Page 35 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 7

Boone

November

I hit Seventeen, refusing to try another call. I haven’t talked to Mackenzie in two weeks, and I know something’s wrong. I took the first flight out of California I could get. I’m falling apart, but I have to know what’s going on.

“C’mon, baby, I need to talk to you.” I speed toward her home, praying she’ll talk to me. I know whatever it is that’s going on, we can handle it together.

“I promised you I’d be the man you needed me to be, but I can’t do that if you don’t talk to me.” I grip the wheel, trying to hold onto the last shred of sanity that I have left.

“Mom said there’s been rumors about us.” I rub the back of my neck. “I don’t give a damn what this town says about me. All I want is to protect you from it all.” I whip into the garage’s parking lot.

Mack, her grandfather, glances up at me when I come to a screeching halt. He jerks his cap off as I climb out of my mom’s car, scratching his head.

“Boone, she ain’t here, son.” He drops his head. “I don’t think she wants to talk to you.”

“Why, Mack? What did I do?” I fist my hands as rage stokes deep in my gut. “What in the fuck is going on?”

“Boone, calm down.” Maisyn runs across the street from her house. “Mackenzie isn’t here.”

“I know that, Maisyn!” I yell. “Where in the hell is she? I’m goin’ outta my mind here with worry!”

She bites her nail, and my stomach knots. “She doesn’t want you to know, but she’s found someone else.”

“And you’re a goddamn liar. I know better.” I seethe. “My mom told me about the latest gossip. That the rumor mill is churning about us. I want to see her.”

“Boone, that’s not a good idea.” Mackenzie’s Dad, Ken, walks up beside Maisyn.

“So, y’all are just going to keep her away from me?” My brow knits, incredulous. “What the actual fuck, people? What the hell is going on?”

“Son…” I turn to find Mack standing close to me, and he lays his hand on my shoulder. “She’s made up her mind, and nothing anyone has said has changed it. I’m sorry, but she doesn’t want to see you.”

My head shakes of its own volition. “No, that can’t be. I need her here with me! She promised me, Mack. She swore to me she’d never hurt me again.”

“She believes she’s doing the right thing for the both of you,” Ken mutters as he stops near me. “I’m sorry, Boone.”

“You’re sorry?” I glare at him. “Is it true? Is what everyone’s telling my parents true?”

Ken jerks his cap off, running his hand through his hair, just like Kenzie does. “She’s left town. She won’t be back. Ever.”

I fall against my car, sliding to the ground. “No! This can’t be happening. Please help me, help me stop her!”

“Boone.” Maisyn opens her mouth, but I can’t understand what she’s saying to me. “She loves you and truly believes this is the best for you both.”

“Where?” I growl, knowing they can tell me but won’t. “Where is she?”

“We can’t tell you. She made us promise.” Maisyn winces.

“Like she’s one to ask people to promise something.” I elbow my car. “She can’t even comprehend what a fucking promise is!”

Ken rubs his face, and I feel terrible for him. He’s lost so much, more than I ever have. “I agree with you, I do, but I have to protect her, and this is what she wants. Come on, Dad.” He turns, hurrying away from me with Mack on his heels.

“I’m sorry, Boone.” Maisyn follows her uncle and Mackenzie’s grandfather.

I bury my face in my hands, lost to what I should do next. Giving up isn’t an option, especially if what people are saying has even the slightest chance of being true.

“Hatcher.” A voice pulls me from my mire. “Listen.”