The two of them shouldn’t be keeping secrets. Not with the way Meredith treats anyone who talks to Carlton when she’s not around. And not with the way Carlton likes to flirt with every girl he knows and then gaslight them into believing they imagined it.
As I walk out of the theater, my pulse won’t settle.
If Carlton’s really trying to target Mabel next, then I’m sitting on a story even Little Birdie would hesitate to touch.
Who am I? When did this happen—me fighting the urge to spread the gossip I used to run from? What is Little Birdie turning me into?
I’m not sure I know the answer. I want to believe being Little Birdie is innocent. That I’m just trying to flip the script for once and use the platform for good. But deep down, I’m not sure if what I currently want to do is the right thing or not.
Be bold, Rue, my mom always says. Telling Meredith to her face would probably be the bold thing to do. But I’m not that bold, yet. Gossiping anonymously isn’t the same as confronting her, but it’s still proactive, right?
I know everyone thinks I’m boring, and for the first time, I’m not. Being Little Birdie is the most interesting thing about me. Maybe that’s why I’m having such a hard time giving it up.
But this situation is different. Wouldn’t it be wrong of me to stay quiet this time?
I stop halfway down the hallway and close my eyes for a second.
God… I don’t know what to do.If I’m supposed to say something, help me be brave enough to do it the right way, even if it’s not the way I want to.
Chapter 17
Ezra
Getting home after school is always loud in a familiar, comforting way. Mom bustles in the kitchen while Dad is on the phone with someone from the dealership, and Olivia hums through her homework with Chai Guy on her lap in her room.
“Hey,” I say, sitting on her bed. “Can I ask you something?”
She gasps dramatically. “Are you asking me for girl advice? What a shock.”
I groan. “Fine. Yes, it’s about Rue. She forgave me for hurting her in the past, but I’m not sure she’s ready to be friends like we were before, just yet.”
She lights up like a Christmas tree.
“It’s working!”
“What? No. Don’t say that. It’s not like I’m trying to play her.”
Olivia smirks. “Oh, I know. Because if you were, you’d already be getting benched. The only way you’re going to get Rue back is by being genuine.”
I frown at her. “I know that.”
“And?”
“And the nice thing is… it’s what I want too.”
She kicks her feet in excitement. “It’s about time you woke up. Just don’t be a clown with her like you have been with the others. Lose the game you think you have, keep being real with her, and she’ll let you back in soon. I can pretty much guarantee it.”
I leave her room before she can make a vision board or something, but her words stick with me even after I crawl into bed.
Because she’s right.
I’ve never wanted to be genuine more in my life.
The next day at school, Rue and I pass each other in the halls while I’m talking to Tucker. It’s insane how fast my heart lifts at the sight of her. And it’s such a nice surprise, because it’s still first thing in the morning, so now I won’t have to wait until lunch to see her for the first time today.
I stop her from passing me by sliding my arm around her waist. “Hey.”This is the natural thing to do because Tucker is watching,I tell myself. But deep down, I know the truth. I just want to touch her, to breathe her in any chance I can.
Rue glances at Tucker before her eyes land on my face again. “Hey.” Standing on her tiptoes, she places a kiss on my cheek.
