Relief floods through me so fast I nearly sag with it.
Shay’s brow furrows. “Who the hell are you?”
“Don’t worry about it,” Korine snaps.
Zoe takes a step forward, closing in on Shay like she’d done to me moments ago. “We’re Solana’s friends. Everything good here? Because it seemed like you were giving her a hard time.”
I don’t know much about Zoe except that Silver’s mentioned she was a former FBI agent and is currently the club’s armorer and weapon’s specialist.
But it’s obvious by how she carries herself, looming over Shay with an authoritative and no-nonsense vibe, she’s not one to be fucked with.
Shay seems to realize this too because she doesn’t answer her question. Instead she scoffs as if trying to save face, then mutters, “Whatever.”
Turning on her heel, she stalks off, disappearing between a gaggle of other students.
We let her go, a couple seconds passing before we turn to each other.
“What are you guys doing here?” I ask, visibly relieved. “Not that I’m not super grateful to see you!”
Korine casts me a small, warm smile. “Silver was preoccupied, so he asked us to pick you up from class.”
Zoe jerks her head toward the parking lot. “C’mon. I’m not parked far.”
I eagerly follow them to Zoe’s Jeep—a rugged, mud-splattered thing that looks like it’s seen some adventures. Which tracks considering she and Ozzie spend a lot of time together.
We pile in and within seconds, Zoe’s pulling out of the lot. We’re on the road back to Pulsboro in no time, Wheaton University and the rest of town sinking into the background.
The chilly afternoon wind brushes against my skin and butterfly locs as we drive, and I find myself relaxing for the first time all day.
I’m finally around people who aren’t about to gossip or stare at me like I’m some sideshow circus freak.
Zoe glances at me in the rearview mirror. “So what was that chick’s problem?”
I sigh, slumping back in my seat. “She was a friend.”
“She didn’t seem so friendly,” Korine replies from the front passenger seat.
“Because she hates my guts now. For reasons. Stuff I can’t exactly go into.”
Zoe’s eyes meet mine in the mirror again, her expression knowing. “Be careful around girls like that. They’re not to be trusted.”
“Believe me,” I mutter. “I’ve learned that the hard way.”
We ride in silence for another moment before I turn to Korine. “Hey, I’m sorry about what happened at the barbecue. For ruining Cash’s proposal.”
Korine waves her hand dismissively. “It’s cool. Can’t say we’ll ever forget getting engaged in the middle of that slap Silver’s ex-wife gave him, but... itdoesmake for a good story.”
I let out a crude laugh. “You mean my former boss? Yeah, she wasn’t too pleased.”
“Clearly.”
“But seriously—are things okay?” Korine twists in her seat to look at me more fully. “Are you and Silver good?”
I nod, a warmth flushing my cheeks. “We’ve never been better. Even if everybody else is angry.”
Zoe shrugs, her hands relaxed on the wheel. “I’m not one to judge. According to everybody, Ozzie and I shouldn’t be together either.”
I frown. “Why not?”
