Mom steps into the room and brushes my hair off my face. She tips up my chin and looks confused for a moment. Can she tell what I’ve been doing all day? What they did to me all weekend?
“I’m making breakfast for dinner tonight.” I give her a smile, hoping to distract her. Releasing me, she brushes it off.
“Are you staying for dinner, MacKenzie?” Mom’s dark eyes leave me, and I breathe a little easier.
“No, Mom’s on a rampage about family dinners.” Kenz shrugs. “But your breakfast sounds better than meatloaf any day.”
“What about the guys?” Mom’s questioning gaze falls on me. Heat floods my face. Yeah, I don’t think seeing the guys with me will be a good thing right now. Mom will definitely figure out something happened.
“Yeah, Harper, what about the guys?” Kenz makes eyes from behind my mom.
“I’m not sure what their plans are for tonight.” And I honestly don’t. I’m a little curious, but not enough to text and get lured in again. Am I supposed to turn on my webcam? “I could use a night off.”
“Sounds like hanging out with them is a job.” Mom searches my eyes.
She’s not far from the truth. It might as well be a job. They’re a lot to keep up with, but I’ve had fun too. It’s nice to have people to hang out with. And they aren’t all bad.
“They have big personalities, and I’m used to being on my own or just with you two.” I smile. “I’m going to enjoy the silence.”
Kenz snickers, and I smack her leg.
“Well, I look forward to dinner with my number one bestie.” Mom squeezes my shoulder before she heads out the door.
I close the door after her.
“What really needs a break is your vajayjay.” Kenz falls over snickering into the pillow.
I shake my head, but she’s not wrong. I’m curious enough to ask, “Do you want it all the time?”
Kenz grins and nods. “That first week we did it so many times.”
“I’m so screwed.” Times five. Five guys who want in my pants all the time. I fall back on the bed again.
She leansover me. “Yes, you are.”
“IsKenz coming back and spending the night?” Mom asks before eating a bite of waffle dripping in butter and syrup.
“No, her mom said not tonight. Apparently she was gone most of the weekend.” I eat some of my waffle. Kind of like I was.
“You did okay last night on your own?” Mom’s eyes search mine.
“Mmhmm.” I continue to chew my waffle, glad my mouth is full. The guys have been radio silent for the past few hours. I don’t know whether to be worried or grateful they’ve given me this time without the constant communication.
“I’ll be fine. Bob and Fran are a call away. It’s a school night, so kids won’t be running around pranking the neighborhood.” I lick the syrup off my fork and pierce a sausage link. “I’ll watch something nice and wholesome before bed. No zombies.”
Mom grunts around a mouthful of food before swallowing. “That’s a good plan. I had zombie dreams all day today. All that moaning…”
I swallow hard.
Shaking her head, she cuts her food slowly. Her full attention is on her plate when she asks, “The guys aren’t planning on hanging out with you?”
“We studied earlier, and it’s a school night.” I shrug. If I asked them to, they would. But they think Kenz is spending the night, which may be why they haven’t asked to webcam. But they would have to communicate with me to find out if anything changed, and right now, they’ve basically dropped me.
“You could have them over, if you want.” Mom glances over at me. “They definitely would scare off anyone stupid enough to mess with you.”
I smile a little. “They do strike fear in the hearts of others.”
I never found out why Tanner was over here the other day. What did he hope to accomplish? He said he was worried about me, but then basically threatened to take me from the horsemen. I’m definitely avoiding him in the future, andI blocked his number.
