Page 99 of Unspoken Rules (Rules 2)

After a quick shower, I dry myself, throw on a sweatshirt and leggings, and pull my brown hair into a messy bun that makes me look like a homeless man. My lack of sleep is showing. I need to fix whatever’s happening with my face. My eyes jump to my makeup bag on the counter, and I make the effort of opening it. Yes, effort. Any possible trace of confidence or motivation I had disappeared when I left Haze. I feel like there’s no point to even trying to look somewhat cute if he isn’t there to see it. He’s the only one whose eyes I want to catch.

“Canada! Hurry or we’re leaving without you. The movie’s starting in fifteen,” Will calls out, and I run downstairs.

“Should we tell her that she accidentally used Nesquik as foundation?” Will mocks a girl passing by when we step out of the movie theater. Ryder, Alex, and Kendrick cackle at the sight of the young girl who, indeed, is wearing a foundation way too dark for her skin tone. It’s okay, girl. We’ve all been there. Or at least, I have. I used to wear dark chocolate foundation and think I was fooling everyone.

The movie only increased my annoyance with anything that rhymes with love. It was supposed to be an action movie, but, of course, the main character fell for the hot girl who can kick ass and… there goes my mood for the rest of the day.

The guys don’t want to go home just yet, but Kass and I have had enough. Ever since I witnessed Will and my cousin sneaking around this morning, I’ve been noticing them sharing glances that are packed with desire from time to time. The tension is unmissable. How long has their secret love story been going on right under our noses?

The boys suggest that we go to the arcades next to the theater, but since Kass and I aren’t in the mood, we opt for the nearby coffee shop instead. Kendrick and Will decide to send Ryder on coffee duty while they burn the very little brain cells they have left playing video games.

I haven’t really said a word to Ryder since two days ago when he and Kendrick confessed to everything, but I have to admit he isn’t too bad. He’s still the nice guy I spent a day at the fair with. I just wish our entire relationship hadn’t started with a lie.

Just before we walk away, Kendrick receives a message. He checks his phone and turns to us.

“Party at Rose’s tonight,” Kendrick reads out loud.

“Who’s that?” I ask.

“Tanner’s ex. They’ve been on and off for like two years.” He shrugs and proceeds to reply to the text. “You up for it? I know I am.”

I’m not surprised by his willingness to go. Kass said that Kendrick’s been on the rebound since Nicole broke up with him. Everybody agrees to his unexpected plans except for me. Kendrick raises an eyebrow in my direction.

“Winter?”

“Will Tanner be there? I’m not trying to die tonight.”

Will laughs. “No, I think she dumped his ass for good a month ago. She’s seeing some other guy now.”

I hesitate at first but decide I have nothing better to do than cry about Haze tonight anyway.

Oh well, I’ll watch movies and stuff my face some other time.

“Count me in.”

They nod, satisfied with my decision. Kass, Ryder, and I cut across the street, and I push the glass door to the coffee place open. We enter the very modern shop that gives me Pinterest vibes and sit by the bay window. Ryder offers to order for all of us since the line is long. I promise to pay him back. As soon as Kass and I are alone, I drop the bomb.

“So… you and Will, huh?”

Her face grows pale, and she wiggles in her seat. “Me and Will what?”

“I saw you this morning.”

She bites on the inside of her cheek.

She knows she’s busted.

“Don’t tell Kendrick.”

“Why?” I ask. I’ve never known Kass to care about Kendrick’s opinions. I had the proof of that when she dated Blake.

“Will doesn’t want him to know.”

So, this is all him.

“How long?”

“A while.” She fidgets with her phone. “He promised that he’d talk to him, but he never does. I’m so sick of this.”