Thin White Line Read Online Free

Kenzie.
    As they continue with their rude remarks, I clear my throat and look right at them.
    The blonde straightens, penciled in brows shooting to her hairline. “Oh my God, I think she heard you.”
    “I don’t care if she did. In fact, I hope she hears everything.” The brunette shrugs. “I mean, seriously...what the hell is up with those jeans? Are they two sizes too small…or are they leggings?”
    The question causes an uproar of laughter at the table.
    “Right!” another girl agrees, smacking her gum with her mouth wide open. The sound annoys me...almost as much as the catty comments. First off, my jeans aren’t that tight. Haven’t they heard of super skinny jeans in Washington? Plus, that bitch has no room to talk. I can see every fat bulge in her back. I bite the inside of my lip in an effort to keep from popping off.
    “Did you see that?” The blonde nudges the brunette. “She just shot you the dirtiest look.”
    “Oh, she did not!” The brunette stands. For a second, I imagine myself in a fist fight on the cafeteria floor, but the image evaporates as the girl’s gaze shifts beyond me to something, or rather, someone else. She sits down slowly.
    “Hey, Kenzie,” Brooke says, smiling at me. That grin doesn’t even begin to touch her eyes.
    I’ve never been so happy to see anyone. I want to hug her. “Hey.”
    “Sorry, I just now saw you sitting here or I would have joined you earlier. How’s your day going so far? You okay?” Brooke’s gaze skips to the table where the brunette and her friends sit, watching us closely. There is nothing friendly in Brooke’s cold stare as she looks at them.
    “It’s going okay.”
    The table of girls has gone silent. I can tell by Brooke’s stance, hands planted firmly on her hips, that she is just waiting for one comment before she leaps over the table to pummel the girl and her buddies.
    Her gaze flicks back to me. “You sure you’re okay?”
    I nod. “Yeah, I’m sure. Thanks.”
    Please don’t leave me.
    The brunette and her friends put their heads together. A second later, they laugh so loud, the entire cafeteria turns to see what has caused such an uproar.
    My stomach sinks to my toes. Just what I need—more attention directed my way and more drama in my life.
    Brooke sits down. Thank God.
    “So, tell me about your band,” I say, stealing a glance towards Ryder.
    “Ugh, I knew it.” Her voice is tinged with disappointment. “Don’t tell me you have the hots for Ryder.”
    Was I that obvious? “I’m not saying I have the hots for him. I just...think he’s gorgeous.” 
    “He’s the bass player in my band, The Frozen .”
    “ The Frozen , huh?”
    “Yeah, aptly named after I froze on stage the first time we played at a Battle of the Bands gig.” She flashes a smile and I’m reminded of the girl I knew all those years ago. “So embarrassing, but I guess the name beats Brooke and her Bitches .”
    “Are you serious?”
    “I had thrown it out there, but the guys didn’t think it represented the band as a whole.” Her lips quirk. “ The Frozen seemed much more appropriate.”
    “What kind of music do you play?”
    “You could call us post grunge or alternative rock.”
    I nod, acting like I know what she is talking about. “Where do you play?”
    “We practice at Curtis’s house and a few local festivals. We’ve even opened up for some pretty solid acts across the river at The Fantasy Ballroom in Portland.”
    I have no idea what The Fantasy Ballroom is, but it sounds amazing. “I’m impressed.”
    “We’re playing a college party in a couple of weeks, so that’s why I was so frustrated with Ryder. He has to show for practice if we’re going to be ready.” She leans forward and motions for me to do the same. “You should come with me to practice sometime.”
    My stomach clenches in excitement. This is how I hoped it would be between me and my cousin. “I would love that.” I’m excited to see her in action,