Page 23 of Diem

What’s he doing here? I thought he had to clean out the garage.

When he sees my approach, he frowns but it’s fleeting, and I wonder at it. Is he still upset with me? If so, why did he come?

Either way, he’s been a good friend and I hope I can mend this without breaking his heart.

“Hey, I didn’t know you decided to come,” I say, stopping beside him and leaning against the wall.

“Hey,” he says, avoiding my gaze.

With a sinking sensation, I confirm he’s still mad and say, albeit quietly, “What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

Really?

“Look,” I say, exhaling, “are you mad at me?”

As much as I hate to bring up the issue, I have to set aside my dread and push through. I can’t avoid sticky conversations forever.

“No,” he says, but he shifts away, and I summon a fake smile. Right.

This is hard enough as it is. Why is he lying to me?

“Matt…”

“It’s fine,” he insists and my heart falls to my toes. What did I freaking do to deserve this?

“Okay. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you had to clean the garage or something?”

Maybe if I back off, he’ll thaw. It’s my only hope but it’s dashed when he grunts, “I do. I did. It’s done.”

His chilly demeanor takes me aback and I consider walking away but frustration keeps me rooted to the spot. How do I get through to my friend?

From the corner of my eye, I spy a flash of pink and turn to a girl with vibrant locks the same hue as Dixie’s.

Reminded of Penny’s text messages, I turn the topic, hoping to ease the tension between us.

“Hey, do you know someone named Kenny?” I ask.

With a frown, Matt says, “Kenny Rappaport?”

“Who? Yes? Maybe…”

“What’s going on?” he asks, turning to face me which can’t be good, considering he wouldn’t even look me in the eye two seconds ago.

“Nothing, it’s just something Penny said about Dixie,” I mumble.

“What about it?” he asks, and I shrug.

“Nothing, just that she was hanging out with him.”

“Huh,” he grumbles. “Kenny’s a bitch, wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Does he go to Sterling?”

“No, he graduated last year. Last I saw, he was at that house party.”

My blood runs cold at the thought, and I stifle a gasp.

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