Breaking the Bro Code (Breakin' in the 80s, Book 1)

“You told Hayden what?” Cindy’s raised voice carried across the parking lot. She glared at Molly. “You’re crazy, girl. What is wrong with you?”

Walking toward the building, the crisp morning air blew in Molly’s collar, sending goose bumps down her spine. “I told him I wanted to be friends.” She shivered and held the door for Cindy. The school was warmer than outside, but the cold wind followed them through the opened door. They hurried toward their lockers.

Cindy grabbed her books and slammed the door shut with a bang. Several people jumped, glaring, then turned away when they saw it was Cindy. Her friend had a reputation for being a hothead. She tapped her foot and waited for Molly to gather her books. “You tick me off sometimes. You know?”

“I’m focusing on me. My mom suggested I take a break from the boyfriend issue, and she’s right.”

“Of course, she did, she’s your mom. She doesn’t want you to have a boyfriend.” Cindy rolled her eyes. “My mom said I can’t date until I’m out of college and have a job.”

Molly giggled and closed her locker. They headed to their first hour English class. Molly’s stomach filled with butterflies. How would Hayden act today? “I trust her. I need to figure out who I am without the influence of a boyfriend.”

“Uh huh. And how did Hayden take the news?” They reached the classroom and stopped outside the door.

“He said he’d wait for me.” She grinned remembering Hayden’s words. “He said he would do anything I needed.”

“That sounds like him. He’s crazy about you, you know.” Cindy grabbed the door to their class and pulled it open. “You better not make him wait too long. He might spontaneously combust.”

Molly giggled, and they walked into the room.

Cindy dropped her bag by her chair with a thud. “Did Trevor get the same lecture?”

Molly frowned and took out her notebook and research notecards. “Yes. You were there when he called.”

“Hmph. I thought you were letting him manipulate you again that night.” Cindy smirked. “Was he understanding like Hayden? Did he say he would wait and do whatever you needed?”

Molly bit her lip and wrinkled her forehead.

Cindy touched her hand. “I know what that look means. What happened?”

Molly recalled the conversation and rubbed her temples with her fingertips. Trevor had called while she and Cindy studied for their math test. She’d answered the phone in a good mood, her head filled with thoughts of Hayden.

“Hello?”

“Molly, it’s me.” Trevor’s voice chiseled away at her good mood. The last time they had spoken, he told her she was a lost cause.

“Hello, Trevor.” Molly had met Cindy’s gaze and frowned.

Cindy glared whispering, “Do not talk to that jerk.”

But this phone call had to happen. She’d left the room so Cindy wouldn’t hear.

“What do you want?”

“Before you hang up, please listen. I’m sorry, Molly. I didn’t mean the things I said. I was just angry. And stupid. And selfish.” He sighed into the phone.

Molly thought he sounded sincere, but he might be faking. He was an actor after all. “And?”

“I want to try again. I miss you, Molly. Can I come over, so we can talk?”

“No. My mom isn’t home.” Trevor knew the rules.

“When she gets back can I come?” His voice was a whisper. “I love you, Molly. Please give me another chance.”

Despite her anger, she ached for his pain. She remembered the happy times they shared, the fun conversations, places he’d taken her. She missed that Trevor.

But that wasn’t all of him. The snide remarks, the way he made her feel guilty for thinking of herself or anyone else besides him. That Trevor could suck it. She didn’t want him.

“Trevor, I… I need space to figure things out.”

“Space? From what? Molly, I can help you figure out anything you need.”

She frowned into the phone. “No, I need to be alone to figure things out. For me.”

His soft whisper grew harsher. “Does this space include Hayden? Is he allowed inside your space?”

“Space means space. From everyone. If you care about me, you’ll wait for me.”

“I’ll wait. But not forever. That’s not fair for me either. A relationship takes two people. Not just one who gets to decide everything.”

After he’d hung up, she’d barely been able to study because of her anger.

In class, Molly sighed, her gaze meeting Cindy’s. “Trevor reacted like you would expect.”

Cindy chuckled. “Like a selfish bastard who thinks the world revolves around his asshole?”

Molly scrunched her nose. “Yes.”

“Then I guess you have one thing figured out.” Cindy leaned back in her seat, a huge smile on her face.

“Yes, I know for sure my best friend is biased and her opinion can’t be trusted.” She smiled at Cindy’s wounded huff.