Page 11 of How to Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex
This is a game we’ve been playing for years. Neither of us ever wants to take responsibility for Zack and his bad behavior. I always claim that Grayson should keep him in check as his best friend, and he always reminds me that I’ve known him longer.
It’s a silly game and I’m really not in the mood for it right now.
Zack’s been acting super odd these last few days, and it’s totally weirding me out. Grayson’s noticed too, but he’s a guy so he’s acting like it’s not weird that Zack’s been hanging out with us every chance he gets. Or that when he does, he seems pissed, like he’d rather be anywhere else.
Even today, at what should be a fun pool party with our friends, he’s just...off. Normally he’d be having some drinks, laughing with his friends, flirting with the girls. Normally he’d becool. Zack prides himself on being soooo cool. But today he’s the opposite of cool. He’s too intense, and way too serious, and?—
Have I mentioned that he’s freaking me out?
“He’s acting strange lately.” I drag my gaze away from the dark intensity of Zack’s stare.
Grayson makes a little ‘hmm’ sound of agreement. “He did just get his ass dumped.”
I wince, a flicker of guilt cutting through my paranoia. “You’re right. That’s probably it.”
Zack might be a pain in the butt, but he’s not a robot. I’m sure he has feelings, even if he does hide them behind a thick layer of sarcasm and apathy.
I turn to glance at Grayson over my shoulder. “Did he say anything about that? Did he, I don’t know...open up to you?”
“Did he cry on my shoulder? Is that really what you’re asking?” Grayson laughs. “No. Of course not. You know that’s not Zack’s style.”
“No, of course not,” I deadpan. “Heaven forbid any of you guys actually express yourfeelings.” I over-enunciate the last part, making Grayson laugh.
I adjust the straps of my swimsuit. A one-piece that Grayson says looks hot on me and which Zack insists makes me a prude.
Am I a prude? Maybe. But I prefer to think I just have high standards.
Zack catches us staring back at him and gives a little mocking salute.
“Keep your eyes off my girl or I’m comin’ for you, bro,” Grayson shouts. His booming voice is filled with laughter. I look down at the ground with a sigh, ignoring the attention that’s now on us and pretending there’s no heat creeping into my cheeks.
We all know Zack’s not looking at me likethat, because we all know that Zack can’t stand me almost as much as I can’t stand him.
“No can do,bro,” Zack calls back. There’s a mockery to his tone that goes beyond the norm and it has me looking up, glancing over.
His eyes are still locked on me, and I find myself tensing up…until he swings his gaze back to Grayson. “You can’t blame a guy for looking when your girl’s as hot as that.”
The girls clustered beside him look over and whisper. I’m suddenly stupidly self-conscious, and for the life of me, my brain can’t tell if Zack’s mockingme, or Grayson, or...not mocking at all.
It’s confusing, and it does nothing to help the flames surging up into my cheeks.
Dang it. I hate blushing.
And Zack’s still staring. He’s eyeing me in a way he’s never once done before. Not like I’m annoying and not like I’m a stuck-up snot with a stick up her butt—his words, not mine. But like I’m actually hot. Like he’s actually tempted.
My lips part in shock and he...hewinks.
What the?—
I blink in surprise. What is happening here?
Grayson wraps an arm around my waist. “I know you’re single now, man, but find a girl of your own.”
A few people laugh, and I wince on Zack’s behalf. Of course, I hate the guy. More now than ever since he’s decided to make me the center of attention like this. But I also know that he actually liked Rina, and it’s hard not to feel sorry for the way it ended.
Zack’s taunting smirk is familiar and the glint in his eyes as he laughs makes my belly twist into a knot. “No need to go all caveman, Grayson. So long as you’re treating her right, I’m sure you’ve got nothing to worry about.”
Laughter again. Even Grayson laughs and drops a kiss on the top of my head.
