Page 13 of Sycamore Circle

You better watch out.

CHAPTER 5

Chloe was sick and tired of every single guy in her school. They were selfish, loud, and seemed to always act like they were all that. Since she’d gone to school with most of them since kindergarten, she knew better.

Every time she’d told her mother how she felt, her mom had just smiled. She seemed to think that the boys probably weren’t all that bad—it was more that Chloe was tired of them. Ten years of dealing with anyone could take a toll.

Chloe admitted that that might be true, but it didn’t change the fact that some of the guys were just plain insufferable. Especially Kennedy Park.

He was fairly good-looking and fit—he wrestled in the winter and played lacrosse in the spring. But he acted like he was God’s gift to women all year long.

Ever since the last bell rang, he’d been walking next to her like their clothes were stuck together and she’d had enough. “Kennedy, I know you heard me the first time. Thanks for the offer, but I don’t need you to give me a ride.”

“Come on, Chloe, why are you being like this?”

“I’m not being like anything. I just don’t need a ride. That’s all.”

“But you’re on my way home.”

Though she figured her house wasn’t a big secret, it still bothered her that he knew exactly where she lived. Sharing a look with Baylee—who’d stayed nearby like a best friend should—Chloe shook her head again. “Thanks, but I’m not going home. I’ve got dance class.”

He frowned. “I thought you had that last night.”

“I did. I go to ballet four times a week.”

“What’s so special about ballet anyway?”

She had no idea what he meant. Why did any of them do all sorts of sports and volunteering and music stuff? College applications? Because it was better than doing nothing? Because they liked it? She settled for being sarcastic. “Toe shoes?”

Kennedy rolled his eyes. “Whatev. You should be cheering. That’s what all the cute girls do. Right, Bay?”

Baylee, who was already on the varsity cheer squad, grinned. “Sorry, but nope. Chloe never could figure out how to do a back handspring.”

When some guys called his name, Kennedy turned to see who it was. “I’ve gotta go.” He walked toward the other boys before either of them could say a word.

“He’s so annoying,” Chloe said.

Baylee nodded. “He is, but he’s cute.”

“Not that cute.”

Baylee dug in her purse and pulled out a giant key ring. “Are you sure you don’t want a ride from me? I don’t mind.”

“Thanks, but I’m good. It’s only a couple of blocks away. I’m going to walk over to Lane’s, grab something to eat, and do homework before class. My Mom’s picking me up after.”

“You need to get your license, Chloe. Then you won’t have to rely on your parents to take you wherever you need to go. Or walk.”

Chloe knew her girlfriend wasn’t trying to be clueless, but it obviously hadn’t occurred to Baylee that a driver’s license didn’t automatically mean she’d get a car. “I’ll get my license soon.”

Baylee gave her a long look that said she’d believe it when it happened. Chloe pretended not to notice.

The truth was that her dad was kind of a jerk about money. He’d buy her clothes and maybe help her with a car, but there was no way he’d ever help her mom pay for insurance or gas or even driver’s ed classes. No way could Mom afford all that. Chloe would’ve been happy to work to buy her own car or at least work enough to pay for insurance and gas, but she danced too much to have a job.

She waited a few minutes—long enough for most of the parking lots to empty—then started toward Lane’s. She was glad the weather was decent and not too hot—and that she had babysat the Casey kids last weekend. At least she could afford to get something to eat.

As she stepped inside, she heard her cell chime. She’d just looked down at her phone when she felt two hands grip her shoulders. “Whoa there.”

Stunned, she looked up.

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