Page 15 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 3

Mackenzie

As I pull up to the curb, I lay on the horn. Maisyn, my cousin on my dad’s side, is supposed to be waiting on me, but like always, she’s isn’t. She’s late, again, therefore making me late, and I’m going to miss Boone before class.

“I’m coming!” Maisyn’s head pops out from behind the door. I give her exactly one minute before laying on the horn again. “Calm your tits!” she screams as she runs down the steps.

“Why are you late every day? It’s not like I’m not here at the same time.” I huff as she climbs in, laughing.

“I enjoy watching that little vein on your forehead pop.” She wiggles her finger over her forehead.

“How about I leave you behind and drive my ass right past you.”

“Geeze, Louise.” Her eyes widen. “Don’t get your panties in a wad. I’m here.”

“My panties are not in a wad!” I huff.

She purses her lips. “Did he not give them back this weekend?”

“We’re no longer friends.” I shift in my seat, not because I’m embarrassed, we had an incredible weekend but it still didn’t go as I had hoped.

“You and Boone? Way to go! ‘Bout time you nailed that down!” She raises her hand to high-five me, but instead, I snarl at her.

“I’m about to cut your limb from the family tree too.” She sticks her tongue out at me. “That’s how all this started, you waggin’ that tongue too much.”

“Maybe it’s because you won’t put yours to use.” She smirks. “So, did he mention the prom?”

My head snaps around. “How’d you know?”

“The bonfire. Marla was working her jaws overtime about it and on Reed.” She pretends to gag.

“Marla and Reed? That’s oddly satisfying and extremely coincidental.” I pull my brows tight.

Maisyn leans forward, studying me. “How so Sinsei?”

“Reed came to the shop Saturday just as Boone was leaving; it was eerily timely. Now, Marla?”

Maisyn sits back, smacking her lips. “She’s been telling everyone Boone’s taking her to prom. Surely, he’d ask you first.”

“He did.” I smirk as she gapes. “And she asked him.”

“Boone told you? Wow.”

I nod. “I’m not sure what game she’s playing, but I’ve got a bad feeling about this entire thing.”

“Are you going to tell Boone?” She wrinkles her nose.

“Tell him what? I have a terrible feeling that Marla and her clan are trying cause us problems? Technically, there is no us.” I release a heavy breath, dread filling the emptiness now.

She pats my hand, smiling. “If you two would just tell each other how you feel, it would make everything else melt away.”

“I know. I’m an idiot and so over this story.”

“Well, if it makes you feel better, he is too.” She winces.

I shake my head. “I can’t help it, Maisyn. I’m scared.”

“And he doesn’t want to rush you. I get it.”