“I’m trying to stay updated on the storm that’s going to blow through our town,” I say.
She rolls her eyes. “My house is strong, so I’m not worried about it.”
I turn up the volume and secretly hope that her bedroom windows bust out and all of her favorite things get ruined. That’ll teach her.
“So is Ella mad that you’re taking me?” Kennedy asks.
I focus on the road, and don’t look over at her. She could always tell when I’m lying. I give a casual shrug. “She’s not exactly your biggest fan.”
“Well it’s not like I want to be here,” she says with a scoff. “Is she pissed at you? Did she tell you to leave me?”
I don’t have to look at her to know what kind of expression she has right now. It’s that fiery glow she gets when she’s hearing gossip. Kennedy would want nothing more than to know her very presence is pissing off my girlfriend. After all, Kennedy still holds onto the false belief that Ella stole me away from her.
I guess I don’t answer fast enough because Kennedy gasps. “Oh my God, youdidtell your girlfriend, right?” She grabs my arm. “Did youlieto her?”
I grit my teeth. “My relationship is none of your business.”
She laughs. “This’ll be great. Ella will be so pissed. If she’s not already…”
That last part feels like a threat, but I don’t feel like getting involved with Kennedy’s stupid games. Nothing would make her happier than seeing me and Ella get into a huge fight over her. Well, I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen.
We reach the exit for De Sota and now the hotel is just a few miles away. I text Ella at a stop light.
Me:I’m almost there. What about you?
Ella:soon
That’s kind of weird for Ella to write a one word text, but she’s probably speeding down the highway trying to get here as soon as possible. I can feel Kennedy’s amusement from across the cab of my truck, and I make a promise to myself that by the time Ella arrives, I’ll have figured out a way to smooth this over.
I’ll just have to get to Ella before Kennedy does. And I’ll explain it all. And we won’t fight.
And Kennedy can shut her stupid gossipy mouth because there won’t be any drama for her to witness.
