The Exception by Brittany Wynne Page B

stood next to the pot of shredded pork that my mother was seasoning and took a big whiff.
    “Well then, just wait until you taste it!” mom exclaimed, while swatting Dylan’s hand away as he was trying to sneak a bite.
    “Can’t wait. You know I love your cooking, Mrs. C.” My mom turned to put the spices back in the cabinet as Dylan reached over and quickly snatched some pulled pork between his fingers and popped it in his mouth. “You were right. So good,” he muttered with his mouth full.
    My mom looked at Dylan and shook her head with an amused grin on her face. “Don’t make me call your mother, mister. Or better yet, I’m going to let everyone else make a plate first,” she teased, while shooing him away from the stovetop.
    Dylan faked a concerned expression. “Come on, Mrs. C. You wouldn’t punish a man for not being able to resist your cooking now would you?” he finished with big puppy dog eyes.
    Yep. Dylan was clearly no longer bothered by last night’s events and was back to acting like his typical suck-up self. This is where I would normally jump in and make some wisecrack remark about him buttering up my mom, but last night had affected me more than I thought. I could not think of a single thing to say that was not laced with something that would let on how pissed I was at him. Plus, I really didn’t want my mom to pick up on something and me have to try to explain what happened last night. I don’t know how Maya does it.
    “You’re awfully quiet over there, Em,” Dylan started with that typical smirk. I guess I wasn’t the only one that noticed my missing witty remark.
    “I suppose I’m just hungry,” I said with a forced smile. “I didn’t eat breakfast because by the time I woke up, I knew I would be eating pulled pork sandwiches in just a few hours, and I love pulled pork sandwiches. And I knew they. Were worth. Waiting for.”
    Sensing my frustration, Gabe walked over and put his hand on my shoulder. He must have shot Dylan a look because Dylan made a “what” face before walking over to sit at the table.
    “I suppose,” Maya began, dragging out the end of her word, “that we should feed Emma then.” She was looking directly at me, and I knew for her sake I was going to have to try harder to get through this delightfully awkward lunch.
    “Alrightie then. Everyone come make a plate.” Mom was holding up two plates. “I’m going to take this back to your father and keep him company while he works. Kenzie,” she yelled up the stairs as she walked by. “Better come make you a plate before these boys eat it all.”
    My sister came bee bopping down the stairs. “Hey, Em, do you mind if I hop in front of the line? I was going to make a quick plate then go finish getting ready. Mom is going to take me to meet some. Friends. For ice cream here pretty quick,” she said in a singsong voice, emphasizing the word friends.
    “Sounds like little Kenzie has a date,” Gabe teased.
    “Oh hush, Gabe. There are going to be a few people there. It’s not like it’s going to be just me and Logan.” McKenzie broke out into a huge smile as Gabe gestured for her to go to the front of the line. Kenzie quickly made a plate then started to leave the kitchen. As she walked by me, she stopped. “Oh, hey, Em. Do you mind if I borrow that blue top you wore on your date with Jake last weekend?”
    Maya leaned in and whispered, “Oh, she’s good,” causing me to let out a small laugh.
    “Nope,” I said amused. “Go right ahead.”
    “Eeek!” she squealed. “You’re the best!” Her eyes shot a quick glance over at Ryan that I would have missed if I hadn’t been watching her intently, and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she met my gaze again. 
    After that little performance, even I would have really believed Kenzie was into Logan if I wouldn’t have known about her plan. I just can’t believe she’s going through all this trouble to make a guy, whose not even