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TO KEEP MY MIND OFF of Mackenzie, I rented a boxing match on cable and invited the guys to come over to watch it with me. Sonny, Tyler, and Mitch rolled in around seven-thirty with pizza and beer.
“We need to keep it chill,” I said, popping open a beer. “I promised there wouldn’t be any wild parties here.”
“It’s just us,” Tyler said.
“Yeah. That’s why I’m warning you now,” I said dryly.
“Where’s Bruce?” Sonny asked.
I shrugged. “I called him and he said he had plans tonight. I think he has a date. He’s never missed boxing match before.”
“A date? Well la-dee-fucking-dah,” Sonny muttered.
I raised my eyebrow. “You sound bitter. Didn’t things work out with you and Kara?”
“I don’t know. She’s been acting a little weird. Ever since this morning when I tried calling her,” he said, staring at the television. “I don’t know what her problem is.”
“You’re still going to Sadie Hawkins, aren’t you?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
I had a feeling that Kara’s coldness might have to do with me and Mackenzie.
Knowing not to press the conversation, I dropped it.
“Speaking of chicks, what happened between you and the new girl last night?” Tyler asked, grabbing a plate of pizza. “I heard you gave her a ride home.”
“Nothing.”
“What, no chemistry?” Mitch asked, chuckling.
“I’d like to study some of her biology,” Tyler said with a wicked smile.
“Leave her alone,” I said sharply.
The three looked at me.
“She’s been through some shit with her parents dying and stuff,” I explained.
“Bummer,” Tyler said. “Maybe someone should tell Mattie. Or Bruce.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“He told me Mattie wanted to ruin her and asked for his help,” Tyler said.
That fucking bitch just wouldn’t give up.
“And he agreed?” I asked.
“He didn’t say in so many words, but he’s had it bad for Mattie since the sixth grade. He’d do anything for her,” Tyler replied.
I thought back to the party and how Mackenzie had been threatened. I didn’t want to believe that Bruce was involved, but I’d be an idiot to think otherwise.
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