Page 19 of Rumor Has It

I wrap my hand around it as I rise from my seat and head out the door. He’s waiting down the hall with my favorite lopsided grin. I often dream of those lips all over me, there’s no way he’d betray me.

He nods at my hand when I walk by him. I can’t help but to giggle as he wonders if I read his note. I step into the corner of an unused door, opening my hand to see my name with a heart beside it.

My hands tremble as I carefully open the paper. I’ve gotten a letter from him every day since grade school, and I’ve kept every one of them.

Mack,

Meet me out back after the last bell, and don’t waste any time. I can’t wait to get you alone again.

Boone

P.S. Stop letting people get to you.

I fall against the wall and allow myself to get lost in the same day dream I’ve had since I was thirteen. Boone takes me in his arms, sweeping his lips over mine as he declares his undying love and devotion to me.

“She’s an idiot.” Michelle cackles. “Boone told Marla to buy her dress, because Mackenzie told him she wouldn’t go with him.”

“No!” A girl gasps. “I can’t believe he’d do that to Mackenzie.”

I glance over as Michelle closes her locker door, and I can feel my temperature rise as anger churns deep in my gut. “Oh, girl. You can believe it. They’re nothing more than friends, and he plans on telling her when they meet by his Jeep.”

My body vibrates as heat spreads like a wildfire through my veins. People can think whatever they want of me, but I’m about to tell them what I know, starting with this trifling troll.

“What are you doing?” Reed’s deep voice cuts through my furious haze, startling me.

“Leaving, excuse me.” I dart to the side, trying to get by him.

He stops me, pinning me in the corner. “You look flushed. Are you getting sick?”

“Yes, now leave me alone before I breathe on you.” I push past him, storming away. Or so I thought.

He’s next to me before I can make my getaway. “Hold up! I need to show you something.”

“No.” I huff. “Get away from me, before people see us talking.”

“That’s the thing, I don’t care what people say about me. Rumors are good for my popularity.” He smirks.

“Good to know, now leave me alone.”

He tugs on my arm, slowing me down. “Meet me by the bleachers, Mackenzie.”

“Uhh, nope!” I jerk free, hurrying to the other side of the hall when people begin to stare.

Reed grabs my shirt, bringing me to a sudden halt. “Listen to me, ask Marla and come find me. If it isn’t true, no harm.” He half shrugs. “If it is… I’ll be waiting.”

“I can’t. I already have plans.” I hold up my paper for evidence. “Besides, I know the truth, and it isn’t in you.”

He crowds me into the wall. His mouth set just beneath my ear. His warm breath brushes my lobe when he speaks, and his words linger far too long in the depths of my soul.

“He’s using you, Mack. After he leaves you, he runs to us telling everything that happened between you, or the lack thereof.” Reed delivers a hefty blow. “You’re everything I’ve always wanted and never imagined I could have. He doesn’t love you, he says he’s slumming.”

My mouth drops, and I struggle for air. It’s my worst nightmare, and once again, I find out I’m not enough. “You’re wrong. Boone would never say that about me.”

“But … he did and he’s doing it right now. Wouldn’t you rather know now, that he doesn’t love you, than to find out later he’s made a fool of you?” He leans in, his words making panic race through me.

I try to move away, but my ankle twists, and I land in his arms with what feels like the entire student body watching us. Reed pulls me closer, a wicked smile playing on his mouth.

“Gotcha.” His lips linger just above mine, and I can’t think straight, but I do know this is all wrong. My stomach rolls with regret and fear.