The Trail Rules (The Rules Series Book 2)

by Melanie Hooyenga

  I’ve decided that for the next two weeks I’ll make more of an effort with Evan and see if I can rekindle whatever seems to be missing. And if after the dance I’m still feeling the way I am now, I’ll end things.

  “You’re quieter than normal,” Hannah says in homeroom. She holds up the Spirit Week list. “Already plotting your outfits?” Her sarcasm is so heavy I can practically taste it.

  “Can you explain what gangsters have to do with homecoming? Did the school actually approve that?”

  She studies the paper. “Not gang bangers. I think it’s more like Al Capone stuff. The theme’s Roaring Twenties. Flappers and all that.”

  “Oh.” Now I feel stupid.

  “Do you have your dress?”

  My eyes go wide and her mouth falls open.

  “You forgot about the dress.”

  “Brianna was always on top of that. Cally couldn’t care less about the court so we’ve barely talked about the dance, and with everything else that’s going on I totally forgot I need to buy one.” I pull out my phone and glance at the front of the room. Mr. G is staring at his tablet. I text Cally. Urgent. Forgot about HC dresses. Shop soon? I look up at Hannah. “Are you going?”

  She shrugs. “We’re going as a group. No dates, just friends.”

  No pressure. No pretending to be in love. “That sounds fun.” My voice comes out more wistful than I intend and she raises an eyebrow.

  “Everything okay?”

  “I guess I’m not as excited for this as I thought I’d be.”

  “It’s just a high school dance. They’re supposed to suck. You wanna know a secret?” She leans closer. “If you go in with zero expectations, you’ll have a better time.”

  Zero expectations. Can I do that? Can I stop worrying for one night and just have fun? “I like that.”

  She laughs, but it sounds forced. “It’s how I get through most things.”

  I’m about to ask her what she did over the weekend when it hits me that I should have invited her to go riding with us. It would have been the perfect time to introduce her to everyone and she would love Alex and the guys. Next time, I promise myself.

  The bell rings a few minutes later and I steel myself for two hours of Brianna. Part of me wonders if she’ll act differently since I went to her house, but aside from Kenzie giving me a dirty look when they enter class, they ignore me as usual.

  I’m not so lucky in Ethics.

  Miss Simpson hands back a test from last week. The giant red C at the top of the page with the words “see me” underneath makes my heart sink. I really tried on this, so why didn’t I do better?

  I catch Brianna looking at my paper. She’s never cared much about grades, but her paper has a B. What universe am I living in when Brianna understands ethics better than I do?

  I take careful notes during class, and when the bell rings, I gather my things and wait at Miss Simpson’s desk. Someone touches my arm and I’m surprised to see Brianna.

  Her eyes flick to my bag. “Do you… like, want to study? Or something?”

  She’s offering to help?

  “I didn’t mean to look at your test but if you want—”

  “You want to help me?”

  She looks away. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Brianna, could you give us a moment?” Miss Simpson saves me from having to answer. Brianna looks at me for another beat before joining the masses in the hallway.

  I turn to Miss Simpson. “I swear I studied for this.”

  “I know you did. Your answers were mostly correct, but the emphasis of this class is digging deeper and understanding the reasons why we do things. Or why we don’t. I want you to really get to the nitty gritty of what makes us do the things we do.” She clasps her hands in front of her. “Unfortunately, your answers were all surface. I need you to go deeper.”

  I fold my paper in half. “Great.”

  She tilts her head. “Is everything okay?”

  “Sure, it’s fantastic.”

  “I know you know this, but now isn’t the time to slack off. College is around the corner and—”

  I hold up my hand, cutting her off. Her smile falls and I immediately regret it. “I’m already getting this at home. I swear I thought I’d do better on the test. I promise I’ll explain more for my answers from now on, okay?”

  “Mike, I’m not coming down on you. I’m here to help.” Her face is so open and caring that I’m tempted to spill everything. Maybe as an outsider, she can give me the perspective that no one else seems to have. But kids from the next class trickle in.

