The Bad Boy's Secret

Ch. 7

"I'm gonna go grab another drink," Pepper leaned over to tell me, "go talk to him!"

She nudged me slightly before disappeared off into the kitchen to grab another drink for herself. I nervously clutched mine to my chest as I glanced again towards Danny over on the other side of the room chatting with his friends. Ugh, if only I had the guts.

Everyone was celebrating tonight, not only did the football team win but the cheer leading routine was phenomenal! There was no reason I shouldn't throw worry to the wind and go talk to Danny but for some reason my feet wouldn't move. I saw Pepper peek her head out from the kitchen and roll her eyes when realizing I still hadn't moved.

I wish I had half the confidence that Pepper had, I'd probably rule the school by now. I could always just talk to him about the homecoming dance since we're both on the committee. What if he thinks I'm trying to ask him to the dance though? Then that would make me look pathetic. Internally I groaned and took another huge gulp from my drink. Gross. Reminder to not let Pepper make my drinks.

I dared another glance at Danny and began to blush when we made eye contact. Busted. I smiled sheepishly and Danny smiled back, flashing a wave. I watched as he pushed aside other people and started walking towards him. My heart began racing, I could hardly hear the music it was beating so loud.

"Do you need another drink?" He asked, noticing my almost empty cup. I bet he made a better drink than Pepper.

"Uh, sure!" I answered, having to raise my voice a bit. "I'll come with,"

I reached out and grabbed Danny's sleeve while he walked towards the kitchen. I wouldn't usually do that, it was definitely the alcohol. I think one drink is probably enough.

"You did really good at the game," Danny mentioned, smiling at me while he poured himself and I a cup of beer. Full to the brim. . . He handed mine to me and splashed a bit onto my hand. "Oops, sorry about that,"

His cheeks turned red and I couldn't help but laugh a little, he was too cute.

"Thanks, it wouldn't be as fun if I didn't have a great team to cheer for," I quickly took two more gulps of beer and internally rolled my eyes. You sound so stupid right now Macy.

"Have you started on the English project yet?" Danny asked and before I could reply, out of nowhere appeared Jasmine, looking skimpier than her usual days.

"Hey you two!" She threw her arm around Danny's neck and laughed, extremely loud. "Danny I've been looking for you everywhere,"

I felt my stomach begin to burn. It would be so fun to dump this cup all over the top of her stupid head.

"We need to discuss the project," Jasmine pouted, grabbing onto to Danny's arm and refusing to let go. Pathetic.

"I'm talking to Macy right now, can it wait 5 minutes?" Danny asked and before Jasmine had the chance to burst out in tears and throw a tantrum I held up my drink and smiled.

"Don't worry, I gotta find Pepper anyway. See you guys later," I gulped down more of my beer and made my way out of the kitchen. Not before Jasmine had the chance to wink and me and smile her fake-ass smile, mouthing the words 'thank you'.

No, thank you Jasmine for ruining my night. Why did I feel like I was forgetting something?

Pepper was leaning against the door frame, puffing on one of those small, cheap cigars. I snatched the cigar out of her mouth and quickly stomped it out.

"Do you know what smoking does to your lungs? I'm sure you're going to feel that at practice," Pepper rolled her eyes and slung a heavy arm across my shoulders.

"Let's go, I wanna go to bed," Pepper whined, completely drunk.

"Who's driving?" Pepper leaned back and smiled at me, her dorky smile. Which meant she was about to tell me a secret. "Pepper. . . who's driving?"

"Kale is," I gasped and began to speak but Pepper covered my mouth sloppily with her hands. "Shhh, it's not like that! It's not like that, ok?"

I couldn't stop laughing as I pushed my best friend off of me just to catch her so she didn't fall backwards. It wasn't good that I was beginning to feel the alcohol too now.

"Then what is the situation Pepper?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her and trying to contain my laughter still. Pepper blushed some more.

"I'm helping him study for Biology and Pre-Calculus, he needs to have good grades if he wants to try out for the basketball team this year," Pepper was a kind person, she was willing to help just about anyone. They way she blushed when she mentioned Kale though, she doesn't have me fooled.

"Okay, if you say so," Pepper scowled at me but hung herself back on my shoulder and groaned. "Then where is he?"

"He said he was here," She scrambled to pull out her phone and squinted at the screen "five minutes ago,"

"Pepper! He's been waiting for you for five minutes?" I made sure she had her shoes on and her purse before dragging her out of the house. Kale sat in a half rusted Honda that was making noises I don't think it was supposed to be making. As soon as he saw the two of us walking out he jumped out of the car with a huge grin.

"Hey ladies, have fun tonight?" Kale opened both the passenger door and back door for Pepper and I. Pepper plopped down in the front seat and I slid into the back.

Kale jogged around the front, jumping in and speeding off. "If anyone needs, I have water and some saltine crackers. Plus if you need to puke or anything, I've got a bucket too,"

Kale pointed to the bucket, water bottles and half eaten pack of saltine crackers next to me in the backseat.

"Sorry it isn't a nicer rig, I've almost got enough saved up for a new one but it'll take a few more checks," Kale seemed to be embarrassed about what he had just said and turned on the radio quickly so we weren't sitting in silence.

"Thanks Kale I really appreciate it," I opened a water bottle and handed it to Pepper, forcing her to take a few sips. She'd thank me in the morning.

"So would this be a bad time to discuss our project for Mrs. Walker's class?" Kale asked, grinning towards the slumped over Pepper, who looked over at him like he was crazy.

"I don't even know where my phone is, how would I know what my plans are this weekend?" Pepper asked with a hiccup to finish off her sentence. Both Kale and I began laughing and soon enough Pepper did too, between hiccups.

I told Kale my address and we were quickly on our way to my house. It was only a four minute drive.

I needed to get Gabe's number. For the second time this night I was reminded that he and I have not set up a time to meet to begin this. Kale would definitely have Gabe's number.

When Kale pulled up to the curb and put it into park I took the opportunity to ask him.

"Do you, by chance, think you could give me Gabe's number? It's for the whole project thing," Kale narrowed his eyes but smiled and pulled out his phone.

"You know you don't have to lie," Kale held out his phone so I could copy down Gabe's number. "I know you've got the hots for Gabrio,"

I glared at Kale and hit the save button so Gabe's number was saved under PAIN IN MY ASS.

"He wishes," I scooted out the back seat and helped Pepper get out of the car. Kale asked if he needed to walk us to the door but I told him it was fine and thanked him again.

Pepper and I staggered together through the front door and to my room, only tripping a couple of times but neither of us landed on our face so I call that a win. Without bothering to change we both fell on top of my bed and within two seconds Pepper's loud snoring filled the room.

I rolled over to plug in my charger and send a quick text to Gabe.

It's Macy, from first period. Let me know a good time you can meet so we can get started on this project

I hit send and fell back onto my pillow. Within seconds I was asleep, dreaming about Danny and unfortunately a little about Gabe as well. . .