“I just told you. I fell asleep.”
“I can tell you’re lying. Tell me what really happened.”
I hesitate, knowing he’s going to freak out. “Braden kissed me.”
“Wait . . .what?” he yells. “Did you say he kissed you?”
“Yeah, but I didn’t kiss him back. I pushed him away and got out of there.”
“Out of where? Where were you?”
“In the hot tub. He was soaking his knee, and I thought if I went in there with him, I could get him to talk.”
“Rumor, I don’t want you doing that shit just to get information. It’s not worth it.”
“I thought we’d just talk. I didn’t think it would lead to him kissing me.”
“Why the fuck would he do that? You’re his cousin.”
Do I tell Jackson the truth? He wouldn’t tell anyone. And I really need to talk to someone about this.
“I’m actually not,” I say.
“Notwhat?”
“His cousin. He told me last night that my dad was adopted. We’re not related by blood, which is whyhehad no problem kissing me.”
“He just said that so he could.”
“I think he was telling the truth. He thought I already knew.”
“If it’s true, why didn’t anyone tell you?”
“Braden said his dad doesn’t want people knowing. Braden only knows because he overhead his dad talking to someone.”
“Why would Brock keep that a secret?”
“I don’t know.” I hear knocking on the door and check the time. “Shit, I’m late. Trystan’s banging on my door. I need to go.”
“Stay away from Braden. If he kisses you again, I’m gonna have to kill the bastard.”
“Don’t even joke about killing people, especially now. The cops haven’t been over, have they?”
“No, and I don’t think they will be, at least not for a while.”
“Rumor, let’s go!” Trystan yells.
“I’m coming!” I yell back. “Talk to you later, Burt.”
He laughs. “See ya, Trudy.”
Racing to the door, I yank it open but don’t see Trystan there.
“Trystan?” I yell, but he doesn’t answer.
Grabbing my backpack, I hurry to the front door and see him pulling out of the driveway. I run out there, yelling at him to stop. He keeps going, then finally stops a few houses down. By the time I reach the car, I’m gasping for breath.
“You couldn’t wait two seconds?” I say, getting in the car.
