Page 8 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 2

Boone

As soon as I turn into the driveway, I’m ready to park the Camaro in the garage and grab my things. I’m hoping Mackenzie won’t have to wait long, but that’s up to my mom.

I slip into the back door, hauling ass to my room. The bags are packed and the tent is in the back of my Jeep. I laid my shorts and shirt out this morning, so I can change and get on the road.

“Boone, is that you, sweetheart?” Mom calls me as if on cue.

“Yeah, I’ll be done in a minute.” I gather my things as fast as possible and head downstairs.

I search the main floor, finally finding her in the kitchen, sitting at the table. I’m going to be longer than I want to be, and there’s no way around it.

“There you are.” She smiles as I lean in, kissing her on top of the head. “I see you’re still going camping.

I drop my bag, pulling out a seat beside her. “Yeah, I’m getting ready to leave.”

“Have you decided where you’re going?” She sits back in her chair, watching me closely.

“We’re going to Atlantic Beach. I’ll be back sometime tomorrow afternoon.”

She picks her sweet tea up, swirling it. “Who’s going with you?”

“A few friends, small group.”

She raises her brows. “Anyone we know?”

“Just the regular people, the usual crew.” It’s like I’m playing dodge ball, and then she nails me.

“You two are sneaking off again, huh?” She grins when my mouth hangs. “You tell all of your friends you’re gone with us every other weekend, and tell us you’re going with your friends.”

“How do you know this?”

“It’s a small town, people talk.” She half shrugs.

“That’s code for they gossip.”

She studies me. “So are you going to tell me, or do I have to say it for you?”

“Fine, I’m going with Mackenzie.” I run my hand through my hair, frustrated I need to reveal her. There’s no way I’m lying to my mom; besides, the look on her face tells me she already knows.

She sips her drink before returning it to the table. “Does her dad know?”

“I don’t believe so, but she told her cousin.”

“And you think that’s okay?” She narrows her eyes.

“I think it’s what she wants, and I’m not going to argue.”

“Especially when you’ll lose.” She giggles.

I nod. “There’s that too.”

“Boone, I need to ask”—her eyes lock on mine—“are you using protection?”

“Mom! Are you trying to kill me?” I bound from the chair, nearly knocking it over as I hurry to the sink. Grabbing a glass, I fill it with water and chug it down. “This is not an appropriate conversation.”

“I’m only wanting you to be respectful of Mackenzie and yourself.”