“Not interested,” I reply, inserting six quarters into the coin slot.
“It’s about your house nigger.”
I grab her by the throat and slam her into the vending machine. “Call her that again and I’ll snap your fucking neck.”
“Y-you’ve c-called her the same,” she stutters, trembling in fear.
“Things are different now.”
“Cocoa’s playing you.”
“Give it up.” I roll my eyes. “You’re starting to sound pathetic.”
“I have proof,” she claims.
“Of what exactly?”
“Cocoa and Jake getting cozy at the mall.”
“You’re lying.”
“Look for yourself,” she says, offering her cell. “I took pictures.”
I take it and swipe through the photos. Fury engulfs me, finding several of Jake and Cocoa kissing. Has she been fucking him behind my back this entire time? The thought of them laughing at my expense further fuels my rage. Cocoa knows the horrific details of my life. Did she disclose my darkest secrets to him?
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Victoria coos sympathetically, placing a hand on my chest. “I hate to see you hurting, but you deserve to know.”
No one crosses me and gets away with it.
Where the heck is Maverick? I survey the hallway but see no sign of him, just a couple of stragglers hurrying to get a bite to eat before lunch is over. That’s weird. He always comes to my locker after third period so we can walk to the cafeteria together. Maybe he got held up.
I check my cell for any missed calls or texts from him. Nothing. I’ll just meet him there. I hustle to the cafeteria and find Maverick in his usual corner. I’m surprised to see Victoria, Lori, and Rebecca at the table. Ever since Maverick and I started officially dating they’ve opted to sit elsewhere.
His eyes land on me and the coldness displayed in their depths sends an icy chill racing down my spine. Something’s wrong. I halt in my tracks, a niggling voice in my head warns me to run in the opposite direction. I’m being stupid. He probably had a tough morning. I’ll discover what pissed him off and kiss it better. I continue forward and he stands, holding a large cup in his hand. The self-satisfied smirk on Victoria’s face captures my attention and my internal alarm bells ring again.
I clutch the strap of my purse nervously. What the fuck is going on? I shoot Maverick a questioning look, but his expression remains hostile. I stop in front of him but leave a few inches between us, waiting on an explanation. He puts his forefinger and thumb into his mouth, then releases an ear-splitting whistle. The piercing sound reverberates through the open space, silencing all conversation.
“Cocoa Matthews,” Maverick announces loud enough for everyone to hear, “is a dirtyniggerwhore!”
Time moves in slow motion. I’m too stunned to react, his words slicing me to the bone. Queen Bitch and her minions cackle in glee. Hushed whispers spread among the students. Jake forewarned this would happen yesterday evening.
Maverick’s unstable. He’ll turn on you, eventually.
Eventually turned out to be the next day. Is Maverick playing some sick twisted game?
“She’s a good fuck, though, and gives an award-worthy blow job,” he snarls, baring his teeth.
“What the fuck, Mav?” Dee booms, leaping to his feet.
“Mind your business.” Maverick’s hate-filled eyes regard me in disgust. “She deserves this.”
“Be cool, man,” Nix cautions. “Talk it out privately.”
“You too, Nix. This doesn’t concern either of you.”
“You fuck him raw too?”
“I’m not fucking anyone else,” I manage to croak.
