“Okay.” She nabs another candy bar, then skips through the double glass doors.
Nix crosses his arms and shoots me a reproaching glare.
“What?” I shrug innocently.
“She shouldn’t know the wordsexyexists.”
“You’re kidding me, right?” I kick off my shoes and lie down, resting my sore muscles. “Kayla’s a preteen girl, so I’m pretty sure she was given the birds and the bees talk ages ago. Soon, she’ll be dating and have her first kiss.”
“No dating for Kayla until she’s twenty-one,” Nix growls between clenched teeth. “End of discussion.”
“It’s totally cute how protective you are,” I tease, nudging his knee with my foot. “I feel sorry for her future boyfriend.”
“I’m gonna kick his ass,” he vows, plucking my pinky toe.
“Ouch,” I grumble, massaging the small appendage.
“And I’ll help,” Dee chimes in.
“You guys are ridiculous.”
An explosion on the high-definition screen draws their attention back to the violent movie. I chill here or at Dee’s often. It’s weird we’re all friends now.
They’re my self-appointed bodyguards too. If anyone fucks with me, my security team will unleash hell on them.
Victoria was booted from the in-crowd for the lie she told and swiftly found herself on the other end of the bullying spectrum. Lori and Rebecca readily turned their backs on her, choosing popularity over following her into exile. A teeny-tiny part of me sympathizes with Victoria.
We made the same mistake in falling for the damaged boy and paid the price. Saint and I are talking again, but not as much as we used to. Lo and Micah forced us to have a powwow when I visited California during spring break. I’m just happy we came to an understanding. He’s even dating now.
My gaze strays to the photo hanging on the wall of Maverick, Dee, and Nix. It’s my favorite picture of them together. The trio stand on the football field, holding their helmets in the air. It’s recent, possibly taken after the Wildcats won the championship.
Nix and Dee never volunteer any information regarding Maverick, and I never ask. I do know he’s living in Rochester, Minnesota. I wish I didn’t miss him so goddamn much. The craziness of the last several months died down and the press dispersed, searching for the next big story, but the black stain on Montgomery will remain forever.
So much came to light after the investigation. Judge Carter and the sheriff were in cahoots, destroying evidence to procure not-guilty verdicts for defendants facing jail time in exchange for sexual favors. Some families even bargained their own daughters. Both pled guilty and were given lengthy prison sentences. Victims filed lawsuits, seeking compensation for pain and suffering, which they all deserve.
“How is… umm, forget it.” I fidget, picking at my cuticles.
“It’s not a crime to ask about him, Cocoa,” Nix states. “He demands weekly updates on you.”
“He does?” My heart flutters.
“Sure does,” he answers.
“How’s he doing?” I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear, waiting on bated breath for an answer.
“Not good,” he replies gravely, concern swimming in his emerald eyes.
“What’s the matter?” I ask, reclining on my elbows.
“The truth is, Maverick needs you.” Nix sighs, drawing in a deep breath. “He’s hurting bad.”
“You don’t think I am too?” I jump up, temper sparking. “The crushing weight on my chest is unbearable, but I can’t forgive him.”
“You forgave us,” Dee chimes in.
“That’s different.” I pace the length of the sectional. “Yeah, you guys were dicks, but Maverick called me anigger. Telling me I should just forgive him is a slap in the fucking face.”
Dee flinches, raking a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean to downplay what he said. I’m sorry.”
