Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 151765 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 759(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 506(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151765 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 759(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 506(@300wpm)
“I’m from there too,” Alred added.
“You don’t go to our school?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Nope. I came over today to see what the what was going on tonight. Those girls in there are my friends too, but I’m staying out here because you’re amazing.”
“Thanks.” I grinned at him.
He beamed back. “No problem, sweetie.”
Gem started giggling.
“You said this place was a family place?” I asked.
Gem nodded, taking a sip of her water. She motioned inside. “One of my mom’s cousins runs it, but we just call him Uncle Hector. The hostess is his daughter. She’s also in college.”
“You work here sometimes?”
“Yes. Sometimes. When they need extra help or I need money.”
“So . . .” Alred laid his arms on the table and leaned forward. “Enough about us. I want to hear all about you. What’s your sign? Your horoscope? Do you have a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or both? What are your thoughts on dancing on roller skates? And do you have an online journal? If so, I want to follow you.” He motioned to Gem. “I got most of the deets from Gemmie. She told me about your dad and your nasty ex. I’m so sorry about your loss. Also, your mom is a nursing assistant? I met her when I was doing Miss Hettie’s nails yesterday.” He looked at me. “Your mother is precious, by the way. I wanted to eat her all up.”
“I know. She’s an amazing mother.”
There was another wave of noise, and a moment later, Theresa reappeared, just before four plates of food were brought out.
I frowned. “Wait. We never ordered.”
Theresa slid into her seat. “We don’t order here. Uncle Hector tells us what we eat.”
“It’s always the best,” Gem gushed before thanking the servers.
She was right. After her uncle came over for cheek kisses and hugs, and a few other family members, we dug in. Mario’s was the best.
27
RAMSAY
We were leaving when Kira, Ciara, and Leanne were walking in with a few other people. I scanned the guys, but Clint wasn’t with them. As we passed, Kira turned around. Her friends had gone inside so she was alone.
“Ramsay.”
My whole group stopped with me.
I could feel Theresa’s tension, but Kira didn’t acknowledge her.
She tipped her chin up, instead saying to me, “You can let Scout know that I won’t say anything.”
I frowned. “What’s that about?” And a follow-up, “Why me?”
She was giving me a smug and knowing look before flicking a glance to Theresa. Then her eyes chilled. “He’ll know. We’re doing a Homecoming planning meeting next Monday, and we might go to my house afterward. Bring your suit. I’ve got an indoor pool. Oh, and Gem is cool, but you might want to educate yourself about who else you’re hanging with here. Wouldn’t want anything to bring down your cousins.”
What the fuck?
I frowned.
Theresa growled and started to move forward, but Kira rolled her eyes and headed inside.
Once the doors closed, Theresa exploded. “I hate that bitch! Hate her. God. She’s so condescending.”
Gem closed in on my side. “What was that about?”
Alred was on my other side. “Do not be fooled by her. She’s nasty. Even the girls at my school hate her.”
“She wants war again?” Theresa was muttering to herself, under her breath. Her glare trying to burn down the door. “War’s on.”
“War?” I was reaching for my phone.
Gem hissed, “Theresa, relax. I’m on the Homecoming committee with them.”
“Not everything’s about you.”
Gem tensed. “Come on, Theresa. That’s not what I meant.”
Theresa suddenly jerked her hands in the air, starting to go for her hair, but Alred hissed, “Not your hair!”
She froze before fisting her hands and letting out another growl. “God. I cannot stand her.” Her gaze swung my way. “I don’t get along with them. I’m sure that’s been established, but there was a temporary ceasefire. Looks like that’s over.”
I frowned. “Do my cousins know about this?”
Gem looked up before sharing a look with Theresa.
Theresa answered, “Cohen does. I have no clue with Scout. I don’t think your cousins would know. Girls don’t really blast that out, you know?”
My phone buzzed.
Clint: How’s it going? Kira just texted, said she saw you.
Me: Yeah. It was something.
Clint: What do you mean?
Me: We can talk later.
Clint: ? Okay . . .
“How bad is it going to get with those girls?” I asked.
Theresa startled, looking as if she’d forgotten I was here. “Oh.” She shook her head. “It’s nothing new. If you’re worried, Kira won’t do anything to you. This is my battle.”
I had to laugh a little.
“What?”
“I’m not scared of a fight.”
She let out a deep breath, her shoulders falling down. “I’m aware. I got front row seats to your takedown against Gabby, remember?”
“Is that going to be a problem?”
Her gaze was sharp. “What do you mean?”
“The overlap. Kira. Homecoming committee. Gabby.”
Her mouth tightened and she glanced at her cousins before shrugging. “I guess we’ll see.”