My Wolf’s Bane(13)

Seeing a roadwork sign and cars bottle-necked up ahead, I slowed. By the time I passed the orange cones, I’d lost five minutes.

When I parked in the school lot and rounded the hood of my car, the passenger-side rear tire caught my eye. Damn, it was almost totally flat. Zack had mentioned it Friday, but I’d forgotten all about it. I needed to remember to stop for air after school.

On the way to the school entrance, I saw Daniel in my peripheral vision leaning against his car. I wasn’t in danger of being late, but I no longer had time to dive into a long and probably heated conversation with Daniel. I pretended not to see him, but he darted out from between cars and captured my hand.

Oblivious to my cringing, he lowered his head to try to kiss me, his long, blond hair whipping around and tickling my nose. I stiffened and prepared myself for a confrontation.

“Hey guys. What’s up?” Gina’s eyes narrowed a moment at his arm around my waist.

“Oh, hi.” I gave her a small smile, not sure if she was still mad at me.

Gina grinned, like she was totally over it. I didn’t want to be her bestie anymore, but I didn’t want us unfriendly either. She’d get another chance to make up for being such a hag on Friday.

“I’ll see you at lunch.” Daniel freed my waist and left without kissing me goodbye. Whew.

Gina walked with me through the school entrance and stopped at her locker. “The party was crazy. I had such a blast.”

She definitely seemed back to her less-bitchy self. “You look awfully cheery. Did you hook up with someone at the party?”

“Yes, and he’s gorgeous.” Gina beamed as she dragged a book from her locker.

“And?” The juicy details would take my mind off my epic fail with Daniel, among other things.

She turned to face me. “The thing is… I might really like this guy. Maybe I should see him a couple more times before I say much. Don’t want to jinx it.”

So much for distraction.

† † †

I nearly choked on the thick smell of grease that hung in the corridor as I headed to the cafeteria. My super sense of smell didn’t do much for my appetite.

Daniel and Gina beat me to our table. They sat next to each other, shoulders brushing like they were deep in conversation. For a second, I considered going straight to Maya and pretending Daniel and Gina didn’t exist. But that would be too rude.

After getting my food, I closed in on them. Gina noticed me, then returned to a normal sitting position as Daniel glanced over his shoulder. I shot them a weird look and was about to ask them about their big secret when Maya stopped by our table. She’d let her hair go natural and golden waves fell around her face. Her makeup was almost the same as I’d done it Saturday, but somehow improved upon.

She glanced to her right. “There they are, looking mighty fine.”

Following her gaze, I spotted Trevor. Next to him sat Zack, appearing every bit as delectable as ever. His straight dark hair spiked up and he’d dressed in faded jeans and a solid black T-shirt. It was basic, yet looked anything but plain on him.

“Ooh-la-la.” Gina clicked her tongue.

Daniel snorted. “Those guys are total losers.”

Like a bullet, Zack’s eyes shot to mine. I hung with the two most beautiful girls in school and he was looking at me? I thought he didn’t like me. He grimaced before looking away, reminding me nothing had changed.

“I’ll see you later, Autumn.” Maya twirled and walked toward John’s table.

I stared after Maya, longing to go with her. Normally, I would’ve sat down by now. To stall, I whipped out my cell and texted my mom just to say hello. There, I’d beaten her to it. Still standing, I contemplated how to spend the rest of lunch at John and Maya’s table without Daniel or Gina making a scene.

“I haven’t seen Jeff today. Is he okay?” Gina asked Daniel.

“Yeah. He’s still hung over from Saturday.”

Gina tucked an auburn lock of hair behind her ear. “That’s some hangover.”

“Moderation isn’t one of Jeff’s strong points,” Daniel said.

I yawned, my gaze wandering to John’s table. “I need to talk to Maya for a minute.”

Gina beamed. “We’ll hold your spot for you.”

“Yeah, I’ll walk you to class in a bit.” Daniel shot me a quick look and returned his focus to Gina as though I were an afterthought. No giving me crap about hanging with my less popular friends? Something had to be up, but I wasn’t going to question my good fortune. I snapped up my tray and high-tailed it.

Two other girls and a guy sat with John and Maya. The only free spot next to John allowed a full view of Zack. Taking the seat, I smiled, which was easy since I was so glad to be away from Daniel and Gina. “Hey.”