Max: Where are you really going?
Me: I told you, I got my period and need supplies. I’ll be back for my next class.
Max: Don’t pursue a professional career in subterfuge. You’re a terrible liar.
I smiled at that.
Me: I’m surprised you know what that means.
Max: I googled it. I’ll cover for you.
Me: Thanks. I owe you.
Turning on the ignition, I backed out of the parking spot and thumbed Zane’s address into my GPS.
Twenty minutes.
If I drove fast, I could make it in fifteen.
* * *
I hadn’t even turned into Darling Row trailer park when I spotted Zane up ahead.
Relief slammed into me. He didn’t seem to be in any hurry which meant Miriam was okay. But it didn’t explain why he’d left school.
Slowing down, I pulled alongside him. He glanced over, scowling when he noticed me.
I cranked the window down and smiled. “Need a ride?”
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
“It’s a funny story actually. If you let me give you a ride home, I’ll tell you all about it.”
Zane dragged a hand through his hair, glancing left and right before settling his tormented gaze back on my face. He blew out an irritated breath and yanked open the door.
“Hi,” I said, tingles of anticipation vibrating inside me. “Are you okay? Chloe said the guys were worried and I thought—”
“What are you doing, Celeste?” His cold tone turned my blood to ice.
Not Einstein.
Not babe.
Celeste.
I didn’t like it. It didn’t sound… right.
“I came to make sure you and your grandma were okay.”
“I didn’t ask you to do that.”
“I know, but Chloe seemed worried, and I thought… you’re mad at me.”
“You’ve got to stop with this shit, Celeste. We’re not together. You’re not my girlfriend. I thought I made that clear last night.”
“I know… I just thought—”
“For fuck’s sake, you’re acting like a stage five clinger. We fooled around a couple of times and it’s like you’ve gone and convinced yourself we’re together or something.”