The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (17)
“Who’s Barbie?” I’d question who would name their kid Barbie, but considering my own name, judgment was off the table.
“Ever’s girlfriend,” she answered matter-of-factly.
The cafeteria, the other students—it all faded away.
Since the moment he’d stepped around that refrigerator door, I hadn’t been able to break free of his spell. Not even when he was being an utter dick. How had I never considered that he belonged to someone?
The reality felt like a heart-stopping blow, and I had no idea why.
“They’ve been a thing since the eighth grade,” Tyra chattered obliviously. “Barbie is a total bitch, but if you ask me, I think she can do better.”
“Why do you say that?”
Tyra took a look around before whispering, “Because everyone knows Ever sleeps around. He lost his virginity three years ago, and people say it wasn’t to her. They say Olivia Portland was his first love.” Her voice dropped even lower when she added, “After he fucked her, she wanted him to break it off with Barbie, but he refused. She stalked him, it became a shitstorm, but then her family left town, and everyone moved on.”
I took a deep breath and chose my next words carefully. “This Barbie didn’t break up with him?”
“That’s the weirdest part. I don’t think she really cared. They’re a weird couple if you ask me. Don’t think I’ve even seen them kiss before.”
My mouth became as dry as a desert. “Maybe he isn’t big on PDA.” I opened my carton of milk and took a sip when I wanted to chug it.
“Could be…except I caught him fingering a girl once.”
Some of the milk I spat out landed on Tyra, and she squealed, drawing attention, before quickly grabbing some napkins.
“Sorry,” I forced through my choking.
“I guess I deserved that.” At my look, she fell over laughing, drawing even more attention. “I totally got you.”
“What?” I took an angry swipe at my mouth.
“I kid. No one ever sees Ever do his dirt.”
“So how do you know all of this?”
“Because girls talk and because fucking Ever McNamara is like climbing Mount Everest or winning the lottery.” I rolled my eyes at that. “I know you hate him, but it’s true. He’s incredibly selective. Vaughn Rees, too.” She rolled her eyes at the mention of his name. “You aren’t hot unless they say you are.”
“God forbid a girl thinks more of herself.”
“You don’t understand. They aren’t just a meal ticket. They’re the ticket.”
I couldn’t deny that my interest was piqued. “I know the McNamara’s are rich, but what makes Vaughn so special?”
She shrugged. “His mother’s family founded Blackwood Keep. They’re pretty loaded, too.”
“Is that why they call him the Prince of Blackwood Keep?”
“Yeah, but there’s a rumor that his father is into some real heavy shit.”
“What kind of shit?”
“Don’t know,” she answered nonchalantly. “His father might as well be Voldemort. We don’t speak his name.”
I snorted. “And I thought only the folks in Cherry were heavy on superstition and rumors.”
Her expression turned serious, and she grabbed my hand. “I’m serious, Four. I agree that Ever deserves a good kick in the dick, but if you go looking for trouble, they’ll bring it to you. Ever and Vaughn are not to be fucked with.”
I smirked. “Been there, done that.”
“What do you mean you did that?”
It was my turn for nonchalance. “I kneed him in his special place my first night here.” When she stared back at me as if I’d just told her I once kicked a puppy, I shrugged and added, “He deserved it.”
Her gaze narrowed. “Did you also give him that bruise everyone’s been talking about?”
I fought a smile. “Maybe.”
“Everyone’s been wondering who was crazy enough to fight Ever, but he’s been tight-lipped, as usual.”
“Maybe he doesn’t want anyone to know it was a girl.”
She giggled and let go of my hand. “You’re crazy, and I must be insane for daring to be your friend.”
This time I did smile albeit hesitantly. I’d been a loner for so long that I wasn’t sure I even wanted a friend. When she smiled back, bright and honest, I decided the idea wasn’t entirely loathsome. “You only live once.”
Her reply was cut off by the sudden appearance of three girls. Two of them—both brunette—wore navy blazers, but not the blue-eyed blonde leading them. Red painted lips stretched wide as she eyeballed me. “You must be Flower.”
“Four,” I corrected.
“Oh.” She giggled, and on cue, the two behind her echoed. “How silly of me. I’m Amanda.”
“Okay.”
Without invitation, she sat down next to Tyra, who didn’t bother to be subtle when she scooted her chair over. If Amanda noticed, she pretended otherwise as she beamed at me. Her friends chose to remain standing, which gave me hope that whatever this was wouldn’t last long.
“I’m sorry for the intrusion. I just had to know if the rumors were true.”