The Haven High Book Series (Wattys2017)

Chapter 38

Lauren's crew met up at lunch on Friday to talk about what they had learned. And as it turned out the guys confirmed her suspicions that apparently the teachers were not allowed to tell them anything directly. She guessed the Muses had a little more wiggle room and that was why she and Zach had the most to share.

Was it wrong of her to feel smug about knowing more than anyone else, if it was she didn't want to be right? She happily delivered the news that the answers may lay with Ray's relatives. He was shocked to learn they could have anything to do with it, but agreed to introduce Lauren and sit in on the discussion if it would help them find out more.

When Zach said he was coming Lauren blanched.

Given how awkward it was yesterday when they had waited just a few short minutes together for Clio to find the books. She couldn't imagine the more than hour long trip by bus and cable car – cringe worthy was an insignificant descriptor. The journey from Outer Richmond to Russian Hills would be torturous.

How was she going to tell him she'd rather poke herself in the eye with a red hot poker without really saying it to him?

But in the end she decided on subterfuge rather than churlishness, "Sorry Zach, Quinn already said he'd come with me. Didn't you?" Her eyes implored him to answer yes.

"Yeah, she asked me this morning. We're even making a day of it. I'm packing a picnic for us to have at Russian Hills Park.

She could kiss Quinn, he had no idea that he'd rescued her from a very awkward Saturday. When she turned to Zach to say, 'oh well maybe next time or something equally as pithy, her big stupid grin fell right off her face at the expression on his.

Zach was literally apoplectic. His jaw was clenched so tight it looked like he was going to shatter his teeth. He obviously hated being left out of the loop. Well too bad, soooooo sad she thought childishly.

Lauren did a great imitation of a fish out of water though when Zach said with forced cheerfulness and a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.

"Great I'm coming with."

Lauren eyes darted to Quinn for help.

"Hey haven't you ever heard 'two's company three a crowd'?" Quinn asked pointedly.

"Yeah . . . haven't you ever heard two heads are better than one? Well three have got to be even better." Zach bit out.

Zach had moved in to Quinn's personal space and was staring down at him menacingly.

Quinn started to growl and said, "Back off Angel Boy!"

Zach looked like he had been slapped at the mention of her pet name for him. It twisted her guts too.

She decided to throw him a bone, pardon the pun, given the dog fight about to happen.

"Look there's no reason we can't all go together," she said with such a loud sigh that not even the most guileless child would believe her.

"Great I'll meet you guys at the 38th and Geary Blvd bus stop at 11am."

"Quinn draped his arm around her shoulder and said with a devious smile and a wink at her.

"It's a date."

She couldn't be certain but she could swear she heard Zach grinding his teeth as he walked away.

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Lauren had tossed and turned all Friday night at the prospect of hanging out with the two hot headed guys. It had taken her ages to fall asleep; she was even so tired the next morning that she nearly slept in.