Rumor Has It (Rumor Has It #1)(8)

Tamara is one of the rich kids, who lives near Jeremy. I nod, opening my locker and remember my text message because Tamara is friends with Tommy. I wonder if my texter has replied.

UNKNOWN: Emerald22





I look at the screen, confused.

BigBaller27: What’s that?

UNKNOWN: That’s what you can call me.





After putting on my clothes and locking up my locker, I edit her contact info.

BigBaller27: Okay, Dorothy :P

Emerald22: It’s not about Wizard of Oz.

BigBaller27: My bad





I slip my phone into my pocket and head out to my car in the student parking lot, for some reason with a feeling of accomplishment. I'm talking to a girl, I have no idea who she is, and don't even know what she looks like. Crazy.

There are only a few cars left in the lot. Across the way, some cheerleaders are on the football field going over routines. I don't want to linger too long since I know Sarah is probably over there somewhere, but I wonder if Emerald22 is out there. Is she a cheerleader? Is she in any of my classes?





Chapter 6





Emma





“What’s Emerald22?” Jen asks as we hang out in my room.

"Well, emerald is my birthstone."

“And your birthday is May 22nd. Clever.” She smiles as she scrolls through Instagram.

“Are you staying for dinner?”

“I don’t know.” She looks at her phone a little closer. “This might be him.”

I look over her shoulder at her screen, as we both lay on top of my bed. It’s open to the profile of a guy that kind of looks familiar. His profile says his name is Steve. Under that, it reads ‘Livin’ Large in So Cal $$$’.

“Steve?” I ask.

"Yeah, Steven Perez, I think? He hangs out with Tamara and all them."

“Hmm.” I examine the screen. “He’s kinda cute.”

She shrugs. “Meh. But if he hangs out with the richies, he’s most likely a dick.”

"Jen!" I glare at her. She returns it to me. "Yeah, you're probably right. I think Big Baller is nice though. At least, nice at heart."

“And you would know this how?”

“I don’t know,” I say, sitting up. “I mean, who asks for a homework assignment? He could’ve copied from one of his friends or something.”

She closes the app and sits up. “I guess so. Still kind of a stupid name. Big Baller? I mean, come on!”

I let out a little chuckle. I agree with her, and I said the same thing when he texted that, but it is funny. Oh God, what am I doing?

“This is stupid.” I get up from my bed. “Why am I wondering who he is? He probably won’t text again. I know I won’t.”

“You won’t?” Jen gives me a mischievous smile.

“No. I mean, I shouldn’t. It’s dumb. I don’t even know him.”

“Stop.”

I stop and look at her, suddenly realizing I’m pacing my room. “Sorry.”

“If he did text you again though, what would you say?”

I stare at her, and my mind goes blank. What would I say? I guess it depends on what he’d say. Then I shake my head again, for what feels like the millionth time today. Why am I freaking out about this so much? As if reading my mind, Jen speaks up.

“It’s cuz you like him.” She smirks.

“What?” I stare at her with a deadpan expression. “Jen, that’s insane. I don’t even know him.”

“But you’re getting to know him. Or at least, you want to. I can tell. You already made that homework comment. He’s probably smart, so that already gets you going. I know how you like the nerds.”

I hold up a finger. “First of all, that’s rude. I’m a nerd.”

“No, you’re not. You’re … eccentric.”

“Same thing. And secondly, how is texting him for one day–”

“A day and a half.”

“Whatever. How is that getting to know him?”

“You know he needed—or wanted—to do his homework. So, he’s at least somewhat smart. He’s got money or likes to think he does, with a handle like that. He teased you about liking Tommy, which kind of means he may like you to.”

“What?”

"You know, how like in grade school the boys would tease you at recess if they liked you."

“I always stayed inside during recess.”

“Of course, you did. Anyways, the most important part, you found out he’s a boy.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Don’t be gross.”

“Hey, just because you don’t date, doesn’t mean you don’t think about those things. I know you do, Emma.”

“Hey, I date.” I scold her.

"The last date you went on was with me, last year when you pulled that glasses and tie stunt. You didn't even want to be there. I don't think that qualifies as dating."

“So, I don’t date all the time.”

“Never.”

“It’s just because I have priorities. Plus, most of the guys at school are stupid. Stupid high school boys.” I fold my arms, daring her to counter my argument.