Read Online Awkwardly Ever After by Marni Bates - Free Book Online Page A

suggesting the movie. It was . . . interesting. Come on, Poca—Melanie. Time for us to go.”
    But I couldn’t seem to move. My feet were transfixed as I stared at Mackenzie and watched a virtual rainbow of emotion transform her features. Discomfort. Anger. Hurt. Hope.
    The air was thick with years of unexpressed pain.
    â€œI did call. A few times. Your mother promised to give you the messages.”
    Mackenzie jerked back and her eyes instantly flicked over to her younger brother. “And I told her that I wanted nothing to do with you. You should have taken the hint.”
    â€œSpeaking of hints . . . Melanie. We’re. Leaving. Now, ” Spencer hissed as he moved past Mackenzie’s father and headed straight for his car. Izzie didn’t need to be told to get out of there. She was uncomfortable enough with the scene taking place to willingly spend one-on-one time with Notable royalty.
    Which meant that I now owed her about a billion more favors.
    â€œWhy don’t we discuss this privately, Mackenzie? I know a great little Mexican restaurant—”
    â€œI’m pretty sure that eating anywhere with you would spoil Mack’s appetite. And last time I checked, she had a strict ‘no asshole’ policy with her life.” Logan raised an eyebrow skeptically as her dad straightened in an effort to look as intimidating as possible. “Interesting. I always pictured you with more of a weasely face. I’m kind of disappointed, actually.”
    Mackenzie jabbed him in the side. “Not. Helping. Logan.”
    â€œReally?
    â€œReally.”
    He squeezed her hand. “Sorry.”
    And that simple apology was enough. But I didn’t exactly have a chance to awww over the cuteness of Mackenzie’s relationshipbecause Dylan nodded one last time , not in response to anything in particular, but as if he had just confirmed something for himself.
    Then he turned very deliberately and walked right past his father.
    He didn’t shoulder-check him.
    There were no snarled insults or teeth-baring or any other kind of alpha-male display to assert that the son had taken up the role of man of the house. Dylan made sure that he didn’t so much as brush against his father as he walked away at a steady, deliberate pace while everyone else gawked at his retreating figure.
    For half a second I hoped he was going to climb into Spencer’s car and order the Notable to start driving. That the four of us would go see some new action movie or something. Nothing like a postapocalyptic society to put your life into perspective, especially when combined with the brain-numbing power of subzero movie theater air-conditioning.
    Dylan didn’t slow down.
    He passed the car without even sparing Spencer or Izzie a glance. That’s when I knew that I would be owing Izzie even more favors. A lifetime of them, in fact.
    Because I wouldn’t be accepting that ride home with her.
    I started running down the street after Dylan.

Chapter 7
    Dear Anonymous,
    The Mardi Gras theme was selected by the prom committee. Maybe instead of whining, you should try to join in some leadership position. And if you’re really that sick of hearing about prom—then stay home!
    Sincerely,
    Lisa Anne Montgomery
    Â 
    â€”from “Hello Anonymous,”
by Lisa Anne Montgomery
Published by The Smithsonian
    I ’m not sure what I expected to happen.
    If my life were a romantic comedy, I probably would call out Dylan’s name and watch him pause. Then there would be a slow-motion running scene where my long hair would ripple beautifully behind me. I would draw up to him, attractively out of breath and yet remarkably sweat-free, and he would singe me with a kiss.
    â€œI knew you would come after me,” he’d murmur right before I plastered my mouth against his again.
    â€œAlways.”
    Roll credits.
    Too bad real life didn’t work out that way.
    â€œHey! Wait up, Dylan!”