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Riley tsks. “I dunno, Scarlett. I think they like you. Well, maybe not Neo. He’s a bit intense, but maybe that’s just how he flirts.”
More laughter erupts. “This isn’t elementary school, Ry. You don’t bully someone to flirt with them. Trust me. Neo hates me.”
“Why, though? I just don’t get it. Did you do something back home that pissed them off?”
If only it were one thing that I could slap a Band-Aid on. Instead, it’s a combination of events that watered their hatred for me.
“Neo’s twin sister and I have been best friends since we were kids—”
“Whoa! Neo has a twin sister?”
“Yep. A fraternal twin. Her name is Maddie. Neo’s always been insanely protective over her, but even more so when they lost their mom four years ago. His dad is in politics and never home. Neo sort of took care of her, which was generous of him, but as she got older, he kept her on a short leash. It’s like he was terrified to lose her to anyone—especially me. He hated our friendship and thought I was trying to corrupt her. Being the conniver he is, he turned Crew and Jagger against me early on. The rest is history.”
“So where is Maddie? Why isn’t she here?”
There’s a hardness in my stomach that has me wishing I’d never said anything. “She’s…not coming to BCA. Not now. Not ever.”
“Oh no, Scarlett. Did she pass away?”
“No!” I blurt out, before dropping my tone a few octaves. “No. She’s alive.” Unease gnaws in my stomach like a starving beast. “Look, can we talk about something else?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
I offer her a slight smile. “Thank you.” I’m grateful she didn’t push because the last thing I want to do right now is relive those last days before I was left with only a shell of my best friend.
We walk out the main doors and the shuttle is waiting for us. A couple of girls get on and the driver waves a hand, calling us over. “Leaving now. If you want a ride, you better hurry.”
Riley and I jog over to the door, then she gets on first. Once we’re settled, we sink into a shared seat. It’s only a seven-minute walk to the school, and if the weather is nice, I wouldn’t mind it. Today, we’ve got snow in the forecast, though, and from what I hear, it won’t be slowing down. This area of the state pretty much bypasses fall and goes straight to winter. It’s a shame because I really love the autumn aesthetic in the mountains.
“Back to the games tonight,” Riley says, and I shush her. If I’m not supposed to know, then I definitely don’t want anyone knowing I know. “Oh, sorry.” Her voice drops to a whisper. “What did Jagger say about them? Is it something that involves you?”
My shoulders rise. “I don’t know. I hope not. He actually invited me to watch with him.” I wince, knowing how terrible that sounds after everything these guys have done to me. I’d be a fool to agree. “I guess he could have invited me just to get me there.”
“Doubtful.” She checks me with a smirk. “He wants you.”
I slap her shoulder playfully. “Stop it. He does not.”
“Oh yes. He does. Need I remind you, I hopped on his bike…twice? The guy never invited me to do a damn thing. And now that I think about it, he probably only gave me a ride to make you jealous.”
“Jealous?” I all but choke on the word through bouts of laughter. “Now you’re definitely wrong. They all know I could care less what they do or who they do it with.”
“I dunno, girl. I think you four have this thick cord of sexual tension among you and it’s bound to snap eventually.”
Dropping further into my seat, I fold my hands over my bag in my lap. “Not a chance.”
I don’t tell her that a couple days ago, I had sex with Crew in the library. And the day before that, Jagger fingered me while Neo watched. If Riley knew any of this, she’d never let go of this assumption she has. And I’d also look like a whore.
“Come with me tonight then,” I say. “Let me prove to you that there is nothing sexual going on between Jagger and me.”
Her forehead crinkles. “A third wheel? Easy pass.”
An idea hits me, and it hits me hard. “What if I bring you a date? Then you won’t be a third wheel. Which you wouldn’t anyway since it’s most definitelynota date for Jagger and me. What do you say?”
“I’d ask…is he hot?”
“Well, I haven’t found him yet, but I’ll let you know when I do.”
“Good luck with that. All the guys here have boners for The Lawless.”
