“I wasn’t worried,” I assure him. “You don’t seem that normal either, FYI.”

“Oh, I’m not,” he tells me. “I’m completely and one-hundred percent weirdo.”

I giggle at that.

A huge smile takes over his face as he slows to a stop in front of a closed classroom door. “This is your class,” he tells me. “If you don’t want to be marked tardy, just tell Ms. Mellie that you couldn’t find the classroom because you’re new. She’s nice enough that she’ll let it slide.”

“Okay, thanks. I will.” I move to step inside the classroom, but he captures my arm and stops me.

“I wanted to also say that Zay …” He dithers for a moment. “I’m going to talk to him. Everything will be cool by tomorrow, okay?”

“You don’t have to do that. He’s your friend.”

“It’s not a big deal,” he vows, letting go of my arm but only to brush a strand of my hair out of my eyes. He keeps doing that and I’m not sure why other than maybe he just likes touching my hair? I don’t know why. it’s a fucking mess. “I’ll text you tonight so we can set up a time to do that phone thing.”

I nod, watching him walk away, feeling a bit … I don’t know, happy maybe? It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way, but I’m pretty sure that’s what this floating feeling is.

Of course, right before I walk into the classroom, I receive a text that makes that cloud go poof.

Bitchy Bitch of the West: Thanks for standing me up after lunch. You’re going to regret this big time.

13

HUNTER

I end up having to meet Diane by myself since Jax and Zay are still stuck in in-school suspension. To say I’m not thrilled would be the understatement of the year. But at least the diner is relatively busy. That means I can get in and out super-fast, and Diane can’t stop me. Not without causing a scene. And if she did and word got back to my father …

Yeah, she’s not going to cause a scene.

I order a drink and a piece of pie before finding a booth in the far back corner. I’ve already messaged Diane that I’m here, and she replied that she’d be here in just a few.

I’m sitting there, bored out of my mind, when I decide to text Raven to distract myself. Not that I think she’ll reply since she’s in class.

Me: How’s my favorite new friend?

Weirdly, she responds within seconds.

Raven: I’m not doing great at all.

Me: What’s wrong?

Raven: Well, when I signed up for classes, everything was full except for beginners art. So here I am, sitting at a table with a pencil and am supposed to be trying to draw a vase, but mine looks like a taco.

I’m mid-drink as I read this, so soda sprays all over the table when I laugh. I grab a couple of napkins, wipe up the mess, and reply back.