Page 138 of Under the Influence

“Oh God,” she tosses her eyeliner back into the clear organizer. “What now?”

“Nash came to my house last night.”

Her eyes widen, “Like came inside?”

“Yeah, and Jovie was pissed. She thinks he’s taking her to Homecoming, and I could practically see the steam shooting from her ears.”

“What did he want?”

I sigh, “I’m not really sure. He basically said he loved me but in Nash form. In fact, everything he said was pretty confusing.”

“You think he meant anything he said, or do you think he just wants people to forgive him for what he did to Drayton? A lot of people are still pissed over that video.”

I shrug, “I don’t know why. Everyone knows what he is capable of.”

She squints, “Did you forget that he’s the most popular guy at school? Everything he did up until that was petty bullshit. Have you ever watched any of Carson’s YouTube videos?”

I tilt my eyebrows inward, “No.”

“Maybe start there. That is the Nash everyone thinks he is. Just a reckless kid with a bad boy reputation. The guys want to fight him, and the girls fight over him.”

I mull over my response but blurt it out anyway, “What does he know? He told you to break up with Drayton, so what is it that he has on you?”

She looks at me, hesitating, so I push her. “You can trust me.”

“He claims that Drayton’s dad was having an affair. He threatened to tell everyone.”

Sheesh. What is it with this stupid town?

“He can’t find out,” she begs. “You have to promise me that you won’t say anything. I really like his mom, and I don’t want her to get hurt, or Drayton.”

I turn to face her, “Do you think it’s true?”

She takes a deep breath. “I don’t know. I want to say no, but then I think about my dad and…” she trails off.

“Let’s just forget about Nash tonight and enjoy ourselves.” I push. “You and Drayton can just be normal.”

She blushes, obviously thinking about something specific, and by the way her face lights up it’s totally readable.

“Did you guys…?” I question, but the grin she’s trying to hide makes it obvious. “Oh my God!”

“I know!” she squeals. “He was so sweet. It was perfect.”

“You know,” I nudge her with my elbow. “I thought you looked different.”

She laughs, “I do not!”

We finish our makeup and climb into Drayton’s Jeep. I watch how they interact with each other and the way he holds her hand. It’s sweet.

The street is lined with cars, and by the time we get inside Carson’s house, Madden, Grady, and the guys have already started playing. I grab one of my pigtail braids and twirl it around my finger. Nervously, I search the room for Carson, but I don’t see him. Jovie stands in the corner dressed like a devil—fitting I know—and stares me down, so I give her a nice little middle finger to look at.

About that time, a tap on my shoulder steals my attention. I turn around and can’t contain my laughter, “My my, what do we have here?”

He lifts his mask, “Just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”

Oh, my heart. If only I could control its beating. My eyes scan his entire body and how every part is defined in the tight suit.

“You were right,” I tease. “You are way better looking than Tobey McGuire.”