Rebel at Spruce High (Spruce Texas Romance #5) - Daryl Banner Page 0,120

me in. “Interesting costume.”

“It’s all Toby. His idea. We’re a couple of characters from this video game he’s way into. Listen, I …” I take a step toward her. She lifts her eyes to me. “I heard some of what you said. It was muffled through the door, but I heard it. And I know you know who my …” I struggle to get this out. “Who my parents are. Maybe you don’t like me because of them. But I just want to say I don’t approve of who my parents are working for. I don’t think we should have a say in the politics of this town, whether or not my mom grew up here. We’ve been gone my whole life, and …” I feel like I’m making a jumble out of all of this. “Well, whatever. I’m sorry. And if I could somehow help you, or make my parents give up their work …”

The bathroom door opens behind me. A meek goblin comes out, smiles sheepishly at us, quickly greets the Strongs, then takes off down the hall.

Mrs. Strong nods at the bathroom. “Your turn.”

I guess it was a mistake to bother opening my mouth. “Thanks,” I mutter, turning away to head into the bathroom.

“And thank you,” she adds.

I stop and glance at her over a shoulder.

Mrs. Strong doesn’t smile, but her voice is kind. “I appreciate you saying that. From what I heard of you and your relationship with dear, sweet Toby, you’re fiercely loyal and … sometimes to a fault. To say that about your own parents must not be easy.” She smirks. “And your performance in the Spruce High play was quite stellar. Made me miss seeing my son Jimmy dance on that stage.”

From what I understand about this town, a compliment from Mrs. Strong is like being complimented by a royal queen. Despite my misgivings, I can’t take that lightly. “Thanks, Mrs. Strong.”

“For goodness’ sake, ain’t no one around here calls me that. Except that goblin that just hopped on by.” She extends a hand to me. “Nadine. That’s what you call me.”

Reluctantly, I shake her hand with my gloved one.

Paul comes to her side. “Can we let the boy take a leak now? He’s probably desperate and we’ve got a party to resume hosting.”

With that, the pair of them head downstairs, and I shut the door behind me, silencing all the noise of the party. In the quiet peace of the bathroom, I look at myself in the mirror, and for the first time in weeks, I feel a strange sense of belonging.

Maybe this town really does have a place for me.

“Are we ready for the contest??” asks Toby excitedly when I return downstairs to him. “Is my hair still doing that cool thing it did before we left your house? I feel like it isn’t.”

I take Toby right then and press my lips to his face.

Kelsey nearby hoots at us. That’s followed by Frankie and a giggly Tamika, who start cheering as if our gross public displays of affection are their new favorite sport. Toby soon gives in, as he throws his arms around me and deepens the kiss. And just like that, we’re back to our old selves.

Until a nearby crash flings a deluge of punch all over us.

We separate, punch dripping from our drenched costumes. I turn to find the punch bowl at our side knocked over, all of its red, sticky contents dripping off the edge of the table onto our boots and down our legs. I lift my eyes across the table. Julio stands next to a gawping Benji, whose face looks on the verge of a laugh. Hoyt is behind the two of them, a look of shock in his eyes. All three are shirtless with their uniform colors painted on their chests. When I look back at Toby, I realize he got the worst of it, his pants stained blood red along with his sash and tunic. The look in his eyes says it all: His costume is ruined.

“Oops,” says Julio, a smug look on his face.

I face him. From that look, I know in an instant it was him.

He did this.

It’s rage that fills me when I whip around the table and go straight for Julio. I don’t hear Toby calling out at me as I lunge for the jock’s smug face, my teeth gnashed. Benji comes between us, and for once, his face isn’t on the verge of laughing. “Hey, hey, hey! Stop!” cries