Ever After (East Raven Academy Book 1)(69)

“Her?”

“Teagan,” I answer. “About the viral video.”

“Oh,” he says. “Yeah, I guess everybody is going to wonder about that. My phone has been blowing up with people asking questions.”

“You’re supposed to be my boyfriend. How do I explain Brooks?” I ask.

“Well, we can tell them the truth about Brooks,” Estaine says.

“The truth?”

“That you slapped him after you stopped being stunned over the fact that he kissed you.”

I laugh. “I can’t believe I slapped him. I’ve never hit anybody in my life. Not even Charlie, when we fought as kids.”

“I’m glad you did slap him. I wanted to punch him at the stadium when it first happened,” he says.

“I bet your hit would’ve hurt worse,” I say, as we walk into the room. Everybody stops talking and stares at us. Estaine doesn’t seem to notice or care.

“I doubt it. You’re an epic MMA fighter,” he says.

Not even. I’ve only been working with Uncle Matty and Jake two weeks.

“Everybody is staring,” I say to him.

“Let them,” he says, and grabs my hand.

I love the way my hand feels in his.

We grab our food and then sit down at the table with our friends. I notice that Emma and Bryce are sitting by each other and I’m hoping that they’re not back together. But I also notice that Teagan and Jason are sitting by each other. Jason usually doesn’t sit by her.

“Sup, guys?” Estaine asks as we sit down.

They’re all watching us.

I let out a sigh. “Estaine and I went to a baseball game. Brooks went with us because he’s my friend. He kissed me. I slapped him after I stopped being stunned. Now let’s never talk about it again. Ever.”

“Are you two still dating?” Emma asks.

“Yes,” Estaine answers.

“And you didn’t punch him?” Bryce asks. “If any guy even thought of touching Emma, he’d be on the floor in a second flat...”

So they are back together.

I try to keep my facial expression neutral, but I’m pretty sure the disgust is clearly written for everybody to see.

“Trust me, I wanted to punch him,” Estaine says. “But watching her slap him was hot.”

My face grows warm.

“What was with you guys’ kiss?” Teagan asks. “You just barely touched lips.”

“Uh...” I say, but don’t really have anything to say in response. Estaine stays quiet beside me.

“Wait, you haven’t kissed yet?” Teagan asks.

I look at Estaine, trying to figure out what to say.

He puts his arm around me. “I just want our first kiss to be special, and not because a camera was on us at a baseball game.”

Nice save.

Also, very romantic. If we were dating, I’d be swooning right now. Actually, forget that. I’m swooning, anyway. And if the looks on Emma and Teagan’s face are any indication, I’d say they’re pretty impressed with Estaine’s answer.

“Wow. You must really like this girl. Especially since you hung out with Brooks for her,” Jason says.

“You guys hate each other,” Ian says.

“I thought it would be good for them to work through their differences,” I say. “But now I’m kind of mad at Brooks.”

“Why did Brooks kiss you?” Emma asks.

“He said it was because he was jealous,” I answer.

“Girls here probably hate you now,” Teagan says. “You kissed Brooks, and you’re dating Estaine.”

“I kind of hate you,” Emma says, laughing.

Bryce gives her a look. He’s not happy with what Emma said, which makes me want to laugh.

“What?” Emma asks. “I’m not allowed to think other guys are cute?”

“No,” Bryce answers.

Emma just rolls her eyes.

Huh.

Maybe their break did do her some good.

“I only have eyes for you,” Bryce tells Emma.

I nearly choke on my drink when he says that, and I notice that Teagan coughs to cover up a laugh too.

“Sorry,” I say, patting my chest. “Just went down the wrong way.”

“Phoenix, would you be jealous if Estaine thought some other girl was cute?” Bryce asks, clearly challenging me.

“I don’t know,” I answer. “Maybe a little, but I definitely wouldn’t act like a jealous freak about it. It’s not like we’re engaged or anything. Besides, I trust Estaine. I don’t have to worry about him cheating on me.”

Besides, we’re not really dating.

“No girl can compare to Phoenix,” Estaine says.

I laugh. “Whatever.”

“Estaine, aren’t you jealous that another guy kissed your girlfriend?” Bryce asked. “Because, if you ask me, it kind of looked like she kissed him back.”

“Why would I be jealous of Brooks?” Estaine asks. “I’ve got the girl.”

Ha.

Great response.

“Whatever,” Bryce says. “I’m just saying, no guy better try to kiss Emma.”

“I hope you trust me not to let another guy kiss me,” Emma says. “Because, unlike some people at this table, I’ve never been unfaithful.”