So Many Boys (The Naughty List #2)(38)

I shook my head. Okay, I knew the stats. And I knew it was not only possible, but probable that Sam had met someone else, but that didn’t mean Izzie had the right to spy on him. “Don’t take this the wrong way,” I said softly, reaching out to touch her shoulder. “But Sam broke up with you. So technically, if he’s seeing someone else, it’s not cheating.”

Izzie whipped her head toward me so fast, the car swerved. “You think he’s seeing someone else?”

“Hey,” I said, pointing at the windshield. “Watch the road.” I was thankful to see the multiplex just ahead. “I’m not saying he is, but I just don’t want you doing something crazy out of anger.”

Izzie sniffled, resuming her gaze on the road as she turned into the movie-theater parking lot.

“That copy-Kitten can’t be trusted, Izzie. You should know that. I promise we’ll work through this. You just need to be patient.”

Izzie nodded and parked her car before turning off the engine. “You’re right,” she said quietly. “Just because I’m desperate, it doesn’t mean I can get in bed with the enemy. You know, like you did with Christian.”

My face stung and I turned quickly to look out the passenger window. Even if Izzie didn’t mean it as an insult, her words crushed me.

Izzie looked at me, her green eyes tired and sad. “I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you first, Tess,” she murmured. “But I needed a captain. I needed a leader.”

I nodded in agreement. But after the obvious disarray of the squad, I wasn’t sure if she was following the right captain anymore.

When we got inside, Kira hadn’t arrived yet, but Leona was waiting in front of the concession stand, tapping one size-nine sneaker in annoyance. The bright neon lights across the ceiling flashed blue, green, and red across her glasses. Chris Townsend emerged from the line behind her with two Cokes. He smiled widely at me, and I swallowed hard. I was so not ready for this.

“Chris is so cute,” Izzie whispered, her minty breath washing over the side of my face. “And you guys will look totally dreamy together.”

I twitched my nose as I waved halfheartedly to Chris, watching as he and Leona made their way over to us. Chris’s blond hair was perfectly messy, and his button-down shirt made his blue eyes stand out fantastically. And sure, he was cute enough—but he wasn’t Aiden.

“Hey, Tessa,” he said, pausing in front of me.

“Hello, Chris. You look nice.” I tried to smile.

His face brightened. “Yeah? Well…um…you look nice too.” He handed me one of the Cokes, then slid his now-empty hand in his pocket; then, as if rethinking it, he ran it through his hair instead.

“Nice shirt,” Leona mumbled from next to me, adjusting her glasses as she looked over Chris, then turned away.

He glanced at her. “Oh. Thanks.” Then he looked back to me. “So…” He let the word hang there, but I didn’t know what to say! This date wasn’t my idea. My fingers began to tremble, and I blinked quickly, chewing on my lip.

“I’m here!” Kira announced from behind us, and I turned to see her, walking up, waving her hands wildly. “Sorry I’m late.” I immediately felt better. Waiting for Kira could have been an all-night affair.

As she passed behind Chris, she looked him over (pausing to get a good look at his rear), then gave me a big thumbs-up. I laughed.

Just then, the glass doors of the cinema swung open, and Joel came running in, skidding to a stop on the tile floor when he saw us all gathered in the lobby.

“And where were you?” Kira asked, just as he opened his mouth to talk. Joel’s eyes flicked to mine, then back toward her.

“Sorry. My dad needed to put the car—”

“Whatev,” she said, waving her hand. “I had to get a ride from my mother because you weren’t answering your phone. I’m really unhappy.” Kira pulled her glossy lips into a pout. I looked at Leona, who groaned next to me. This was awfully uncomfortable.

“Wow, Kira. You’re so pleasant. No wonder he didn’t answer the phone.” Leona laughed, but Kira spun around so fast that it actually made us jump back a little.

“Shut your stupid mouth, Leona,” she snapped. “And stay out of it.”

My eyes widened. I’d never seen Kira lose it like this. It wasn’t like Leona’s harsh comments were something new.

“Whoa,” Leona said, holding up her hands. “Back off, Dragon Lady. I was just being observant.” When Kira seemed to calm down, Leona shrugged. “And besides, getting called stupid by you is almost like a compliment.”

“Okay, okay,” Joel said, stepping over to stand between my friends. “Keep it up, and you’ll both be in time-out.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Leona said, walking away toward the movie entrance to check her phone.

I glanced over at Joel to find him grinning at me. His crooked smile made me sigh. I was glad to be here. Even if I was on a tragically misguided date, it was nice to be around friends.

“Do you want some popcorn?” Chris asked, his deep voice startling me as he touched my arm.

I glanced over at the concession stand. “Sure. No butter, though.” Because those five pounds weren’t going to lose themselves.

“What?” Joel asked, shaking his head. “You have to get butter on it.” He paused, looking me over. “You’re not one of those diet girls, are you?” He leaned in to whisper. “After all, I saw you inhale an entire pizza.”