Page 61 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 13

Boone

I tear out of the lot, leaving more of my tires than I should. I bury my feelings and foot into the floorboard, thinking of how I so easily unleashed on her, trying to hold onto what little self-respect I have left. There’s a dull ache in my chest I can’t seem to shake.

“What in the hell did I do?” I beat my fist on the steering wheel. “She just stood there, letting me berate her like she was nothing more than dirt under my feet.”

I run my hand over my pounding head, raging with every thought I have of her. “I’d like to think she set me up to walk in on them, but she was as stunned as I was, or at least she appeared to be.”

I flip my signal light on, turning into my parents’ drive. Parking it at the front door, I take the steps two at a time. I need answers, and there’s only one person I think can of who will give them to me honestly.

Walking through the door, I check every room as I scurry through the house. “Mom!” I call out, hoping to get to her faster. “Mom.”

“In here, darling.” I follow the sound of her voice into the family room, where she’s sitting with Dad.

I run my hand through my hair. “Can I-I talk to you in the other room?”

“Is there something going on?” She looks from me to Dad.

“I went to Mack’s…” I hesitate, catching my breath. “Mackenzie was there.”

Mom grasps Dad’s hand. “Did you talk to her?”

“I kinda had to, Mom.” I fall down into the chair behind me. “Her daughter checked me in, and Mackenzie came running into the room once she realized I was there.”

Dad sits forward, frowning. “Did she tell you anything?”

“No, I didn’t really give her a chance.” I huff, my pulse racing so fast I can’t think straight. So much was said, and there was a lot we left out.

“Why not, Boone?” Mom gapes. “Did either of you say anything?”

“Oh, yeah. If you want to know what carnage there was, watch the news.” I begin to trot my leg, working off my anxiety.

Mom begins to shake. “Why? Haven’t you both been hurt enough?”

“Why didn’t you tell me she was there?” I bound from my seat. “You sent me there on purpose!”

“We weren’t sure, but we had heard she was back.” Dad’s eyes dart to Mom.

She stands, coming to my side. “We had hoped that if you talked to one another, maybe it would help you both.”

“Well, all I can tell you is that you have some heavy explaining to do at church on Sunday, because hell hath no fury like two people with a past.”

Dad drops his head. “I knew this was a bad idea.”

“What were we supposed to do? Wait, hoping you would run into her?” Mom stares at me.

“I would have appreciated a heads-up or a smack with a shovel. At least I would’ve understood why the fuck this hurts so damn bad!” I yell, immediately regretting it. “I’m sorry, Mom. This isn’t your fault.”

“It’s not just Mackenzie’s either.” Dad’s face is wrought with pain. “She was a child, just like you, and she’s made mistakes. Boone, we’re not siding with her or her choices. If the child is yours, we’ve missed all these years also.”

“Please, don’t!” I hold my hand up, stopping them. “She more than explained her views on small-town life and how she’s been branded a whore. Oh, and my favorite… I was talked about too, because I’m such a bad person. So, she’s a saint who saved me from the town crier’s gossip rag.”

Mom steps back, glaring at me. “I see. You think she’s full of it, and nothing like that would happen in your beloved home by the ocean. People talk too much, and when it’s about your own, gossip is crippling.”

“It’s nothing like she was trying to depict it, that’s for sure.” I smirk, thinking I know it all. “I realize I wasn’t present, but whispered tales have never hurt anyone.”

“Son, be careful.” Dad’s eyes dart from Mom to me. “People talking about things that aren’t their business hurts everyone. We don’t agree or disagree with everything that’s happened. We’re only saying we have a different perspective than most do on this matter.”