Payback's A Bitch (Awkward Love 6)

There are a couple of messages from Sasha, one from Katie, but there’s nothing from the person I was hoping to hear from. I jump when someone raps softly on my door and sit up. My first thought is Cameron, which is ridiculous, because he doesn’t live here and it’s six in the morning. But then again, who the hell else would knock on my door so early?

“Yes?” I say.

My voice croaks out, because it’s the first time I’ve spoken since yesterday.

“It's Mack.” He pauses. “Can I come in?”

“Sure,” I say, sitting up in my bed.

He pushes the door open and walks in, giving me an awkward smile.

“Sorry, I was walking past and I saw your light was on…” He sounds embarrassed.

“I’m guessing that Cam told you what happened?” I ask.

He nods, even though his expression gives away the answer.

“He more yelled it,” he says, making a face. “Several times. He’s really angry at me.” He pauses. “But he’s even angrier at you.”

I sigh and rub my head. I was hoping after he had time to think about it, he’d calm down, but I’m beginning to doubt that. If I knew why he was so angry, then maybe I could do something to fix it, but right now, I don’t even know what to say.

“Anyway, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I totally didn't mean to rat you out,” he mutters. “He made it sound like you two had had a big argument about it and you told him everything.”

“I know you didn’t mean it,” I assure him. “It’s fine. Really.”

Mack can be annoying, but I don’t doubt for a second that he’s loyal. I know he would never have told Cam anything if he thought I for a moment I hadn’t already told him.

Mack frowns. “Do you think you guys can work it out?” he asks. “For what it's worth, I thought you were good together.”

“Thanks,” I say, smiling at him. “But I don't think Cameron and I are going to happen.”

“Well, if you need someone to talk to, or a shoulder to cry on, you know where to find me.” He smirks at me. “Or if you’re looking for an easy rebound—”

“Mack. You are a minor, so it’s illegal,” I yell with a smirk. “But I might try and get some more sleep.”

“I’d offer to help you with that, but I’ll be late for hockey practice,” he grins.

“You play hockey?” I laugh.

I’m not sure why I find that so funny. He looks wounded, but then he sighs.

“Okay so it might have something to do with the coach being hot,” he confesses.

“He must be really cute,” I giggle.

He narrows his eyes at me. “I see what you did there.”

“Get out of here,” I say, still chuckling.

He backs out of the room, closing the door behind him, while I lay back down and close my eyes. I’m not expecting to get anymore sleep, but I just can’t be bothered being awake anymore. The next thing I know, Mom is gently shaking me. I glance at the clock.

How the hell did it get to be two in the afternoon?

I sit up in bed and smile sheepishly at her.

“In twenty-three years, I’ve never known you to mope around in bed,” she comments.

“Sorry,” I sigh and rub my head. “I’m just having a shit day.”

“And I'm getting married tomorrow, so pull yourself together. Come out with me. It will at least take your mind off whatever it is that’s bothering you.”

I reluctantly drag myself out of bed, have a shower, and then get dressed. For the next couple of hours, I drive around with Mom while she does a few last-minute things for the reception. I’m not sure I’m moping any less than I was before, but I guess the change in scenery is nice.

I don’t even look at Mom when she gets back into the car after paying the final deposit on the wedding cake. She sighs.

“Darcy?” She says. I look at her. “Are you going to tell me what's going on with you?” And don’t tell me it’s nothing,” she adds.

“Technically, I didn’t say anything,” I point out.

I wince under the weight of her disapproving frown and then I sigh.

Okay, so she’s not in the mood for my humor.

“Fine, I’ll tell you, but the story isn’t that interesting. Trust me,” I grumble. “I was sort of seeing this guy. He played a joke on me, I played one back, he found out and now I’m not seeing him anymore.”

“He’s annoyed at you because you played a joke back on him?” she asks, looking confused.

I nod. “The worst thing was, I was really starting to like him.”

“Could he possibly be thinking that these feelings are just part of the joke too?” she asks.

“You think he might be thinking I never really liked him?” I murmur.