  “I’m going to be late.” I turn to leave.

  “I mean it,” she calls out.

  I smile at her over my shoulder. “Thanks.” The last thing I want is to upset Miss Simpson, but she can’t solve my problems. I straighten my shoulders and take a deep breath. Preparing for the bitches is one thing—faking it through Chem with Evan will be an entirely different challenge.

  Brianna’s posters shout at me as I wind through the halls, her picture showcasing the smile she calls “the crowd stopper,” and I can’t help but wonder if her offer to help is really just a way to get me on her side to help her get votes. Going to her house was a mistake, and it’s not one I plan to repeat.

  Evan’s not at our table when I arrive. Relief floods through me and I wish I could shove the reaction back where it came from. I don’t want to be relieved Evan’s not here yet. I want to be sad, to miss him, to be that girl who counts the seconds until her boyfriend arrives, and not because I’m dreading it, but because I can’t stand spending a single minute apart from him.

  As if on cue, Evan strolls through the doorway right before the final bell. He smiles when he sees me, and I smile back. I turn in my seat so my body is facing his and touch his arm as soon as he sits. We speak at the same time.

  “How’s your shoulder?”

  “I was worried you weren’t coming.”

  “You first,” he says.

  I touch my shoulder, which is slowly turning a dark purple. “It hurts when I lift it over my head, but otherwise it’s okay.”

  His face crumples. “I should have been there for you.”

  Irritation flares inside me. “You were. Like the second I fell.”

  His gaze drops to his hands, which are twisted in his lap. “I know. But I hate seeing you hurt.”

  “You should be used to it by now.” I smile, hoping it looks more playful than I’m feeling, but he doesn’t smile. So I change the topic. “Why were you almost late?”

  “Coach just sent out our practice schedule. I was talking to Blake because he’s still worried about his work schedule, but he thinks coach will let him miss one day a week.”

  “How do you practice without snow?”

  “It’s all conditioning stuff for now until they can start making it.” Treich starts his lecture and the chatter around us stops. Evan covers my hand with his and he lowers his head toward mine. “You know I’d hang out with you if I could.”

  I love skiing, I really do, but it sucks that all my friends are on the team. “I know.” I let him think I’m upset because I won’t be able to see him, but that unwelcome relief niggles its way through me. Maybe getting through the next two weeks won’t be so bad. We’ll have school and next weekend, then it’s the dance and I can make my decision.

  But you’ve already made it, my little voice argues.

  Treich’s writing up a storm on the whiteboard so I push away my thoughts and focus on taking notes. Midway through class, Evan’s knee rests against mine. The warmth is comforting.

  Am I really ready to give this up?

  *****

  At lunch I get a text from Alex. Can you meet for coffee later?

  My social life is about to go in the toilet, so I grab this opportunity like a lifeline. Plus as long as I’m home before Mom, they won’t know that I’m not home studying. Yes!

  Okay! ;) Piece, Love and Chocolate?

  Evan and I have been on dates a
t the chocolate shop in downtown Boulder and they have the most delicious vanilla caramel latte known to man. What time?

  After school. 3ish?

  That gives me two hours before Mom or Dad get home. Perfect.

  When the final bell rings, I hurry to my locker to grab my stuff but Evan’s waiting for me. I take a deep breath and kiss his cheek. “Good luck at practice.”

  “Thanks. Rumor is he kicks your ass the first week. You may not hear from me tonight.” He laughs, but his eyes narrow.

  I open my locker and lean against the door, looking up at him. “Are you worried? You’ve been working out all summer.”

  “Yeah. I guess it’s not knowing what to expect. I’ve been biking and running, but he could have drills I’ve never heard of.” He slides an arm around my waist and pulls me to his chest. “I’m sorry I’m abandoning you.”

  My heart flutters ever so slightly. Maybe there’s hope for me yet. “This is not abandonment. You’ve wanted this for as long as I’ve known you.”

  He kisses the tip of my nose. “You sure?”

