My Wolf’s Bane(23)

Her eyes shot to mine, an eyebrow raised. “Sounds like you don’t like him.”

“Not particularly.” Zack was scrutinizing the crowd. I wondered who he was searching for. “He’s an ass.”

“I can call the principal later.” She closed her door and started the car again.

I didn’t know the reason for her abrupt change of mind and I didn’t care. It was enough to know she wasn’t going inside. “Meet you here after school?” I asked.

She nodded and waved, looking a little preoccupied.

“’Bye, Mom.” I glanced toward Zack again, but he’d already left. So had practically everyone else. I needed to hurry or be late for class.

† † †

After fourth period, I took a different route to the cafeteria, hoping to avoid anyone unpleasant. Slipping into the lunchroom through the back door, I scanned for Maya or John. Instead, I saw Daniel. He was in our usual spot talking with Jeff and a couple of his friends. I did a quick visual for Gina, but she wasn’t at any of the tables. Zack and Trevor were seated in their usual place. Maya was there too, right next to Trevor.

I wanted to talk with her, but Zack was a major deterrent. So I kept myself busy picking out a walnut salad, minestrone soup and a banana muffin.

Another glance around the room and I found John in the far corner. He waved at me and I waved back. Tray in hand, I took a step forward to meet him as Maya grasped my arm.

“Trevor asked me out this morning.” She beamed.

I squealed. “I knew he would.”

“What are you doing this Friday?”

“Anything I want.” I grinned. “My parents are leaving town for a few days.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding!”

“Crazy, right? I was hoping you were free to hang out.” I wiggled my eyebrows.

“Perfect. Because I told Trevor we’d hang out with him and his friends Friday night.”

I swallowed hard, feet fixed to the floor and prayed she’d tell me Zack was not part of the equation. “Which of his friends?”

“You and me with Zack and Trevor. Can you believe it?” She said, stepping aside for someone to pass. When she focused on me again, her face wilted. “Are you okay?”

Maya had said friends. Plural. Where were the others? But if I told her how badly I wanted to avoid Zack, she’d feel guilty and her plans with Trevor could be ruined. I couldn’t let her down.

“I’m fine. That’s great you’re getting together with him. I’m happy for you.” I nudged her with my elbow and motioned with my head to an empty table. “Come sit with me for a minute. It’ll give Trevor a chance to miss you.”

She giggled as she fell in step with me. “Not a bad idea.”

“Have you seen Gina today?” I asked.

“No, she wasn’t in second period.” We stopped at the nearly empty table and Maya tilted her head. “It’s lunch time and you haven’t spoken to her?”

“Uhm…” I sat at the vacant end of the table, then glanced over at the guys. Zack stared at me as though he was trying to figure something out. I turned my head, unnerved by his intensity. “I caught her making out with Daniel yesterday after school,” I whispered.

“Oh.” Maya eased into the chair across from me as air whooshed from her lungs. “I knew Gina was a bitch, but, wow.”

“Yeah, wow.” But Maya didn’t really seem all that surprised. “Did you know about them?”

Maya glanced over each shoulder as though checking if anyone else could hear. “Not specifically, no.”

“But you know something. Spill it,” I said in a hushed voice, taking the lid off my salad.

“Gina and I were best friends last year,” she said. “Back then, she barely knew Trevor existed until I’d told her about my crush. She started flirting with him the next day.”

I reached for her hand and squeezed. “That’s why you two don’t get along? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It was over a year ago. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.” Maya’s eyes lit up. “You’re single again. What about Zack?”

“Oh, no.” I shook my head, imagining the wheels turning in her head. “Don’t even think about matchmaking. Zack is so not my type. Besides, he can’t stand me.”

“I don’t think that’s true.”

“Trust me,” I said. “He doesn’t like me at all.”

“If you say so.” She rolled her eyes. “I found out from Trevor why Zack had to switch schools so late in the year.”

“Do tell.” I leaned forward, elbows on the table and rested my chin on my palms.