“The rest of junior year should be a blast,” I say, picking up my slice of pizza, which is already cold from the breeze.
“It can’t stay this way. It’s only the first day back after the party. Things will get better.”
I never knew he was such an optimist. Or maybe he’s just trying to put on a brave face for my sake. Either way, I’m not convinced.
Since I don’t say anything, Toby continues. “Look on the bright side. With Tori gone we can actually act like a couple and not have to worry about her seeing us.”
“Great, more hiding. Telling her the truth was supposed to put an end to this once and for all.”
“Come here.” He pulls me closer to him on the wooden bench, and I snuggle into his chest to avoid the wind. It’s been a brutal March, definitely “in like a lion” or however that old saying goes, but it’s almost April now and the “out like a lamb” part doesn’t seem to be happening.
“Maybe I can convince my mom to homeschool me until I graduate.”
“Oh, and leave me here to fend for myself? I don’t think so.”
Toby’s all I have left. I couldn’t leave him. “Don’t worry. We’re in this together. I wouldn’t leave you to face everyone alone.”
He lowers his lips to mine, and for the first time since Tori walked in on us, I let myself get lost in him. I try to forget Meredith and what she might do to get back at Toby and me. I try to forget that Tori hates me, probably even more than she hates Meredith. I try, but it doesn’t last long because Meredith’s voice brings reality crashing back down on me.
“You two should enjoy this cozy moment because it’s going to be one of your last.”
Toby pulls away and stares at her. “What are you talking about, Meredith?”
“I’m going to have a little conversation with the junior class really soon, and then they’ll all see you for what you really are.”
“And what’s that?” I think I know where she’s going with this, but I need to know for sure. I don’t want any surprises.
“Oh, I think you know. And if you don’t already, you’ll find out soon. Guys like Toby Michaels are all the same. They’re only after one thing, and they’ll do whatever’s necessary to get it.” She looks at him like she’s about to spit in his face. “I’m going to make sure everyone knows what you did to me.”
I thought she’d moved past that. If she tells everyone—even though it’s a lie—Toby will never recover from it. “You can’t do that, Meredith. It’s a lie and you know it. You’ll destroy his reputation. You can’t just go around saying things like that. It’s unforgiveable.”
“So is using girls and then leaving them like yesterday’s trash.”
“You are yesterday’s trash!” I lose it. I jump up and swing at her, but Toby grabs my arm, and Meredith dodges my punch.
“You’re lucky you missed. After the assault at Tori’s party, I wouldn’t be able to let this go without pressing charges.” She storms off and I slump against Toby’s side.
I couldn’t feel more defeated. “What are we going to do?”
He runs his hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I can’t prove she’s lying. It will be her word against mine, and even if some people do believe me, it will still be out there.”
There’s no erasing an accusation like the one Meredith is planning. It will destroy Toby. For good.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Toby comes over after detention. We didn’t think being at his house was a good idea anymore, so we moved our tutoring to my house. Although we don’t do any tutoring at all because we’re too worried about Meredith.
“She said she was going to tell the entire junior class. When will we all be together?” I rack my brain, trying to remember if student council elections or anything else class related is coming up. They usually let the candidates make speeches to the whole class before voting, and Meredith will definitely be running for something. But it was still too early to hold elections for next year.
“It’s the pep rally. It has to be.”
That makes sense. “When is it?” I never keep up with those things because I don’t play sports. They’re just a reason to miss class and nothing else.
“Friday, last period.”
“Four days. That gives us four days to figure out how to stop her.”
“I have to talk to her, get her to change her mind.”
“Think that will work? Meredith doesn’t strike me as the type you can reason with.”
“She’s not.” Toby’s face falls. He looks defeated already.
“Then we’ll have to make her listen.”
“The way we made Tori listen to us?” He’s giving up. Just like that. This isn’t the Toby I’ve known for seventeen years.
“Look, we’ll deal with Tori, but right now this is more important.” I take his hand and squeeze it.
He looks at me, but he doesn’t smile or show any sign of hope. “I’m sorry you’re getting dragged into this. First I ruin your friendship with my sister, and now you’re going to be labeled as the girl who’s dating a—”
I press my finger to his lips. “Don’t say it. It’s not true.” I lower my finger and kiss his lips, just a soft, quick kiss.
“I know that, and thank God you do too. But that’s not going to matter much after Friday.”
“She can’t do this. It’s crazy. It’s beyond being a bitch.”
He grabs my hand. “Becca, please don’t start yelling. I’m barely holding it together. If you lose it, I won’t be able to hang on.”
I take a deep breath. He’s right. I need to control myself. We’ll never think of a way out of this if we’re both screaming and wanting to rip Meredith’s hair out.
Someone knocks on my door, and I instinctively pull away from Toby. Mom and Dad know he’s tutoring me, but Dad isn’t exactly okay with Toby being in my room alone with me. Dad’s the epitome of overprotective.
“Come in.”
Dad pokes his head into the room. “Just wanted to see if you two wanted some hot chocolate. I was thinking of making some.”
Hot chocolate? Seriously, Dad? I’m sure this is just the first of many interruptions he has planned until Toby goes home. “No, we’re—”
“That sounds great, Mr. Daniels,” Toby says.
Dad smiles and nods. “What about you, pumpkin?” Another Dad tactic. Call me by the nickname he gave me when I was four.
“Sure, Dad. Sounds good.”
He nods again. “I’ll be right back.” He closes the door over but doesn’t click it shut.
Toby laughs. “I needed that.”
I get up and close the door all the way. “What? Hot chocolate?”
“No. A good laugh. He doesn’t trust me at all, does he?”
I sit back down on the bed. “Don’t feel bad. He doesn’t trust any guy where I’m concerned.”
“My dad’s pretty protective of Tori too. She’s lucky she’s dating Ryder. Dad backs off because he assumes I’m hanging out with them since Ryder’s my friend.”
I wonder if Tori realizes that. If she does, it’s not enough to make her forgive us. Thinking about Tori isn’t helping at all. My mood plummets, and I didn’t even think that was possible.
“Your dad is going to hate me when Meredith makes her announcement.”
I didn’t even think about that. What will Mom and Dad think? I hope they won’t believe the lies, but why wouldn’t they at least worry about me being with Toby when that kind of accusation is going around?
I throw my arms around him, just wanting to touch him, feel him close to me. “I’m not giving you up. No matter what. I don’t care if I have to sneak around so my parents don’t know we’re together.”
He pulls away from me. “I don’t want you doing that. I ruined one of your relationships already. I’m not going to ruin your family too. I can’t handle that.”
“Then we can’t let this happen. We have to talk to Meredith and convince her not to lie to everyone.” I cup his face in my hands and stare into his eyes. “I’m not losing you. Not after everything that’s happened.”
He places his hands on mine and sighs. He doesn’t believe we can do this. That thought breaks my heart.