Chase

TO KEEP MY MIND OFF of Mackenzie, I rented a boxing match on cable and invited the guys to come over to watch it with me. Sonny, Tyler, and Mitch rolled in around seven-thirty with pizza and beer.

“We need to keep it chill,” I said, popping open a beer. “I promised there wouldn’t be any wild parties here.”

“It’s just us,” Tyler said.

“Yeah. That’s why I’m warning you now,” I said dryly.

“Where’s Bruce?” Sonny asked.

I shrugged. “I called him and he said he had plans tonight. I think he has a date. He’s never missed boxing match before.”

“A date? Well la-dee-fucking-dah,” Sonny muttered.

I raised my eyebrow. “You sound bitter. Didn’t things work out with you and Kara?”

“I don’t know. She’s been acting a little weird. Ever since this morning when I tried calling her,” he said, staring at the television. “I don’t know what her problem is.”

“You’re still going to Sadie Hawkins, aren’t you?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

I had a feeling that Kara’s coldness might have to do with me and Mackenzie.

Knowing not to press the conversation, I dropped it.

“Speaking of chicks, what happened between you and the new girl last night?” Tyler asked, grabbing a plate of pizza. “I heard you gave her a ride home.”

“Nothing.”  

“What, no chemistry?” Mitch asked, chuckling.

“I’d like to study some of her biology,” Tyler said with a wicked smile.

“Leave her alone,” I said sharply.

The three looked at me.

“She’s been through some shit with her parents dying and stuff,” I explained.

“Bummer,” Tyler said. “Maybe someone should tell Mattie. Or Bruce.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“He told me Mattie wanted to ruin her and asked for his help,” Tyler said.

That fucking bitch just wouldn’t give up.

“And he agreed?” I asked.

“He didn’t say in so many words, but he’s had it bad for Mattie since the sixth grade. He’d do anything for her,” Tyler replied.

I thought back to the party and how Mackenzie had been threatened. I didn’t want to believe that Bruce was involved, but I’d be an idiot to think otherwise.   

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