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“Clint.”
“What?” She threw him a frazzled look.
“I’m Clint. Not Alex.”
“Oh. Then that’s even more of a reason you can’t come. Sorry. Alex likes Mario’s, that’s why I thought you were Alex.”
“Why is it even more that I can’t come?”
“Because . . .” She waved between him and me. “You know.”
We did. He winked at me, flashing a grin before pretending to pout. “My feelings are hurt. You’re her best female friend right now, and you just hurt one of her cousins. How dare you? What kind of a friend are you?”
She sputtered, “Uh, wh–uh–what’s going on?”
“He’s messing with you.”
“Not about Mario’s,” he insisted. “I’m coming to Mario’s. Me and all my baseball friends who aren’t on the football team.”
Her mouth dropped. Clint sounded serious, and he looked serious too. I needed to do something. Gem couldn’t handle him. Tapping her on the arm, I said, “I’ll be right out, and I’d appreciate a ride.”
“Okay.” She still looked unsure, but she edged forward and headed toward the parking lot.
“Are you really coming?” I asked him.
He jerked up a shoulder. “Thinking about it now.”
I shook my head. “I’ll be fine. I’ll call if I need something, but for real, don’t worry about me. See you at the game.”
“And we’ll do something after.”
I shot him a grin. “Nothing too bad, though.”
He rolled his eyes. “Please.”
I had absolutely no idea how to take his last statement, but I’d find out later tonight. Until then, I might make a new friend.
Hoping Clint and I didn’t get into too much trouble was probably a better goal.
26
RAMSAY
“This is a cool house,” Theresa said.
I let us in and found another note from my mom on the counter.
* * *
Hey, honey. They offered double time, so I took it. I know you’re going to the football game. Ailes will be there if you want to sit with her or your friends? Be safe.
You’re to sleep at their house tonight.
Love you, honey! - Mom
* * *
I put the note in a drawer and glanced back as Theresa, Gem, and their friend Alred came in behind me. Alred had been introduced as another one of Gem’s cousins, and he’d informed me he had “super duper” crushes on all of my cousins, so I needed to give him the inside dish.
I liked Alred already. He was skinny with thick, full, dark hair and somewhat bushy eyebrows, but he kept his face smooth and clear. He had a pretty face and wore pink eyeshadow that matched his hoodie and jeans, which had white frills on the end. As he walked, they sashayed with him. He’d caught me watching him on the way to the car after school and laughed. “They give me a little extra bounce back there, if you know what I mean.”
“Thanks,” I responded to Theresa now. “It’s a bit big for us, but we like it so far.”
She nodded, going to the kitchen island. “You guys rent, right?”
I nodded. “Uh, yeah.” I gestured to the television. “I can turn that on, or do you guys want something to eat or drink real quick? I’ll just run up to change.”
Alred raised his hand, a big smile on his face, but Theresa said, “We’re good. Go and change.”
He lowered his hand, glowering at his cousin’s back and then giving me a wide smile and a thumbs-up. Gem tried not to laugh, watching the whole thing.
I ran upstairs to change into a sweatshirt and switch out my shoes for some sneakers. The black leggings could stay. I knew it’d be cold tonight at the game. In the bathroom, I brushed my hair and put on some makeup. The school colors were orange and white, so I put a small dusting of orange glitter on my eyes. Then I put my hair in two braids, weaving in a white ribbon and dashing some glitter over my hair too. I felt festive and good to go.
I wore a sweatshirt. Underneath I had a black ribbed racerback tank. I was leaving when I noticed a necklace my dad gave me.
I hadn’t worn it in so long, and I didn’t even know it had been unpacked. I realized my mom must’ve gotten it out for me. My throat swelled, but I put it on, a simple silver necklace with a white stone.
I hesitated, but then I put it under my shirt. It felt better against my skin.
When I went back downstairs, Theresa, Alred, and Gem were all huddled together, talking in hushed tones.
I paused and eased back a step.
“I like her!” Alred wasn’t being so quiet. “No. I love her. There. I said it. Boom. Burn me at the stake, witches.”
“You’re so dramatic.”
“I luuuuh-ve her. How’s that for being dramatic?” he snapped back at Theresa. “What’s your problem, anyway? You’ve had a stick up your ass this whole time. She’s good people. You can tell.”
