"Sorry. It's just that Zane never mentioned you, or said he had anybody staying with him. I've never even been to his house in L.A," I mumble in an agitated burst of words.
"Oh, no, I totally get it," Jenna reassures, me patting my arm. "I just kind of showed up on his doorstep one night, you know? It's a long story. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know—Zane and I are just friends. You have absolutely nothing to worry about with me."
"Oh, well...thanks."
"Now, I'm not gonna lie and say that if he ever wanted something more, I wouldn't jump at the chance." She laughs and rolls her eyes. "But once Zane places you in the 'friend zone' you're there for life."
"Actually," I say. "He and I started out as friends."
Jenna just grins. "Believe me, Violet, I happen to know for a fact that you were never in danger of being put in the 'friend zone.' That was just Zane trying to be a gentleman for once in his life."
I think about that night in the pool, and I can't help but blush. "Really," I murmur. "Tell me more."
"Oh, no you don't." Jenna wags a finger at me. "But I will say this."
She casts a look over her shoulder to make sure Zane is still busy with Mom. Then she leans close, conspiratorial.
"Zane's been with a lot of women, you know? A lot. Like, he can literally get any chick he wants. Like super models, and—"
"Okay, Jenna," I interrupt quickly. "Wherever you're going, get there faster."
She hunches her shoulders sheepishly. “Right. What I’m trying to say is, I’ve never heard Zane talk about any girl before, not the way he does about you. He really cares about you, so…just remember that, no matter what happens, okay?”
I want to be excited about what I think Jenna is telling me, but that huge cloud of doubt hovering over me refuses go away. I can’t forget what I overheard in the kitchen.
She’s going to find out eventually.
I smile uncertainly at Jenna, unsure how to take her. “Thanks,” I mutter. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Keep what in mind?”
Zane appears suddenly besides Jenna. He slings a playful arm around her neck. “Spilling state secrets, Jen?”
“I would never!” she huffs, opening her eyes wide. “You know me. I’m like a bank vault.”
Zane sends me an amused glance, eyebrows raised. “Yeah, the open kind, where there’s a tiny little Jenna standing just inside, handing out codes and keys. Violet, don’t listen to her—she has a very vivid imagination.”
I don’t know what to say to that, so I just stand there, flustered. It’s awkward for a minute. Then, Zane turns to Jenna again.
“Hey, do me a favor,” he says, sticking a hand into his front jeans pocket. He comes up with what looks like a fancy little remote thingy and tosses it to her. “Drive my car home tonight. I want to stick around for a bit and talk to Violet.”
She catches it clumsily. “You’re letting me drive the Aston Martin? Are you serious?!”
Zane locks eyes with me as he answers her. “Yeah, just don’t go nuts, okay?”
"What!" she screams excitedly, jumping up and down. "Oh, but how will you get home?"
"I'll take one of my dad's bikes." Zane shrugs. "We'll walk you out "
I trail after them, following them outside to Zane's car. Jenna is way too giddy, and if I were him, I would be nervous about letting her behind the wheel of such a crazy expensive car. But Zane doesn't seem worried, simply telling her to not drive too fast. Jenna hugs him tightly before she gets in, and I have to squash the jealous witch in me that starts shouting obscenities.
I really need to get this possessive thing under control.
With squealing tires, the car rockets out the driveway. Jenna toots the horn before she reaches the end of the road.
Zane watches her go. "I'm gonna regret this, aren't I?"
"Oh, yeah," I reply swiftly. Distantly, I hear a scream followed by the sound of screeching breaks.
Shaking his head, he turns back to me. I can barely make out his suddenly serious expression by the pale light of the moon and the winking stars.
"So, you wanna get out of here?"
"Um." I stare down at the ground. "Let's go back to the house. We can hang out in my room."
"I don't think your mom would approve."
I roll my eyes. "I'll sneak you in."
"Oh, really?" Zane's tone is half-amused, half-surprised. "Are you sure you want to risk your good girl rep?"
"Well," I say matter-of-factly. "She hasn't caught onto all the wild drinking whips and chains orgies I host in their yet."