Of course, I was late again. Mr. Butthole made me stand in front of the class and apologize. That wouldnt have been so bad, but through the window in the center of the door, I could see Cole glaring at me. Either glaring was his expression du jour or I was in big trouble.
Only when I slid into my seat did I lose sight of him. What a relief! Id successfully avoided two confrontations with him. Now to avoid him for the rest of my life. No way could I ever explain what had twice happened in that hallway. Not without bursting into actual flames of embarrassment. No way I could explain why it had happened, or even how.
I didnt see him on my way to second or third block, and somehow, someway, I managed to keep my vow to Ms. Meyers. Score! When the bell rang to signal it was time for lunch, I kind of expected Frosty and Bronx to be waiting for me. They werent. Double score! I kind of expected Cole to fly out of nowhere and try to flag me down, yet he didnt. Win! Id already been forgotten, I guess.
After stuffing my book and notes into my locker, I trudged to the cafeteria. Kat would demand an explanation for my behavior this morning, and leading with I was imagining getting freaky with your exs friend wasnt going to fly. Shed ask more questions, and I still had no answers. Well, other than I am seriously screwed up.
Just before I reached the open double doors, Mackenzie stepped into my path. I barely stopped myself from slamming into her.
Youre not going anywhere, she said. Not this time.
Do we really need to have another discussion? I asked on a sigh. Id only been smart-aleckingyeah, Id just turned that word into a verbwhen Id told her to find me later.
Yes. We need to have another discussion, she mimicked in a shrill voice. I saw Cole chasing you outside the bathroom. You ran from him. Why? She didnt even try to hide her fury. Are you playing hard to get? Because its a little late for that. The way I hear it, you cant keep your eyes off him.
Heat burned up my throat and scalded my cheeks. Cole had said something to his friends or they had said something on their own. Either way, people had noticed. Why do you care? I snapped, going for bravado. The way I hear it, youre not dating him anymore.
A bomb detonated in her eyes, flames crackling. You have no idea whats going on between me and Cole.
Youre right. And it doesnt concern me, I said, no matter that a little part of me might want to know the truth.
Dark lashes fused, hiding those fiery jade-green irises. Earlier I told you Id hurt you if you hurt him. Thats still true. But now Im telling you to stay away from him or Ill wipe the floor with your face before I do the hurting.
Okay, that did it. Shed pushed me right over the edge of my patience. If you want me to cry and promise to do whatever you want, try a more original threat. A saner, more rational person would have mentioned the fact that Cole and I had never actually spoken a word to each otherand clearly had no plans to do so.
But I wasnt exactly sane or rational lately.
All about the intimidation, she rose to her tiptoes, putting us nose-to-nose. I am capable of things you cant even imagine.
Right back at you.
Thats brave talk. Lets see you back it up.
Lets see you back off, Love Button, before you burst a vessel, a familiar voice said from behind her.
I caught the hint of a scowl before Mackenzie twisted. Alley Kat. Racing to the rescue of another stray?
Grinning, Kat strolled to my side. Yes I am. To your rescue, just so were clear. My Ali has skills. The first time I met her, there were people all around her moaning and groaning in pain. True story. Also, I dont want her suspended after only two days just because she did the entire school a favor and fed you your own teeth. Besides, Coles the one you should be chatting with. He practically ate her up with his eyes. In fact, Im surprised Ali doesnt have bite marks.
Mackenzie balled her hands into fists. I stepped in front of Kat, just in case. No one hit my friend and lived to tell the tale. That was my new motto, and one I would forever embrace.
Youre in trouble now, Kat sang.
Slowly Mackenzie unfurled her fingers. Youre not worth it, she snapped at the brunette.
Is that so? Well, go ahead, ask Frosty, I said. Shes worth anything.
Laughing, Kat pinky waved at Mackenzie, hooked her arm through mine and spun us both around, and together we sailed to an empty table in back. Even better, Mackenzie was once again left sputtering.
As youve probably figured out, there are only two people in this place who have the lady balls to stand up to herand Im one of them, but I had no idea youd be the other, Kat said, voice dripping with glee. I am so glad we met at an undisclosed location over the summer.
