Adrian whispered his secret into Cole’s ear and the giggle fits started. I so wanted to vomit, but the pizza wasn’t very good the first time.

“You want a ride home?” Cole asked as she turned back toward me. “I’m driving.”

“Driving? Wow.” Regina had been adamant that Cole wouldn’t be learning on her G-class despite Cole having her permit. Considering what had happened when she was behind the wheel of his “old baby,” I think it was safe to say Mr. Blakely wasn’t letting Cole near his “new baby”—the GT3.

“Thanks, but I think I’m just going to walk.” I really wasn’t up for Mrs. B.’s high-society chit-chat or The Regina Monologues, as was more often the case. Not after learning my mom was a skanky man-stealing ho. I needed a little alone time to digest that.

Besides, I planned on running into Shay again. But I couldn’t tell Cole that, or even that I’d found him, because she’d tell Lexi and Lexi would tell Mom. And I don’t think I had anything left for Mom to break.

“Okay, if you see me coming, jump out of the way. Lexi says the sidewalk isn’t safe anymore.” She gave a little laugh, then: “We’re going to the football game Friday, if you’re interested.”

So I can watch you cheer like a BB for your QB boyfriend? “No, thanks.”

“Okay. Well, Lexi and I were thinking of going into Denver on Saturday, do some shopping. You should come.”

“I said no.” My words had sharp enough of an edge for Cole to stare back at me shocked. But I was seriously tired of her efforts to get me to “come out and play” with her and Lexi.

“I was just asking.”

“I know; I’m sorry. I just don’t want to go shopping. I have plans.”

She shot me a doubtful look.

“Well, what about Saturday night? Lexi wants to try sushi, and there’s this great restaurant my dad recommended.”

“Saturday night’s not good either.” I didn’t have plans, but I had a feeling Mom might, and I wanted proof. Luckily I didn’t have to worry about explaining it to Cole, because she just muttered, “Whatever” and turned her attention back to Adrian.

“So, let’s talk about the Postcard Secrets,” Doc said after the second-bell stragglers took their seats. “I assume everyone’s had a chance to go to the Web site and become familiar with the various secrets people have sent in. What did you think? Is this a productive way to spend our time? Reliving and recalling our most embarrassing truths? Does this help or hurt us? Is it salacious? Is it a joke? Is it cruel—some people are talking about killing here, right? So is it wrong?”

In suck-up fashion, Chelsea went first. “It’s just good to get things off your chest.”