“James told me what you said about me. He told me what you wanted back then. You’re a pig. I’ve never been interested in you. And I’ve told you that a hundred times, but you never listen. And, now, I know why. I’ve always been some sort of game to you.” Her tone turned icy cold. “I might not let my boyfriend hit you, like I know he’s dying to do right now”—she glanced back at me, my eyes stone cold—“but I’m not above it.” Julia stood tall, her posture defensive and a little scary, to be honest.

“You’re wrong, Julia. Not about high school, but about now.” He sounded less than convincing, and I knew he was only trying to save face in front of the other diner patrons.

Thank God Julia knew it, too.

“I don’t think so. Stay the hell away from me, or next time, I’ll let my man do whatever it is he’s dreaming about doing to you.”

I waited for Lestare to say anything in response, but he didn’t, which was the smartest thing he’d ever done in his life; I was sure of it. We watched as he tucked his tail between his legs and skulked away, mumbling to himself.

She slid back down next to me, and I practically came undone. My girl was a motherfucking spitfire. I still had so much to learn about her.

“Holy shit, babe. I’m so turned on right now. I might give the whole town a show. That was so hot.”

“Please reward her later while I’m not sitting right here and forced to watch,” Jeanine begged. “But that was totally badass.” She threw her fist in the air, and Julia bumped it back with a smile that took up her whole face.

“Remind me not to mess with you,” Dane said as he finished off his glass of water.

Julia acted like nothing had just happened. “Does everyone know what they want? ’Cause I’m still starving,” she asked, and we all shook our heads in unison.

We ordered our food, and the waitress gave Julia a slick high five under the table where no one else could see. Apparently, Todd had taken her virginity back in high school and then never spoken to her again. She said she always wanted to spit in his food whenever he came in here but claimed she never followed through. I gave her permission to do it this time.

Julia and I filled our mutual best friends in on what had happened the night before with our parents, including details about the bet since Jeanine had never known the full story. Dane gave me a know-it-all look when he learned that he had been right all along in assuming that Julia really hadn’t known about it. I kicked him once more under the table for good measure.