DEZ

Riley somehow got out of the Devlin party unscathed and under the radar. But at school on Monday, her name is all the buzz. Apparently I’m not the only one noticing the changes in Rye. She’s almost stopping traffic in the halls.

Yet not everyone is stoked.

Libby charges at me before second period. I can almost feel the target on my head.

What is it with these chick attacks in the hallway?

“Dez, we need to talk,” she barks at me, moving to the corner away from lockers and people.

I don’t follow.

She waves me over, her face all crinkly, telling me she’ll make a scene if I don’t do as I’m told.

I slowly walk over.

“Yeah,” I say, meeting her eyes. She will not intimidate me.

“I want you to back off Riley,” she demands.

“What?”

“Back off, Dez. This film of yours is making her crazy.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, remembering my promise to Riley not to say anything to Libby about the video footage.

“The makeover, Tori, boys. I want you to leave her alone. I see what you’re doing, Dez. I know you want her, but she’s vulnerable right now and I don’t want her to do something she’ll regret.”

“And by something, you mean me.” I laugh.

“Don’t be crude.” Libby looks around and lowers her voice. “Riley’s confused. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the changes in her.”

“Change is good.” I lean against the wall and cross my arms.

“This is not good, Dez, not good at all. And I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

“What’s the real reason for this outburst, Libby? Is it because Riley isn’t hanging on your every word anymore? Or, because now she’s the hot one? Which part exactly is getting your panties in a bundle?”

“She’s confused, Dez. If you were a real friend, you’d see the situation for what it is instead of an opportunity.”

“Here we go,” I say, taking pleasure watching her blood pressure rise. “You’re not worried about Riley. Not really. You’re worried that she’s going to choose me over you.”

“Not everything is about you.” She rolls her eyes. “You egomaniac. But I wouldn’t expect a guy to understand.”

“No, I’m sure you wouldn’t.”

“Look, I know you had something to do with Emma breaking up with Riley,” she whispers. “I know it and I will find out the truth.”

Shit. Where did this come from?

I put on my best poker face and try to keep my voice steady.

Give away nothing.

“Okay, Libby, you’re on a roll. What else would you like to add to the list of things that I’m responsible for? World hunger? The Middle East conflict? What else can you blame on me, and where are you going with all of this anyway?”

“Just consider it a friendly warning. I will find out what you’ve been up to, Dez, and I will not let you take Riley away from me.”

I hold out my hand, “Well, I guess the only thing I can say is … let the best man win.”

Of course she doesn’t shake my hand. So I slowly walk away, my mind racing, trying to figure out my next move.

“Asshole!” Libby screams to my back.