So Many Boys (The Naughty List #2)(66)

“The fake SOS is over now,” I said to all of them, rolling back my shoulders. “Look, we all make mistakes, but we can’t hold animosity toward each other. School spirit is on the line. We have to stick this landing and get through this.”

“I’m glad you’re back,” Leona replied, her voice crisp. Then she smiled. “Without a leader, we were just Kittens. You brought the Smitten.”

“You had a leader,” Kira snapped, darting a glance her way.

Leona shook her head. “I have one now.” Leona turned her back to Kira and looked at the rest of the girls. “Tessa’s right. We need to let this go. We are not rogue Kittens. None of us should do things against the squad. No matter how jealous we might get.” She smiled. “Now. Let’s get back to that homecoming dance.”

“Yes, let’s,” Kira murmured.

Leona spun around and tilted her head, studying Kira. “I don’t know about you, but I have to go home to change. You’re not going to wear that, are you?” Leona asked with a smirk, motioning to Kira’s black outfit that was now covered in dust.

“No,” Kira hissed. “My dress is in my locker.”

“Classy.”

I watched Kira’s jaw clench, but then she began to brush the dirt from the gymnasium floor off of her clothes. Izzie chewed on her lip, looking between Kira and me, and then she shrugged.

“So we’re still a squad?” she asked, her voice meek.

“Yes.” I nodded, although I wasn’t sure if that was true anymore. But for now, I’d have to pretend it was.

“Great.” Izzie exhaled, rubbing her stomach. “I’m starving.”

I pressed my lips together, nodding for the squad to go ahead, waiting until Kira and I were alone again. We turned to look at each other.

“One other thing,” Kira said, focusing her big blue eyes on me. “I…” She paused, looking uncomfortable with what she was about to say. “I love him.”

I swallowed hard and nodded.

“I love him, Tessa. So…” She looked away and then back at me. “So leave him alone, okay?”

My face stung. Not just because my ex-best friend had practically accused me of trying to steal her boyfriend, but also because…she was right to worry. And I knew that.

“I’ll leave him alone.” I nodded, wishing that things could go back to the way they were. But Kira and I were like SOS. We’d have to rebuild—even if we could never get to where we’d been before.

SOS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Clients,

This is an important announcement regarding SOS and its future dealings. During the last few months, an imposter infiltrated SOS. The situation has been handled, and the proper investigators are back on duty.

In the meantime, the real SOS has reinstated its former leader and is getting back to basics. We are a nonprofit organization and exist only on donations from our benefactors. In addition, there will be no more revenge, although matchmaking is still a possibility.

We are also returning to our top-secret status, and you can be assured that all the information collected will remain confidential. Although we are still trying to get the previously loaded videos off of YouTube.

SOS is looking forward to salvaging our reputations and rebuilding your trust.

If you suspect your boyfriend in a cheat, please send a cheater request to 555-0101.

Keep smiling,

SOS ☺

SOS

Text: 555-0101 * Exposing Cheaters for Over Three Years

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

WHEN I HOBBLED INTO THE CAFETERIA (STILL minus a shoe), my emotions were completely tied in lopsided bows. I stood, looking over the student body, unsure of where to begin.

Maybe it was the paper flowers or homecoming ribbons on the walls or the alternating red and blue lighting, but this place was romantic. And I didn’t belong here. Not without Aiden.

I reached down to slip off my other shoe before making my way back out of the dance and down the deserted hallway. The sound of music slowly faded behind me, and I wondered where I should go. What I should do.

But going home didn’t sound glorious, and the Smitten Kittens were all inside, enjoying their nights. And I wouldn’t bring them down. Not when we’d finally solved the copy-Kitten crisis. Only they didn’t know the real devastation. I’d have to fake it until we make it. No matter how much it hurt.

I paused and looked through the glass window of the exit door. I could see the filled parking lot, the streamers hanging on the cars for the parade at the end of the dance. It was so peppy that I had to smile.

I pushed hard on the heavy metal door and had made my way across the cement when I spotted the football field behind the parking lot. I laughed at myself. How obvious—where else would a cheerleader go to think?

When I got there, I sat down on the cool metal bleacher, looking out at the pieces of confetti littering the football field to prep it for the celebration. There was a chill in the air, so I wrapped my arms around my torso and glanced up at the scoreboard. Wildcats vs. Ducks. Even though I hadn’t been a cheerleader in months, my school spirit had never faded.

I closed my eyes as a gust of wind blew through my hair, sending it back from my face. Behind my lids, I could feel tears, hot, salty.

Aiden was gone. He didn’t belong to me anymore, and really, maybe he never had. Maybe we just weren’t right, no matter how much we felt like we were. And even though I missed him, I didn’t miss the confusion.