Page 115 of Rumor Has It

“I agree.” Chord slaps the table. “To hell with what anyone thinks is right or wrong, you didn’t make the rules, so why play by them?”

I lift my head and glance around the table at my lifelong friends. The people I turned my back on the first time everything took a nosedive. They’re still here, cheering us on.

“I’m not sure how I’ve ever deserved you three as friends, but I sure as hell appreciate it.” I run my hand over my face.

Leave it to Riley to break up any emotional speech. “You know we’re married, right? I mean, I for one think you’re a good lookin’ guy and all, but I don’t think we’d be a good match. I say you should go for Mackenzie.”

“Fuck you, asshole.” I flip him off, scooting from the chair. “I need a ride.”

“Hell, yes!” Chord says, checking his phone. “But I’m on baby duty in thirty minutes.”

“I’ve got him. Besides, he might need his ass kicked before we get there, and y’all two pansies can’t do it.” Riley grins like a possum.

Walker stands, rolling his eyes. “Whatever. Call me, and not just for bail.”

We walk out together with each of them wishing me luck. Riley leads the way to his SUV, giving me time and space to think this through. Even as we drive toward Mackenzie’s, he’s impossibly quiet.

“The silence is driving me crazy.” I shift in my seat.

“Do you want me to sing to you?” He side-eyes me with a wicked grin.

I hold my hand up in protest. “Naw, man. I’m good.”

“Stop overthinking it. Talk from your heart.” He pats his chest to make his point.

I stare out the window, thinking of all the things I ever wanted to say to her. Riley’s right, one battle at a time. I banish all other wants and needs, sticking to the only one that matters.

Mackenzie and Rumor.

Riley comes to a stop by the curb on the side of her house. Resentment fills me as I turn to see Reed standing on the porch. A flash of fury and indignation overcomes me.

“I think I’m gonna stay for a few.” Riley lays his hand on my shoulder as I push the door open.

I nod, stepping out. “Super idea.”

I pop my neck, walking toward Reed’s back. He never notices me, even though I’m plodding up behind him. He’s jacking his jaws on his cell, selling some bullshit to someone, I’m sure.

The thing is, I’m not buying what he’s selling. I freeze, rooted to the spot when I listen closer. He must be talking to someone at his office with as much bullshit he’s spreading.

“Don’t worry, Alex. I’ve got the job in the bag.” He chuckles. “Trust me, I’m waiting on his call now. Once he finds out I have a child and I’ll be settling down, the promotion’s mine!” His head bobs in agreeance with the other asshat talking. “No, I’m not marrying a slut. I just need them long enough to get this. Pretty sure the brat isn’t mine anyway. This chick was a whore in high school, she and her bastard will be out of my life as fast as they dropped in with their sob story and lies. Hey, there he is.” He ends the call, answering the other just as quickly.

“I understand, it’s been a shock to me also. But I assure you, it will not affect my work.” He pauses, letting his head fall back. “No, sir. There’s no hesitation from either of them.” He fake punches the porch post, annoyance in his voice. “Yes, sir. Once I have the family situated, we’ll host the entire firm so you can be properly introduced to them.”

I step away from the side of the house, catching his line of sight. He smirks, continuing to make his bed of lies with me standing in front of him. “Rumor, sir. Her mother named her, but I think we can have her use her middle name; it’s more appropriate.”

“The hell you say?” Affronted, anger builds in me, rushing through my body. I fist my hands at my side.

Thorton glares at me. “A neighbor, her house is in a terrible area, but they’ll be moving soon.”

“Get off the fucking phone.” I grind my jaw as my emotions get the better of me.

“Yes, sir. I’m looking forward to it. We’ll see you next week.” He ends the call, crossing his arms with a smile. “Can I help you with something?”

“Have you discussed any of this with Mackenzie?” My body quakes as my words reverberate in my ears.

He steps down from the porch, standing on the tread above me. “She’s the one who suggested it.”

“You’re full of shit.” Heat pools in my cheeks.