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I constrict my gaze and stiffen my jaw.
“It’s okay, Brandon,” Kayla calls out, tone soft. “At least we know who it is.”
Madison sucks her teeth and struts away when I back up.
Kayla grasps her arm before she walks past her. “I’ll find the proof, Madison, and not only will you be expelled, but you’ll go to jail for what you did to my dad’s place.”
“Ugh. Good luck with that,” Madison sneers and yanks her arm free. She stomps back inside.
“What if it isn’t Madison?” Sam plays devil’s advocate. “What if she’s telling the truth?”
“She’s been to the bakery,” Kayla retorts. “And she’s seen my sketchbook.”
Angling her head, Sam considers a moment before speaking again. “Okay. But how did she know you were painting at the Deckers? I sure as hell didn’t tell her or anyone.”
“Uh,” Eric draws our attention and awkwardly scratches his head. “I may have let that slip at the beach party a week ago.”
Groans seep from all of us.
Britney smacks his shoulder. “Bigmouth.”
“Sorry.” He throws his hands up. “I was under the influence, and a bunch of girls was asking about your interest in Kayla; how crazy it was that you were finally into someone. I accidentally mentioned that you were letting her paint at your place.” He looks at me with an apologetic expression. “Didn’t know anyone would go to that extreme.”
“Who exactly did you blabber to?” I ask, considering Sam’s doubts that it might not be Madison.
Eric shrugs. “I don’t know. As I’ve said, I was drinking. So…nearly everyone.” His voice dips.
“It could be anybody,” Kayla mutters on a sigh and looks down.
I step closer and drape my arm around her. “We’ll find out who.”
Everyone gasps, regarding my closeness to Kayla with wide eyes.
“Shit,” Eric murmurs. “So strange to see you…touching someone…”
Blinking out of it, Britney says, “The cops are bound to discover something. I’m sure of it.”
Kayla forces a tight smile when I glance at her. It hurts me that she’s upset; that some asshole is snatching away her joy.
The bell goes.
“I have to get to class,” Eric mutters, clearing his throat. “Catch you guys later.” He pauses next to Kayla, looks at my arm around her again, then slowly turns his head. “Um, sorry about your dad’s bakery.”
“Thanks,” she replies, tone low.
Britney gives her a tender nudge at the arm before following behind Eric.
“Going to be all right?” Sam queries, sympathy masking her face. Even then, she’s unable to keep from passing a look between us. As if amazed, I’m in contact with someone without bashing them.
Kayla bobs. “Yeah. I’ll see you after school.”
Sam heads from the garden.
I linger behind with Kayla. She pivots until we’re face to face, then leans into my chest.
No longer flinching, I wrap my arms around her and press a kiss to her cheek.
I remember the time she asked if I’d comfort her when she was sad, and it hits me then, that I always want to be the person to take away her pain.
