The Original Crowd (A Whole New Crowd 0.50)

“Yep. Aren’t you?”

“I’m at Geezer’s, got your present.”

“Oh. Hey, I got all I thought you’d want. You know, tried to be comprehensive.”

“Comprehensive?” I grinned, leaning a hip against the counter. “The English teacher must be hot this year.”

“It’s the T.A.” he said, actually serious.

“Geezer’s in rare form.”

“Yeah.”

That was it. Not that I’d expected more. Grayley was pretty tight-lipped about his best friend, the bond between them had always been there, since they were kids. I felt that Grayley had taken the protective older brother role.

“Anything I should know about?” I asked lightly.

“Nah. I got it covered. Go do your own thing, we’ll manage.” I think he meant it jokingly, but I heard an edge in his voice.

“Alright—” I faltered, hearing him hang up abruptly.

Leaving, I made sure there was some food in Geezer’s kitchen and was surprised to see it full. Moving back out, I took a last look at him before crossing out to my car. By the time I got back to Rawley, I could make my last class: psychology. Guess I might as well. It would give me a chance to check on how Mandy’s doing.

*

Moving through the hallways, I ducked around a group of giggling girls and jocks who decided the hallway was a perfect place for wrestling. Dropping my bag in my locker, I grabbed my books and headed towards my classroom. Mandy was already seated at a table with Sophie—I think??—I recognized her from the student c

ouncil meeting at the house the other day. And Jasmine was across the room, laughing with Bryce, her hands lingering on his arm.

Hmm.

Mandy was avidly glaring at them.

Dropping into a chair at one of the back tables, I was surprised when I recognized my science lab partner in the other seat.

She gave me a tentative smile.

Oh hell.

Sticking out my hand, I said, “I don’t know if we’ve actually ever been introduced. My name is Taryn Matthews.”

A squeal escaped her mouth as she extended her hand. “Molly Keeley. I’m your—”

“Science lab partner. I know that.”

“Yeah, and I’m in your health class.”

Wait. “I’m in health?”

“You skip for study hall.”

“I thought I had study hall.”

“You should probably tell your teacher that.”

“Oh.” I sat back, surprised. “Thanks.”

“No problem. We’re playing volleyball next week, so it should be fun.”