Denying the Wrong Read Free

appreciate a man’s backside until this moment.
    No wonder Alissa couldn't seem to get enough of being around him.
    I had to focus on something or someone else before Alissa caught me staring. Still, I wanted just one last look… Damn.
    Mary walked up to us with her goofy grin. “How’d you feel about our stories?” she asked enthusiastically.
    “I can't even begin to explain how many emotions I felt,” I confessed. “I'm sure you know I've had my problems with Kelly and her group.”
    “Kelly gave you a hard time, too?” Scott walked up to us and I blushed, knowing he’d overheard.
    “Yeah, she's not the nicest person I've ever dealt with.” Please don't make me explain more about happened to me. “Alissa has had her fill, too.” Alissa looked over at me with her “shut up” face.
    “Recently?”
    Alissa nodded yes.
    “What the hell did she do to you?” Scott seethed, moving in closer and glaring at Alissa.
    “It was stupid. She didn’t do anything directly. Someone sent out a mass email with a picture of Kelly and Matt again. No one has said anything to my face, but I'm sure there’s whispering. Really, it's not that big of a deal.” Alissa looked down at her boots, either ashamed or embarrassed.
    “Any type of negative attention is a big deal. You should’ve told me sooner,” he said through clenched teeth.
    Mary chimed in next. “Looks like we've all been burned by her.” We looked at each other, not saying a word.
    Scott broke the silence. “Excuse me, I have something to take care of.” He walked away abruptly, leaving the three of us looking confused but resigned.
    “I need to get going. Congrats to both of you for graduating early. I should have done the same but there’s no way I could do that in the honors program.” Mary waved and walked away.
    “Ready to go?” Alissa asked.
    I didn’t answer but instead linked my arm through hers and walked out to her car.
    “When are you going to finally get your license?” She bumped my hip with hers as we reached the vehicle. Alissa had been bugging me about the issue since we’d turned sixteen.
    “There is no point in getting one if I don't have a car,” I said, practically by routine since my answer was always the same. She laughed at me. “The bus is my friend.”
    We pulled up to the apartment my mom and I live in just as the rain started coming down. “This is why I always wear hooded sweatshirts,” I said as we ran to the door.
    “No, you wear them because you're too lazy to wear anything stylish.” I almost left her outside for that comment but decided against it and pulled her with me into our apartment entryway.
    “You laugh, but who's the one that doesn't have wet hair?” We both cracked up as Alissa shook the water off, droplets dotting the walls and floor. I woofed at her and she shoved my shoulder playfully.
    We were just stepping into the kitchen for our ritual cup of coffee when the front door flew open and Matt, Alissa’s ex, stumbled inside.
    And that's why you should lock your door, Kat!
    The stench of alcohol he brought in with him was so bad it nearly made me queasy.
    “What are you doing here? Who the hell invited you inside?” Alissa backed up a little, standing directly in front of me.
    “I followed you from the meeting. You won't return any of my calls! How else was I supposed to talk to you?” He stumbled toward us, using the wall to hold himself up.
    “Don't you dare come any closer! You're obviously drunk and I'm warning you right now—if you don't leave, I'll call the police.” Alissa's voice didn't shake at all, even though I knew she had to be freaking out as much as I was. Maybe more.
    “Alissa, you have to believe me. Kelly must have slipped me something because I would never have done that to you. You know me better than that, damn it,” he slurred and took another step closer.
    “Get out! Now!” Alissa screamed, making me jump a little. I wasn't being very much help because I didn't