Rowdy Boy

“Well …” My cheeks turn completely red even though I try so damn hard to keep it together. “Let’s just say it didn’t go the way I planned.”

“But he was raging off stage,” she says. “I saw him explode right there on the stage. It was magnificent.”

“Yeah, that part was amazing,” I say, my eyes trailing off. “But what came after …”

She raises a brow at me and leans in closer. “Tell me.”

“We kissed,” I mutter, biting my lip. “And he did some more … things.” I clear my throat.

Mel squeals. “Oh my God, you’re kidding, right? Nooooo!”

I bury my face in my hands. “Why is this so embarrassing?”

She grabs my arm. “Don’t be ashamed. I mean, you do you.”

“Yeah, but you warned me about him,” I say. “And I totally didn’t listen. Even though I know I definitely should have.”

“But you can’t help who you fall in love with,” she says.

My eyes widen. “Love?” I’m mortified and stumble over my words. “No, no, this was not love. Whatever the hell it was, I don’t know, but it was definitely not that.”

“Not-love is fine too.” She shrugs. “I don’t judge.” She grabs a chocolate chip cookie from her bag and holds one out for me too. “Want one?”

“Thanks,” I say, and I take it and immediately shove it in my mouth.

She laughs at the way I eat, but I can’t help it. Stress makes me hungry.

“Hangry?” she asks.

“Very,” I reply, which makes her laugh even more.

“That’s what boys cause,” she jokes.

“Tell me about it,” I say, grunting with annoyance.

“Sounds like you two have something special,” she says. “You just gotta figure out what it is.”

“Nooooo, I’m not figuring out anything,” I say, almost choking on the crumbs. “He’s an asshole bully.”

“Apparently,” she says, still mocking me a little with her eyes. “And something else too.”

“What else?” I retort, folding my arms.

She throws me a look and purses her lips. “Nothing.”

“Oh, shut up.” I shove her a little.

She laughs again. “It’s just funny. I can’t help it.”

“But it’s not. You know he’s a douche.”

“Yeah, and I warned you about that too,” she says.

“Know-it-all.” I scoff.

“That’s my second name.” She winks.

“Sounds about right.”

“Hey, ladies. Enjoying the afternoon sun?”

We both turn around as someone casts shade on us. Or more specifically … Ariane.

“No need to invite me to join. I just came to drop this off.” She hands me and Mel a piece of paper. “Special invitation to a special party. Hosted tonight!” She claps her hands. “I’m so excited.”

“Um … thanks?” Mel says.

“You’re welcome.” Ariane’s beaming smile almost feels like an attack. “I expect you’ll both attend then?”

“I don’t really do parties,” Mel replies.

“Sure, you do. You were at TRIGGER’s concert plenty of times,” Ariane retorts.

This shuts Melanie up, but not me. How the hell does Ariane know?

“Surprised? I have a few friends who go there too, and they always tell me who else is there,” she says, flicking her hair back. “I like to be in the know, you know?”

“Right.” Mel frowns.

She clearly doesn’t trust Ariane.

And now I’m starting to wonder what else Ariane knows about us.

“You’ll be there tonight, right, cousin?” She looks my way.

“Um …”

“Please?” She raises her brows and pouts at me in that same cutesy manner that I’m sure has convinced plenty of dudes to do things they’ll regret later. “You could use the distraction.”

I sigh. After that last concert I attended, I sure could use a distraction as long as it has nothing to do with Cole.

“Fine,” I reply. “As long as Cole’s not going to be there.”

“Cole?” She makes a face at me and then folds her arms. “Is there something you wanna tell me?”

My lips part, but I decide not to tell her. “Nope. Nothing in particular.”

She looks at me in a weird way for a second before she says, “Well, you’ll have me, and I’ll kick anyone’s butt if they get close to you.” She winks.

“Thanks,” I reply, feeling creeped out by this whole conversation.

I mean, I always knew she was weird, but she’s never been this creepy. Ever since I’ve been going to Black Mountain Academy, something’s changed about her. Or maybe you really don’t know who your family is until you see them in a different light.

“Well, all right then. I’ll pick you up tonight at eight, okay?” she says.

“Cool,” I reply, then turn my head away again.

Mel keeps looking at her until she finally turns around and leaves.

“Thought she’d never leave,” Mel mutters.

I snort and barely manage to keep it together.

“And you two are related?” she adds.

It only makes me snort-laugh harder.

When it’s eight o’clock, Ariane’s right there on my front porch, waiting for me.

“Be home on time!” my mom calls out from the kitchen. “And don’t get near any boys!”

“Got it, Mom,” I say, rolling my eyes while Ariane giggles.