REBEL:Benji and I are catching a cab back to town. Tell your mom get well soon.
I read and re-read the message, my heart twisting painfully. Why did she leave with Benji? I would have gladly taken her back to town.
Rubbing my forehead to clear the lingering grogginess, I start down the hallway. I’ll check on mom one more time and then swing by Rebel’s. Not to talk to her… just in case she hasn’t made it home yet and I can see her before she goes in.
Victoria grabs hold of my T-shirt and stops me.
I look back and find her staring pleadingly into my eyes.
A deep, weary sigh slips out of me. I push her hand off.
“Gunner,” Victoria stares at the ground as her hand swings limply at her sides, “I didn’t come back to town to compete for you. No matter how much I like someone, I have my pride too.”
I turn to her, my eyes cool and emotionless.
“I also have my own values.” Victoria lifts her chin. “I respect when a man is in a relationship and I would never encroach.”
I find that hard to believe. Wasn’t she the one who ran her fingers through my hair a moment ago?
“But,” Victoria adds stubbornly, “even if I know this is embarrassing, even if I feel like a second-grade villain, I can’t stop. I like youthatmuch.” She pauses. “And I’m also not convinced that you’re really interested in Rebel.”
I stiffen at her words.
“I saw how surprised she looked at the luncheon when you told everyone you were dating. Even if I wasn’t a lawyer, I would have found the timing suspicious. And last night at therestaurant, you went against your mom for her, but she was still angry with you. She didn’t care about you at all.”
I wince, but I can’t argue with the truth.
Victoria shakes her head like a teacher disappointed in a student’s failing grade. “If it were anyone else, maybe I could concede, but women like her are nightmares.”
My eyes narrow and I stare down at Victoria in warning.
“It’s the truth.” She stands ten-toes-down on her statement. “She’s used to getting her own way because she’s so pretty. She knows that a guy will do anything she wants and that gives her a power trip. But she’s just a girl. In the city, there are tons of girls who look just like her or even better.”
Says who? Rebel Hart is the most beautiful woman in the world to me.
Victoria keeps spitting her vitriol. “Honestly, back then and now, I don’t understand what men find so irresistible about her. Every guy at Cornblue acted like she was such a prize.” Victoria shrugs. “Except you. You were the only one who didn’t fall at her feet.”
My eyes slide to the ceiling. She has no idea. It took intense restraint to act like I didn’t notice every little thing that Rebel Hart did in high school.
It took even more restraint to act like I hated her when I didn’t.
Victoria squeezes her eyes shut and makes a circular motion around her head. “So I kept thinking and thinking about you two. About why you would date someone like Rebel and why she would agree to date you too. And then it hit me.”
I shift from one leg to the other.
“I know exactly why you’re doing this.” Victoria reaches out again, touching my hand. “Everyone might think you’re cold and heartless, but I know you, Gunner. We dated for three years and I experienced firsthand how thoughtful, considerate, and patientyou are. You don’t say what’s on your mind, but your actions speak so loudly?—”
I pull my hand away.
Victoria winces, but keeps going. “You don’tactuallycare about Rebel. You’re doing this so she can join the Ladies. You just feel sorry for her and want to help.”
I frown.
Her eyes search mine. “It’s okay. I won’t tell anyone. But Gunner, there are other ways to get Rebel into the Society. I can talk to your mom and the other Ladies. I can even talk to your uncle and get the mayor’s office involved?—”
“Victoria,” I say gruffly.
She snaps her mouth shut.