Me, too. I noticed all of the cafeterias occupants were watching us, silent, even gaping. I rubbed my palms on my thighs, the friction keeping me grounded. Had they overheard our conversation with Mackenzie?
My movements quickened when I spotted Cole. He occupied the same table as yesterday, surrounded by the same friends. We locked gazes for several seconds. I held my breath, expecting a vision. Butone never came.
I dont know what he had expectedor if hed expected anything at all; his expression stayed bland, until Mackenzie reached his table and shimmied in next to him. She cupped his jaw, her fingers caressing his cheeks. Frowning, he tugged out of her hold, and the two engaged in a low, angry conversation. At least, I think it was angry. Hed exchanged his frown for a menacing glower. He was massaging the back of his neck, as though to stop himself from strangling the girl.
And shes off for another mental vacation, Kat muttered.
Pull yourself together, Bell. Sorry, I replied.
From across the table, Wren said, After that, you cant deny youre interested in Cole.
Well, great. Id been so distracted, Id missed her appearance. The sharpness had left her, at least; todays expression soft and happy. Butwas that a fringed shirt she was wearing?
Reeve and Poppy were beside her, the entire group now surrounding me. They, too, looked to be wearing fringe. Had I somehow started a (horrible) trend?
No, I said. Im not interested in him. I was quickly becoming obsessed with him.
Oh. Wrens shoulders drooped as if she were a flower that had been left in a vase without water.
I thought you said I needed to stay away from him.
I changed my mind, she said brightly, toying with several locks of her hair. You guys would make an awesome couple. Just awesome. Now she sounded too bright.
I wasnt sure how to take that when I knew she considered him the worst kind of trouble.
Ali, Ali, Ali, Kat said and tsked under her tongue. Dont look so forlorn. Youre making the right decision. Cole once ate a pound of rusty nails and claimed it tasted like unicorn tears mixed with fairy dust. True story. I was there.
Reeve nodded encouragingly. I wasnt there, but I can believe it. I once saw him body slam a teacher for daring to ask him the meaning of X minus Y.
He put the guy in the hospital for three months, Poppy said, tapping a fingernail against her chin. Or was that a student he body slammed for daring to give an answer different than his?
Probably both. Hes body slammed enough people to start a new country. And there could be a neighboring city for the people hes punched in the throat. Reeves delicate fingers fluttered up to her own throat, as if she were experiencing sympathy pains. Then she added, The last time he did that was the most awesome thing Ive ever seen, and grinned. Oh, oh. Clap, clap. Its still on YouTube, I think. Give me your number and Ill text you a link.
Maybe Ali will luck out and Cole wont actually body slam her, Wren said.
All the other girls burst out laughing, causing Wrens cheeks to redden.
Shes the first person hell body slam, Kat said with a snicker. Hes probably imagined it a thousand times already.
My own cheeks heating to a lovely shade of red, I made a mental note: Do a search on Cole Holland the moment you get home. Not that I believed even half the things these girls had told me. Still, my curiosity was piqued.
Even though I wasnt sure how much longer Id have my phone, I hit the girls with my digits and took theirs. Thing was, my grandparents probably wouldnt continue to pay the bill. They were very fond of saying: Why do you need a cell phone when we have a perfectly decent landline at home? I knew theyd forked over the money during the summer months because my cell had been the last thing my parents had given me, and I would have freaked out without it.
I had pictures of Emma stored in it, as well as her text messages. Even as young as shed been, shed had her own cell, too, because Dad had wanted us connected at all times, just in case. And no, I hadnt looked at a single photo or read a single text; I just didnt have the heart. Not yet. One day, though, I would. I hoped.
Here. Eat this. Kat handed me half of her PB&J. If I know my Ali, and Im pretty sure that I do, youre going to ignore my excellent advice and make a play for Cole. And if youre going after someone like him, you need to keep your strength up.
Im not going after him. I wasnt that crazy, was I? But thank you for the sandwich. Id forgotten my lunch and scarfed down the sandwich as if it were manna from heaven. Soare you guys dating anyone?
