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“I don't doubt that for a second.” Maddie is a beast and probably the only person in the world who can put me in my place. Now that she’s awake and here, I need to prepare myself for that.
“I mean it. I better not find out you’re playing with her heart. And who was that girl that was here earlier, dancing around in your kitchen? Please don’t tell me this is some ménage à trois thing going on and you’ve got another girlfriend, too? Or worse,” her expression goes solemn, “she’s not with Crew, is she?”
“No. Hell no. I told you, Crew isn’t seeing anyone. He’s been waiting for you. That was Riley. Jagger’s fling.”
I just keep digging this hole deeper and deeper.
This was almost easier when Maddie was in a coma. Now I’m certain she and Scar will team up against me. And now that they have Riley, too.I’m screwed.
Scar returns with my phone, and when I hold my hand out, she slaps it down hard, scowling. Her distaste of the situation is more than apparent.
“Mads,” I say to my sister, “Scar and I need a minute.”
The two girls share a look before Maddie responds with, “Of course. I’ll just go back to my room.” She puts all her attention on Scar and says, “Then you and I need to catch up. It seems we have a lot to discuss.”
Scar gives Maddie one more hug before they separate, and Maddie wheels back to the tunnel door.
Her shadow hasn’t even left when Scar’s open palm flies across my face. “You son of a bitch!”
Grinding my teeth, I rub the sore spot. “Jesus! What the hell was that for?”
“What was that for?” she growls. “For keeping Maddie from me. For lying about her whereabouts. Oh, and how about you lying to your sister, who just woke up from an eighteen-month coma. What were you thinking telling her we’re dating? We hate each other! Of all the things you could have said, you said that?”
I really don’t know what to say. I’m pissed at myself, too. It’s not often I admit I’m wrong, but I’ll accept it right now. “You’re right. It was a split-second decision, and it sort of just came out.”
“Well, you need to fix this.” A menacing laugh rips through her vocal cords. “There’s no way in hell I’m breaking up with Crew and Jagger and pretending I’m with…” Her hands wave up and down in front of me, her lips curled in disgust. “…you.”
I’m a little taken aback by what she’s insinuating here. “You’re acting as if being with me would be a girl’s worst nightmare.”
She huffs out a breath. “I’m not agreeing or denying that.”
“Wow.”
She tsks, taking a seat on my weight bench. “Don’t act like the feeling isn’t mutual.”
I sit down beside her. Not because I want to be near her, but because we need to keep our voices down. “You’re right. It is. But this isn't about me, or you. It’s about Maddie.”
Her head twists, eyes on mine. “You’re blackmailing me, Neo. Even if it is for Maddie, this is not okay.”
“Maybe so. But if you want your secret safe, you’ll keep up with this charade until I come up with a plan.”
“How about this for a plan… You tell her the truth. You can’t hide Crew from her. He lives here.”
I hate it when she’s right.
“Not to mention there is no way in hell I’m pretending we’re some loved-up couple. I wanna vomit just sitting this close to you.”
“Well, now you’re just being dramatic. We sit next to each other every day in American lit.”
“Yeah. And I tried to get you to switch seats, but for some reason, you won’t. Why is that, Neo?”
“Told ya. Keep your enemies close.”
“Bullshit.”
“Why is that bullshit?” I chuckle. “Are you suggesting I’m into you?”
She shrugs a shoulder, warranting another laugh. “Not a chance. Pretty sure I’ve made my feelings for you clear.”
