Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski Page B

“I guess I’ll have to tell him,” Mackenzie said eventually. “He’s going to find out anyway.”
    “Not if he doesn’t get it,” Tess said. Maybe his gluten allergy had blocked it from appearing at all.
    “Maybe. But with so many people knowing …” She stared into the water. “He’s bound to find out.”
    “What do you think he’ll do?” Tess wondered.
    “I think he’ll break up with me.”
    Yeah, Tess thought. I guess so.
    Mackenzie flinched. Her phone buzzed again.
    Tess heard Mackenzie read herself the message: Are you guys in Battery Park? I think I see you.
    He saw them?
    Mackenzie stiffened. Damn, he’s here.
    They both turned and spotted him waving from the other side of the grass, near the apartments.
    Mackenzie waved back. So much for avoiding him.
    He jogged toward them, a huge smile on his face. “What’s up, laaaaadies?” he sang.
    Tess felt suddenly out of place. Do you want me to go?
    Please don’t, Mackenzie thought. “Hi.”
    He kissed her on the lips. “Mmm. You taste like milk shake.”
    Mackenzie offered him her paper cup. “Want?”
    “Yes, please.” He took a big slurp. “Hey, Tess, what’s shaking?”
    “Besides the milk? Not much,” Tess said. “Just enjoying the weather.” It was a beautiful evening. But still, she felt awkward. Mackenzie, are you sure you don’t want me to go? Now would be a good time to tell him.
    Mackenzie’s eyes widened. No! Don’t go! I can’t tell him now!
    Okay, okay, I won’t. Tess leaned back on the bench just as her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID. “It’s Teddy.”
    “Tell him to come meet us,” Cooper said. Of course she will, she loves him.
    Tess’s heart stopped. How does he know that? Mackenzie, did you tell him?
    Oops. Will she know if I lie?
    Mackenzie! Tess flushed. The phone rang again.
    Tess ignored it. She wished Teddy didn’t exist. She would not call him back. She was done with him. She looked at Mackenzie. What should I do?
    Mackenzie leaned her head back against the bench. Maybe he’d feel differently if he knew how you felt.
    I doubt it.
    “You ladies are quiet today,” Cooper said. He lay down on the bench and put his head on Mackenzie’s lap. “Speaking of which, what was up with everyone in homeroom this morning?”
    “What do you mean?” Mackenzie asked. She turned to Tess. Why don’t you just tell him that you want to jump him?
    I’m not going to do that! Tess cried. Well, she cried it inside her head. She picked up her legs off the ground and hugged them into her chest.
    “Seriously?” Cooper asked. “You didn’t notice everyone was acting weird? There was a lot of staring going on.” It was like a zombie invasion.
    “I didn’t notice anything,” Mackenzie said.
    Mackenzie, Tess thought, if I jump him, then he’ll know I like him. What’s the point of that if I know he doesn’t like me?
    “Then you’d know for sure,” Mackenzie said.
    Cooper blinked in confusion. “Then you’d know what for sure?”
    Mackenzie!!!! Tess wailed.
    Sorry, sorry. “Just talking to myself,” she said. This is too confusing. I can’t keep up two conversations at the same time. Can we discuss this later?
    Tess sighed. Whatever. I should probably go.
    “No!” Mackenzie yelled.
    Cooper blinked again. “No, what?” What is up with her today?
    Mackenzie shook her head. “No, I didn’t realize what time it was. I have to get home.”
    “Already?” Cooper asked. “It’s only five.” She’s definitely acting weird. Maybe she has her period?
    Tess rolled her eyes. I hate when guys blame weird moods on periods.
    Mackenzie sighed. They’re usually right, though. I’m a bitch when I get my period.
    You can be bitchy even when you don’t have your period, Tess thought.
    Mackenzie blinked. True. I didn’t know you thought so, though.
    Tess bit her lip. I didn’t mean that. You’re not bitchy. Only a little bitchy. To everyone. Including me. Crap. I didn’t mean that either. Yes I did. No,