I am, Wren replied. She sipped her bottled water. He graduated from here last year, and now goes to UA. I usually see him on weekends. Hes premed, you know, and I plan to be a nurse. Once he graduates, well get married and our lives will be perfect.
Poppy shrugged. I keep my options open the first month of school, looking around, shopping really, until I find someone I want. Sadly, there are no leading contenders this year.
Reeve tossed her side-ponytail over her shoulder. No one for me.
Dont lie to Ali. Kat wagged a finger at her. When she and Cole get married in a beautiful prison ceremony, because we all know thats where Cole will be, shell be able to help your cause. Bright hazels swung to me, pinning me in place. Shes been crushing on Bronx for two years.
Her announcement hit me with the force of, say, a baseball bat. I never would have guessed that one. But hes so
Serial killer-esque? Kat asked with an arched brow.
Well, yeah. But like I really had room to judge. Bronx might give off a serial killer vibe, but I was obsessed with the guy he considered his leader.
Ive tried to warn her, Wren said.
Many times, Poppy added with a nod.
Reeve was the third girl to blush. She lifted her chin and said, Bronx has made it more than clear that hes not interested in me, so what I feel doesnt matter.
As Wren capped her water bottle, she said, And how many times have I told you that youre better off?
You really are, Poppy reiterated.
Besides, Reeve continued, Ive decided to say yes to John Clary and go on a date.
John Clary! Kat, Poppy and Wren said in unison.
Then:
Hes so perfect for you!
Such a doll!
He can tutor you in math, help you get a good grade!
I had nothing to offer. I had no idea who John Clary was.
As each of the girls launched a million questions at her, the bell rang to signal it was time to head to class. Poor Reeve. She looked as comfortable as if she were standing naked in front of her history class, giving a report on the Salem witch trials and using her own body as a visual aid for the torture.
I said my goodbyes and stood. When I turned, I bumped into someone. I muttered an apology, my hands flattening on a hard chest as I sought to regain my balance.
Whatever Id meant to say next died a quick death the moment I realized my hands were on Cole Holland.
My hands were actually on Cole Holland.
I looked upupupand there he was. I inhaled sharply, caught the scent of sandalwood and almost moaned. He smelled just like he had during the Oh, sweat heaven. Was this a hallucination, too? Here, now? I dug my fingers into his chest. He was solid, warm. Which meantthis was real. This was happening.
A gasp left me, and I tried to jump backward only to bang into the table bench. I couldnt dart forward. He was too big, caging me.
My stomach started performing stupid backflips, decided that wasnt enough, and next gave a full-on circus trapeze act.
Well, well, Kat said with a little too much glee. The other girls frowned at Cole before scurrying off. You here to walk Ali and me to class or what, big boy?
A muscle ticked in Coles jaw, a sure sign of sizzling anger, blatant aggression, andI could have been imagining herethat he hoped to one day be the heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
Well? Kat prompted.
Ali. His gaze never veered from my face.
One word, and yet his voicethrilled me. Deep and rich and ragged, as if my name had been pushed through a meat grinder. Why was that so smexy? And how was the voice I heard now the same one Id heard in my visions?
Me? I managed to squeak out. Why?
Stupid question. I knew why.
He ignored me, thank God, saying to Kat, Let go of Frostys leash. Youre choking the life out of him.
Her eyes narrowed to tiny slits, a sure sign of her aggression. He deserves to choke. He didnt keep Little Frost in his pants this summer. The words snapped like a whip.
He did, Cole snapped back with unwavering confidence.
Not.
Did.
Not!
Did, he said, calm now despite her growing fervor.
My head would have zinged back and forth as if I were watching a tennis match, but Cole hadnt taken his eyes off me and I didnt have the strength to pull away.
Not, not, not! she shouted with a stomp of her foot.
Finally he looked at her, releasing me from the force field of that otherworldly gaze. What are we, five?
Six. Kat anchored her hands on her hips. So tell me this. Do you know Frosty remained faithful to me because you were with him every minute of every day?