Rumor Has It (Rumor Has It #1)(31)

When I get up the next day, I frown at my phone. But I surprise myself, realizing the frown isn’t me being sad or even mad. I’m over it. Who does this guy think he is to make a big scene, well, at least a big digital scene, and go on and on about being sorry and still wanting to talk, but then I don’t hear from him? Getting ready for school, I push it to the back of my mind.

Later on, I surprise myself again. Lunch starts and Jen walks up next to me, nudging my elbow.

“Hey.” She smiles.

“Hey.”

“Any more stupid apologies from you-know-who?”

“No.” I shake my head, actually feeling okay.

“Good.”

“Hey.” Lana nods to us, as we sit down.

"Those glasses are so cute," Jen says.

“Thanks, I got them last night. Well, Micah got them for me, after we walked around the mall after the movie.”

“Where is he?” I ask, looking around.

“He’ll be here. He’s finishing up a painting in art, for the show.”

I nod and remember my paintings. I don't feel like painting Heartbreak today. Maybe I'll work on the waterfall piece or finish the abstract painting.

“Oh, did you guys hear?” Lana leans forward, lowering her voice. “Sarah Donovan is hooking up with Jeremy McCormick.”

“Ew.” Jen wrinkles her nose. “I guess she’s like a basketball groupie, or what?”

“Hey, wait a second,” I say. “Isn’t he friends with Carter?”

“I’m sure she doesn’t care,” Lana answers. “And Jeremy is worse than Carter.”

“No, what about what you said?” I lean closer, lowering my voice. “About the crabs thing?”

“It’s not true,” Micah says, appearing behind us.

“How do you know?” Lana eyes him suspiciously.

"Taylor." He looks back at her like she should've known already. "I was talking to him in English this morning. I guess Carter found about the rumor and went ballistic after practice." We all nod, listening to him. "Supposedly, and again, this is the rumor mill, but I guess she wanted to hook up again, at the bonfire. Well, Carter turned her down, and she got so pissed she decided to start the rumor."

“God, what a bitch,” Jen says, before biting down on a chip. I look at her, a little confused she would be on Carter’s side. “What? I mean, yeah, he’s a manwhore, but for someone to spread rumors about you just because they won’t hook up with you?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I nod and return to my sandwich.

“By the way, Emma,” Micah says. “I saw that one piece you’re working on, in Ms. Hales. The one with the clouds? That looks awesome.”

“Thanks,” I answer but can’t bring myself to look at him. I’ve never liked it when people see my work before it’s finished.

As lunch ends, I head to history and find myself thinking more about my interaction with Carter yesterday. He seemed genuine in his apology, even a little nice. And then he said he had to get to practice. That must’ve been some outburst he had when he found out about the rumor. He always comes off as this smooth player, but I can’t imagine he wasn’t hurt, at least a little. I know if that happened to me, I’d be mortified.

When I get to class, I figure the least I can do is be a little more cordial to him than I have been. Maybe even say hi. But as I get to my seat, I find his empty, along with the one behind it. He and Matt are both on the basketball team, and they miss afternoon classes occasionally.

Oh well, I shrug my shoulders, deciding it’s probably for the best. I wouldn’t want to yell at him again. Getting to art class, Ms. Hales pulls me aside into her office as the bell rings.

"Emma, how are you?" she asks, looking at some papers on her desk.

“I’m fine.”

"Good." Her eyes met mine. "So, I was reviewing some scholarship information, and I thought of you."

“Oh.”

“Yes. I know you’ve mentioned LCAD, and I’ve seen the pieces you’ve put in your portfolio.” I nod, looking down at the ground. I think they’re good, but this is my teacher. Maybe she has a different opinion. “And you know, Laguna is just as expensive as some of the other art schools out there.”

“I know. That’s why I’m applying for as many art scholarships as I can.”

"Your pieces are excellent, and I happen to know someone on the board of the Woodbridge Arts Scholarship committee." My head pops up, my eyes a little wider. The scholarship is the largest one offered. Even if I don't get into LCAD, the scholarship can help a ton with any other college I go to. "I'm not saying it would get you it, but it might up your chances."

“Really?”

“Yes. But,” she stands up and looks out the tiny window of her office, into the classroom, “I really think you shouldn’t submit the portfolio until you have your piece done.”

“Which one?” I look out of the window, towards my easel.

“The large one. The one that looks …” She stops and glances at me. “The one that’s full of emotion.”

My cheeks burn. “You think I should put that in my portfolio?”