Fallout (Crank 3)

walking toward us in his usual

cheerful way. His smile dissolved

when he noticed us, hands locked

together and eyes wearing worry.

Uh, what’s going on? But

what was going on was obvious.

Hurt wrinkled his face as if

he’d suddenly aged thirty years.

My stomach lurched, roller-

coaster-style. “We need to

talk,” I started. I was wavering,

and Kyle must have felt it in the way

my hand trembled. He grabbed

control. Dude, you’re not going

to like this, but Summer and

I hooked up yesterday.

Matt’s reaction was swift.

What the fuck are you talking

about? Summer? And what

exactly does “hook up” mean?

My face flared, dry-ice hot, and

I saw Matt’s eyes flood with sudden

understanding. “Oh God, I’m so

sorry. I never meant to hurt—”

Kyle totally lost it. Shut up,

Summer. Don’t you dare make

excuses. Then, to Matt. That’s

right. We did it. And we’ll do it

again. She’s really good, so you

know. And she’s mine. Understand?