  “Yeah.” I pull away and shove books in my bag. “Cally, on the other hand. She’s abandoning me.” I laugh, but when I look up, he’s not smiling. “Seriously, it’s okay. I’m meeting Alex downtown in a little bit and then I’ll study.” I close my locker. “Text me and let me know how it goes.”

  His hand lingers on my arm. He looks like he’s going to say something else but I swat his butt before he can. “Go have fun.”

  He turns down the hall and as he walks away calls “Love you!” over his shoulder. I wave, unable to say it back.

  Once in my car, I try to shake off school and Evan and Brianna. I barely know Alex and the anticipation of getting to know her is like heading down a trail after a storm when no one else has been out yet. I get to choose which way to go—no one else is here to mess it up.

  I park in front of the shop but I’m a little early, so I walk two blocks to Pearl Street Mall, the pedestrian mall at the heart of Downtown Boulder. Sculptures and street performers dot the red brick walkway, and everywhere I look, kids are playing and people are sipping cold drinks and window shopping. Cally’s dad’s brewery isn’t too far from here and for a second I think about stopping by to say hi to her dad, but considering I’m five years too young to drink, that might be weird.

  No one pays attention to me, and for once I don’t mind. There’s so much swirling in my head with Evan that I’m enjoying the few extra minutes of solitude among strangers. I do a lap around the pedestrian mall, then return to the chocolate shop.

  Red metal tables and chairs adorn the patio outside, but I move past them and push through the front doors and it smells like I’ve stepped inside a piece of chocolate. I inhale deeply as the scent of chocolate and vanilla and who knows what other concoctions wash over me. Every inch of the place is covered with tiny lights and twisted metal sculptures. Paper umbrellas hang upside-down from the ceiling, filtering the main lights, and the corners are filled with small tables tucked out of the way, perfect for private conversations.

  I approach the glass case filled with chocolates, tarts, and tiny truffles shaped like tea cups. A woman behind the counter wipes her hands on her apron and smiles. “What can I get for you?”

  I glance around the shop but don’t see Alex. “I’m waiting for a friend.”

  “Take your time dear. Would you like to try a bite of hazelnut truffle?”

  “Oh, no thank you. I’m not much of a sweets person.”

  She feigns shock, her hand pressed to her heart, then winks. “My daughter’s the same way. Breaks my heart.”

  Laughter bubbles out of me, and I feel like I’m high. Must be the sugar in the air.

  The front door opens and Alex breezes in. Her long hair is still braided, but she’s wearing jeans and a loose cotton top that hides her muscular frame. She nods at my outfit of skinny jeans and a peasant blouse. “You clean up nice.”

  I smile. “You too.”

  “You order yet?”

  “Just deciding.”

  Alex moves closer to the display and trails her finger over the glass as she reads the labels. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day.” She rattles off several names to the woman behind the counter, then finishes with an iced hot chocolate.

  “And you, dear?”

  “I’ll have a large iced caramel latte and one of those caramel apple things.”

  Alex turns to me. “You’re not having any chocolate?”

  I shrug. “It’s not really my thing.”

  Her jaw drops so far open I fear she might swallow her truffle sample whole.

  “I know, it’s weird. But I prefer caramel or vanilla.”

  “I might need to reconsider this friendship.”

  I know she’s teasing, but a burst of fear stops me. I can’t screw this up.

  She elbows me as she hands the woman cash. “I’m kidding. More chocolate for me.”

  We settle into a table near the window. Alex stares at her truffles like she hasn’t eaten in weeks. She shakes her head. “Don’t worry, my lovelies. Mike doesn’t know what she’s missing.” She chooses one with pink swirls and takes a bite, her eyes closing. “Mmmm…. raspberry.” She holds it out to me. “You sure?”

  I nod. “I’m kind of afraid to get in the way.”

  She laughs, a loud sound that comes from deep inside her. “Smart.”

  The woman comes from behind the counter with our drinks and sets them on the table. “Enjoy, ladies.”

