe we have a different definition of what that means."
I just shrugged.
"Nice shirt," she said with a smile playing about her lips.
My eyes dropped to the garment in question then came back up to her. "Thanks," I said.
"It's a little big in the shoulders," Estelle went on. "A bit unexpected with the big soccer ball and DHS Varsity written across it, since I remember you saying something about not liking the sport. Still, the blue looks nice. Hey, Jovonte?"
"Yeah baby," he said.
"Weren't you wearing one just like it the other day?"
Jovonte studied the shirt more closely then nodded. "Yep, everyone on the team has one. Coach Kent likes us to wear them on game week to get a little school spirit going. I thought it was only for the players, but I guess your dad got you one, too, huh, Viola?"
I hummed noncommittally, and Estelle's smile grew.
"What's the D.F. stand for?" she asked.
Her face looked curious, but her tone was anything but innocent. Estelle knew perfectly well what the initials stood for but wanted me to admit it. Too bad I wasn't quite ready to go there.
I gave her a flat look. "Dogs Forever."
Estelle nodded. "Oh, that makes sense. And the little #28 right next to it?"
"That's the number of pets I hope to have in the future."
Her laughter sounded like wind chimes as Jovonte's eyes went wide. He'd finally caught onto the fact that I was wearing his buddy's shirt. Awesome.
"Hey," he said, pointing at my chest, "is that—"
"Miss me, flower?" Dare interrupted, taking a seat right as the bell rang. "No need to answer. I'm sure you did."
Giving him a look, I leaned forward, whispering so the others wouldn't hear.
"Actually, I'm waiting for an apology," I said.
Leaning back toward me, he said, "For what?"
"Breaking your promise."
"What are you talking about?"
Leaning even closer, I hissed, "You said you wouldn't look, and then you totally did!"
Dare angled his body fully toward me and met my gaze straight on. "No, you told me not to turn around. That was all you said, and I did as you asked."
"But you—"
"I couldn't see anything anyway. The lights were off, and it was just your reflection."
I felt my lips turn down. "Really?"
He nodded, but a second later added, "And you know what? I should be the one asking for an apology. As far as looking goes, it's not like you have room to talk."
"Excuse me?"
"Are you going to pretend you weren't checking me out right before that?"
I stuttered. "B-but you undressed without any warning!"
"You could've looked away, and you didn't."
"Yes, okay, that's true, but…" I shook my head. "I thought you said you'd be good."
Dare's smile was slow, his gaze fixed on my face. "Never said I was a saint."
He gave me a quick once-over.
"You look good in my clothes by the way."
I couldn't believe
