they’re flying all over school. When I’m on campus, people point and whisper. It makes me feel like a bug under a microscope. None of the stories I’ve heard are accurate. Some are plain outlandish. It’s like the headlines of my life have been ripped straight from the storyline of Gossip Girl.
“I need to get out of here for a while.” If I’m lucky, someone else’s life will implode this weekend, and when I return to Western on Monday, everything will magically be back to normal.
Dinner on Wednesday with Dad and Rowan was awkward. I spent most of the time worrying that my father had not only caught wind of the rumors but might actually believe them. If he had, he never mentioned them. The rest of the time I spent avoiding Rowan, which is difficult to do when there are only three people in attendance. I stuck to Dad’s side like glue before taking off as soon as the dishes were done.
“Running away won’t solve anything.”
“That’s not what I’m doing.” Okay...so that’s exactly what I’m doing. I deserve a break. This whole week, I held my head high and ignored all the sly comments and knowing looks sent my way. I can’t do it any longer. “Want to come with me? We can chill and catch some rays by the pool.”
“Can’t.” She shakes her head. “I told Ethan that we would have dinner and hash out some stuff, and then we were going to meet up with a few girls from the team. I figured you’d need a drink as much as I do.”
“I think what will help the most is to get away from this place.” I don’t mention that I need to put a little distance between Rowan and myself.
Sydney stretches out on the bed and stares at the ceiling. “Annica better hope I don’t run into her tonight. I know that little bitch is behind all this.”
Her and Justin are running their mouths all over campus.
The dynamic duo.
What’s hilarious—not to mention ironic—is that I’m not the one who cheated. It was the two of them. And yet, I’m the one being talked about. It’s my name being dragged through the mud.
I toss a black bikini into the bag. This weekend is supposed to be gorgeous. I plan to spend at least part of Saturday and Sunday laying out by the pool relaxing. With any luck, I’ll forget all about this mess. At least for a few days. “Please don’t do anything that will get you in trouble, okay? Annica isn’t worth it.”
Sydney waves a hand. “Please, you know me better than that.”
My gaze slices to her. “Yeah, that’s why I’m saying it.”
She snorts. “I’ll try to control myself to the best of my ability.”
“And don’t drink too much. I won’t be around to talk you off the ledge.” The one weekend I was gone last year, Sydney got into a wicked fight and punched some girl who had been making moves on her man.
She sits up and points a finger at me. “Hey! I told that skank what would happen if she kept it up. It’s not my fault she didn’t take the warning seriously. I have zero regrets!”
“That’s part of the problem. You’re damn lucky Coach Adams was able to get you out of that mess, or you would’ve had to take anger management classes.”
She grumbles at the reminder.
I’ve known Sydney for three years, and I learned quickly that she’s not someone to be messed with. The girl is a bad bitch. She may look all sweet and innocent with her blond hair and vibrant green eyes, but beneath the doll-like exterior lies a temper that explodes as easily as dynamite. That’s what happens when you have five older brothers. You learn to kick a little ass. Sydney is accustomed to sticking up for herself and fighting for what she wants.
When I’m done filling the duffle bag, I zip it up and hoist it over my shoulder. “I’ll be back late Sunday afternoon. Call me if you change your mind and want to stop over.”
She rises to her feet. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yup. A break will do me good.”
Fine,” she mutters, “but I’ll miss you.”
I pull her in for a quick hug. Sydney has always been a good friend. I’m lucky to have her. “Plus, you’ll have the apartment all to yourself. You can be as loud as you want.”
“You know that I’m always loud.” She squeezes me before stepping away. “It’s never good