Free Front Page Face-Off by Jo Whittemore Page B

Marcus told Jenner’s dad.
    â€œI see.” He nodded at Marcus but didn’t take his eyes off him.
    I grabbed Marcus’s arm and jerked him down to my level. “I thought I was done dealing with you!” My whisper was harsh enough to cause Jenner’s dad to look down.
    Marcus nodded and smiled for his benefit. “I just came to offer what we both know you want.”
    I snorted and waved a dismissive hand. “You have nothing I want.”
    â€œNot even a follow-up article to”—he leaned forward—“the Swirlie Bandit?”
    My eyes widened, but I tried to keep my cool. “Maybe …”
    Marcus smirked and settled back on his elbows. “I realize you’ll never give me an outright apology, so instead, I want you to give me an interview … a chance to tell my side of the story.”
    I studied his face to see if he was serious. “You realize since I’m writing the article, you can’t make up things that didn’t happen. I’d just leave them out.”
    He nodded. “I also know you’re obsessed with the truth, and even if it makes me look better , you’ll still tell it.”
    When I didn’t say anything, he continued. “Look, there’s no catch to any of this. I just want a chance for people to see me not as this jerk you invented.”
    â€œBut you are a jerk,” I countered.
    He shrugged. “If you don’t want the article, I can think of another person who’ll take it and completely debunk the article you wrote about me.”
    My eyes narrowed. “Ava.” Somehow she always managed to force her French fanny into my life.
    â€œYep,” said Marcus. “Personally I think I’m being generous, coming to you first with the offer.”
    I almost objected again, but a sneaky plan had started to formulate in my mind. “Okay,” I said slowly. “I will interview you.”
    â€œGood.”
    â€œSaturday night.”
    â€œFine.”
    â€œAt the Debutante social.”
    Marcus leaned forward, looking far less smug. “Huh?”
    â€œI need a date,” I said simply. “And you’re available.”
    He laughed but didn’t sound amused. More like … incredulous. “We”—he gestured emphatically between me and himself—“don’t get along. Why would I possibly agree to that?”
    â€œSome of the most influential kids in school will be there, and if you want to improve your reputation …” I let the idea dangle in front of him.
    Of course, I was mostly lying. His bad-boy reputation would always precede him, even if he showed up at the country club in a tuxedo and top hat. The real reason I wanted to bring him was to horrify the Little Debbies with his presence. If I was stuck pledging, I might as well have fun messing with them.
    I watched Marcus and could almost hear the rusty gears struggling to turn in his brain. The way he squinted at me, I knew he didn’t believe everything I’d said, but the fact that he was still quiet meant he thought I had a point.
    After a moment of listening to the waves and cheering crowd, he finally nodded. “All right. I’ll let you interview me at the social. But it’s strictly professional. We’re not holdinghands and you’re not going to call me your date or your boyfriend or anything sweet.”
    I smiled. “Don’t worry. I can think of plenty of things to call you that aren’t sweet at all.”
    â€œJust give me the details.”
    I did, but I left out the dress code. I was curious to see what he’d come up with on his own.
    When I finished, he jumped to his feet, brushing off his shorts and deliberately flicking sand at me. “I’ll pick you up at seven, then.” He ran off before I could shout, “It’s a date!”
    Jenner and her dad were standing near the judge’s table waiting for her results, so I got up to