“That he’s hiding something from you, and I don’t think it’s fair to you.”
I furrowed my brow, and my disappointment got him to admit one last thing.
“But he really likes you, June. I’m sure he’ll find the right way to tell you.”
I was disoriented. And my confusion grew when I saw Blaze head to the door.
“I’m going back in. It’s my turn,” he whispered.
I looked in the mirror.
In some ways, Blaze understood me. Maybe he and I were more similar than I’d thought. I would’ve liked to hide away from everyone.
It was the only way I knew how to stop feeling hurt. But as much as the memory of what happened at Will’s party still stung, I was here with those people for one reason: William. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to tell him that I didn’t mean to upset anyone and that I didn’t have any preconceived notions of him, and I wasn’t a snob. I just couldn’t stand his best friend.
I gathered up my strength and went looking for him, but as soon as I set foot outside the bathroom, I heard voices coming from upstairs.
Eavesdropping was a terrible thing to do. It was a blatant invasion of privacy, but I had no other choice. It was Amelia and James.
“So was it you or not?” She seemed annoyed, almost scornful.
“Did your dick of a brother send you to give me the third degree?”
“Why can’t you answer for once, James?”
“Why doesn’t he grow a pair and take it up with me in person?”
“Because he doesn’t want to even look at you! And I don’t blame him!” I walked up two steps to get closer and hear better.
“My god, you two are so . . .”
“James, careful what you say.” She stopped him.
“Look, he knew.” James’s tone was decisive and infuriated.
“Brian has other shit to deal with.”
“You Hoods are the ones who start shit.”
There was a moment of silence interrupted by Amelia’s voice. “James, don’t look at me like that. I didn’t do anything.”
“I’m not judging. But you’re about to cross the line, just so you know.”
“You’re talking to me about crossing the line? You locked June in a basement! You pushed her up against the wall, you threatened her, and you made your best friend go haywire in front of everyone! You always win the gold medal for starting shit!”
“Yeah, sure. Just until I open my mouth, Amelia. Just until I open my mouth.” Was she blackmailing him?
“Go fuck yourself, James.”
“Always at your service.”
“Quit bugging me. I’ll give you the money later,” she spat. Their voices were anything but friendly.
“I’m not interested in your money.”
“Sure, you play the hero and then show up at school with a black eye. I don’t want to have you on my conscience the day they expel you.”
Another brief period of silence followed.
