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“Awesome. Give me your number and I’ll text you all the details when I’ve spoken to my friends.”
Carrie-Anne and I exchanged numbers and stepped out of the alcove… just as Layla and her friends were walking down the hall.
“Oh look, it’s trailer trash Barbie and the school nerd.”
“Go fu—”
“What is wrong with you?” Carrie-Anne stepped forward, and I realized she was shielding me from them. My mouth dropped open, hardly able to believe that quiet, book smart Carrie-Anne was defending me. “Her mom just died. Show some goddamn respect.”
A ripple went through the air and even Layla looked shocked at Carrie-Anne’s words.
“Carrie-Anne, it’s okay,” I said, grabbing her arm.
“No, it’s not.” She stared Layla down. “Being a bitch doesn’t excuse being an insensitive asshole.”
A couple of her friends snickered, and Layla whirled on them. “Let’s go,” she hissed, shooting me and Carrie-Anne one of her best sneers.
“God, I hate her,” Carrie-Anne said the second they were gone. “What?” she said, finally meeting my gaze.
“You surprised me is all.”
“In… a good way?” A faint smirk graced her lips, and it occurred to me that perhaps there was more to Carrie-Anne than she let people see.
“What?” she asked, as I studied her.
“Nothing.” I smiled. “Nothing at all.”
* * *
“Carrie-Anne?You invited Carrie-Anne Trombley to the game?” Bryan stared at me like I’d grown a second head.
“Yeah, is that a problem?”
“No, but… Carrie-Anne? She’s kind of a know-it-all.” His face screwed up.
“Have you ever tried to get to know her?” I arched a brow.
“You have met her, right? She’s pretty vocal about her disdain for the football team.” He took a long pull on his beer.
We were at the Bennet’s house, all crammed in Aaron’s shed. Lily had begged me to go with them and I hadn’t been able to deny her puppy dog eyes. I knew she felt bad for the ambush yesterday. But I wasn’t angry.
“She stood her ground against Layla.”
“What do you mean she stood her— Layla is who’s been giving you a hard time?” Understanding flashed in Lily’s eyes.
“I can handle Layla.”
“Hey,” Ashleigh slipped into the shed and made a beeline for one of the beanbags.
“So?” Aaron asked.
“He doesn’t want to come.” Disappointment shone in her eyes.
“Told ya. I’ve asked E like five times and he was pretty clear he wouldn’t be there tomorrow.”
“I just thought… it doesn’t matter.”
“He’s coming Christmas day though, right?” Poppy asked.