  I stir the whipped cream into my latte with a straw, feeling more relaxed than I have in ages. “Thanks for inviting me. It’s always weird making new friends because—”

  “It feels like a date?” She pops the last of the raspberry truffle into her mouth and wipes the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “I know. I talk to everyone on the trails but I don’t invite just anyone for chocolate.”

  “That’s because you’re afraid they’re going to want to share!” I laugh, but I’m a tiny bit afraid my joke’s going to fall flat.

  “Damn straight.” She points to each of her remaining chocolates, like she’s deciding with eenie-meenie-minie-moe. “You strike me as a selfless individual. One who wants to see her friends happy and, most importantly,” she holds up the winning chocolate. “Won’t steal from them.”

  I burst out laughing and the woman behind the counter looks our way. “You’ve got me there.”

  She takes a bite of the second piece and sets it on her plate. “So what’s your story? You and Evan are dating, Cally’s your friend, and that guy Blake is her boyfriend? Seems like you’ve got it all figured out.”

  “Seems like.” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.

  Her eyebrow raises.

  “Cally’s my best friend and yes, Blake is her boyfriend…” I trail off.

  “But Evan’s not your boyfriend?” She picks at her chocolates. “I’m no relationship expert, but I got the impression he thinks he’s your boyfriend.”

  I roll my eyes. “What gave it away? The constant hovering or the way he won’t let me make a decision for myself?”

  “Ouch.”

  I lift my drink and inspect the liquid. “Is there truth serum in this thing?”

  “He did seem a bit protective. But it seemed sweet, like he really cares for you.” She takes a sip of her drink. “Have you been together long?”

  I take a deep breath and unload our whole saga. The first time we dated, the breakup last winter, getting together after the avalanche, and now.

  The straw pops out of her mouth. “Hold up. You were in that avalanche?”

  “Not in, but close. I broke my leg trying to get off the mountain, and,” I pause. “Evan’s best friend died up there.”

  She leans back in her chair. “Oh shit.”

  “Yeah.”

  “I guess the overprotective thing makes sense.”

  “Still doesn’t make it any easier. I feel like a total bitch for not being happy.
”

  “You can’t help who you like. Or don’t like.” She toys with her straw. We barely know each other but I get the impression she has something else she wants to say.

  I smile. “Just ask.”

  “You figured out my tell already?” When I keep smiling, she lets go of the straw and glances out the window before looking me in the eye. “So I’m getting the idea things with Evan are pretty much over.” My heart crumples a little at her words, but it feels like the truth. “Is there anyone else you do like?”

  Heat flushes my cheeks and I curse my inability to keep my emotions to myself.

  “So that’s a yes.” She laughs. “Anyone I know?”

  It’s like she’s choreographed this dance to get me to spill my inner secrets and there’s nothing I can do to change course. I pick at my napkin with my fingernail. “I don’t know. Possibly.” I pick up my caramely apple thing, unsure how to attack it.

  “I think you just bite.”

  I set it back down and stab it with a fork from a wire canister on the table. “So what’s the story with you and Kurt?”

  She smiles. “We’ve been friends forever, then at some point last year, it became more than friends. He graduated last spring so it’s a little tricky with him being in college, but at least he’s close by. ”

  My heart fills for her. “Starting as friends is the best way.” Until you break up. My mood crashes. What’s going to happen to my group of friends?

  Alex leans toward me. “What just happened? You look like someone ran over your dog.”

  “I just realized that if I end things with Evan, I’m ending our perfect little friend thing.”

  She grabs my hand. I’m startled by her touch, but she’s not looking at our hands. She’s staring me in the eye. “That’s not a reason to stay with someone. It’s unfair to both of you.”

  “I know.” My wobbly voice does not convince her.

  “I’m serious. Staying in a relationship for the wrong reasons makes it horrible for everyone.”

  I get the impression she’s talking from experience, but I don’t pry.

  “It sucks hurting someone, but you have to do what’s right for you.”

  Her words are the lifeline I need right now. “He’s just such a wonderful—”