She had a point.
Though I’d only told four people, and I couldn’t imagine Emily or my parents running around town spreading gossip. Rush had really outdone himself.
“I wish you’d just entertain the possibility that I’m right,” I told Emily.
“Hawthorn, you can’t will werewolves into existence because you’re bored.”
I took a bite of my sandwich, which was some sort of avocado concoction I wouldn’t have chosen to eat.
“I wonder if Enzo will come back to the diner.”
“Why?” Emily asked. “Because he’s so desperate to see you? You’re lucky he hasn’t.”
“He’s not a killer.”
“Maybe not. But he’s damaged.”
I was pretty sick of everyone acting like they knew what I needed when no one really knew me at all. I was about to tell that to Emily when the gym door opened and a guy walked out.
“Sorry. I didn’t think anyone came out here,” he said when he saw us. I’d noticed him around school because he wore skinny jeans and had all sorts of piercings, which was not the usual style in the Mills.
“Well, we do,” I said.
“Mind if I smoke? There’s nowhere else to go on campus.”
I shrugged, and he lit a cigarette. Then he nodded at Emily.
“Hey, you’re in my guitar class, right?”
“Yeah,” Emily said. “Sixth period.”
“You’re really good.”
Emily blushed, and I felt embarrassed for her.
“I’m OK. Piano is my instrument. I just took guitar for fun.”
“Maybe you should think about switching instruments. I’m Logan, by the way.”
He held out his hand. They shook. Emily told him her name. I wasn’t addressed at all. I focused on my sandwich as if I was choosing not to be a part of their conversation.
“You’ve been playing guitar for a long time, haven’t you?” Emily asked.
“I got my first guitar before I could walk.”
I rolled my eyes. Emily smiled at him.
“It shows.”
“I’m actually in a band,” Logan said. “Strength in Numbers? You might have heard of us.”
I couldn’t believe he actually uttered that clichéd line. I looked at Emily to see if she was equally amused, but she was gazing at Logan like he was the first boy she’d ever seen.
“Yeah, I’ve heard some kids mention you guys,” Emily said. “I’ve never heard you play though.”
“You should come to one of our shows. It’s pretty intense. We do this sort of metal-bluegrass fusion. I think you’ll like it.”
I snorted.
“Let me know when you have your next gig,” Emily said.
“Sure thing.” He threw down the cigarette and crushed it with the heel of his Doc Marten. “See you in sixth.”
I gaped at Emily as soon as the door shut. “Metal-bluegrass fusion? What does that even mean? Does he scream obscenities while strumming a banjo?”
“Don’t be so judgmental.”
“Seriously? That guy is clearly inviting judgment on himself.”
“Sort of like someone who believes in werewolves?”
I scowled.
“Besides,” Emily went on, “I’ve heard that his band is actually really good.”
“Heard that from who?”
“People.”
“What people?” I pressed.
“Friends, Hawthorn. My friends. You’re not the only person I talk to.”
I wasn’t?
“Are you going to see his band play?” I asked.
“Maybe. Do you want to come?”
“Maybe.”
I didn’t know why we were arguing over something so stupid. The last thing I wanted to do was fight with Emily. But I was still uncomfortable with her having friends I didn’t know, talking about music things I didn’t get.
How long before Emily’s new friends, the people who shared her interests, stole her away from me? Pretty soon, maybe Emily wouldn’t have any use for me at all. Why would she? She belonged to a world I had no place in.
Chapter 11
In the Woods
I was sitting on a stool at the back of the Sunshine Café, updating the specials on the whiteboard, when Vinny the cook came in from his smoke break and said, “Your boyfriend is here, Creely.”
I knew he meant Enzo and didn’t bother telling Vinny that calling him my boyfriend was not as hilarious as he thought it was. I also didn’t tell him we weren’t in a locker room, so there was no reason to call me by my last name.
I got up and peeked through the window to the dining room. Sure enough, Enzo Calvetti was sitting at the booth by the door, wearing the same ratty sweater as last time I saw him. I grabbed the coffee carafe and made my way out of the kitchen.
“Coffee?”
“Yeah, thanks,” Enzo said.
“Any news on your girlfriend?”
“Nope.”
“Sorry.”
I finished pouring and stood there, hating myself because I knew I was being awkward, but not wanting to walk away, even though I didn’t really have anything more to say.
“Are you coming here because it makes you feel close to her?” I blurted out.
“I come here because no one bothers me.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled, thinking maybe I should take a vow of silence to prevent stupid things from coming out of my mouth.