“Okay, well, see you later.” Celeste dragged a gawking Miles down the hall, and Nate let out a breathy chuckle.
“And here’s me thinking Celeste was on my side.”
“There are sides now?”
He gave me a half-hearted shrug. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“It took a while for me to get going. What are you doing, Nate?”
“Well, I thought I was saying hi. But I’m sensing I missed the mark.”
“We’re not friends,” I said.
“You wound me, Maguire. I don’t hotbox my car for anyone, you know.” Amusement danced in his eyes, but I didn’t return his smile.
“I’d prefer it if you kept our… interaction to yourself.”
“Interaction? Is that what we’re calling it? You know,” he leaned in, lowering his voice, “some people might say I did you a favor.”
“Hey, Miller,” Marc’s voice made my skin crawl. I took a step back, putting some space between us, and glowered at him.
“Your friend is calling,” I said. “Better run along.”
Nate’s lips pursed as if he was considering his next words carefully. But they never came.
Instead, he gave me a small smirk and said, “See you around, Maguire,” and he disappeared down the hall.
As I entered third period, a wall of muscle stepped into the doorway, refusing me entry.
“Seriously?” I snarled up at Marc.
“What’s up with you and Miller?”
“What? Nothing.”
“Don’t act dumb, Maguire. I know you two cut class together yesterday. Ange said she saw him chase you out.”
“Why don’t you ask him since you’re such good friends and all?”
“I did ask him, and he wouldn’t tell me. So I’m asking you. Why the fuck would he come to your rescue?”
Nate hadn’t told him. Interesting. He could have easily sold me out to them, giving them even more ammunition to come at me with.
But he hadn’t.
I didn’t know what to make of it, or him.
“Maybe he was feeling chivalrous.”
“Or maybe you made it worth his while.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“You know—”
“Mr. Denby, Miss Rowe, I assume you’re both about to go inside and take your seats?” The teacher glared at us both.
“Just swapping some notes, sir,” Marc stepped aside and swept his arm out. “After you, Maguire.”