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“Then, why are you smiling like that?”
“Like what?” The evil smile lingers.
I sigh. “Like you’re about to tell me something that’ll piss me off, but you’ll find funny.”
“It’s not that bad. I promise.”
I spin the combination to my locker. “Please stop messing with me and just tell me who it is.
“Oh fine. Ruin my cruel fun.” She teasingly pouts then grins again. “It’s Hadley Harlyton.”
I start to open my locker but freeze. “You’re friends with Hadley? Like, the Hadley who lives next door to me?”
She nods. “Yep.”
I’m not sure what to make of what she just told me. Not that I think Hadley is a bad friend to have or anything. But Scarlett, while I love her and everything, can get into a lot of trouble. And sometimes that trouble spreads to the people around her.
And since Hadley is a magnet for trouble herself, their friendship could be a disaster.
“When did this happen?” I play it cool, not wanting to upset her.
She shrugs. “Well, I started talking to her the first night they moved into the house when I warned her about pissing you guys off.” I open my mouth to scold her, but she talks over me. “I also told her about the dual racing thing.”
So, that’s how Hadley found out about that.
It also reminds me that I never told her the favor I wanted to be done today. That’s fine by me. I’d feel like a jerk if I made her do stuff for me only hours after her father beat her and her sisters were taken away from her.
“We also made plans to go to lunch today.” She studies me with her head tilted to the side. “I can’t tell if this is bothering you or not.”
“It’s not.” A partial lie, but I’m not about to be the one responsible for stealing the first smile Scarlett has had in a long time. “I’m just wondering how it happened without me knowing about it.”
“You say that like you know everything about your next-door neighbor?” she teases. “Have you been spying on her or something? I mean, not that I blame you. She seems interesting and she’s really pretty.”
“I’m not spying on her … but I have spent some time with her and I…” I trail off as Scarlett stares down the hallway, her smile faltering.
I cast a glance behind me and instantly frown myself.
“Hey, Blaise. I’m so glad I ran into you.” Amelia steps up, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear and batting her eyelashes.
“The feeling isn’t mutual,” I say flatly as I yank open my locker.
“See you later,” Scarlett mutters then makes a beeline for the bathrooms.
My jaw ticks, knowing her quick exit and frowning is due to Amelia’s presence. While Scarlett has never flat out said it, there’s been an incident or two where Amelia has tried to make Scarlett’s life a living hell.
“Aw, I think your little sister doesn’t like me.” Amelia sulks, pouting out her lip.
“It’s a shared trait amongst the Portersons.” I exchange my books, bump the locker shut, and start down the hallway.
“Wait a second.” Amelia’s heels click against the linoleum as she strides after me. “I have something I need to tell you.”
I keep walking. “No thanks.”
“Blaise, you can be so infuriating sometimes,” she scoffs, jogging to catch up with me. “I just want to invite you to a party I’m having on Saturday.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll pass.” I weave around a group of cheerleaders then turn right to duck inside the classroom of my next class, but she grabs hold of my sleeve.
“Come on; just come. I swear you’re invited.”
