Aveena
It’s a quarter to seven when I park my car into Theodore Cox’s driveway and kill the engine. On any other day, I would’ve gone through every excuse in the book to skip this party, or “small gathering”—or whatever the hell they’re calling it—but I had to get out of my house.
Away from Ash and Logan.
Especially after my mom invited the psycho over for dinner.
It’s crazy to me how easily Logan can flip his “nice guy” switch on. It’s been well over a year since he and Ashley broke up, and the bastard still slid back into character without blinking.
He’s got his kiss-ass persona down to a T: the shy smiles, the please’s and thank you’s, the bogus compliments to my mom who wants nothing more than to believe she looks half her age.
Could’ve fooled me—hell, he did fool me. Fooled me into trusting him, fooled me into opening up, fooled me into betraying my own blood.
Theo’s driveway is packed with cars, one of them Dia’s lime-green bug car. Sauntering toward Theo’s single-story house, I pull out my phone to text my best friend a quick “I’m here.”
Crickets.
I’ve been to Theo’s place once before, for the back-to-school party Dia dragged me to at the beginning of senior year. I knock on the door five times before ditching my manners and walking in uninvited. Theo’s kitchen is desert, although every flat surface is covered in empty beer cans and red cups.
“Dia?” I call, craning my neck to peek into the living room.
Not a soul in sight.
That’s when a high-pitched scream slices through the air, accompanied by a loud splash and distant laughter. I tail the noises to the backyard and slide the glass door open to find Easton High’s elite in the pool.
Well, technically, only Finn, Dia, and Theo are in the pool. Brielle and cheer captain, Lacey Mattson, are lying out on yellow sun loungers in their bikinis while Axel Fletcher, a guy from the basketball team, eyes them like they’re racks of lamb.
I venture out of the house, anxiety stirring up in my stomach. Dia is yelling at Finn for pushing her into the water all dressed, splashing him, calling him names, but Finn’s smile doesn’t waver one bit as he swims toward her. He scoops her up into his arms to kiss her and she practically melts into his hands.
No one’s seen me yet.
I couldn’t fit in less if I tried. Yep, that’s my cue. I backtrack slowly, hoping to retreat to my car before they notice m—
“Vee?” I recognize Dia’s voice.
Shit.
“Oh, hey.” I wave awkwardly.
All eyes are on me.
“Were you leaving?” my best friend worries.
“What? No, I was just… going to get myself a drink. Inside. Because I’m hot.” I fan myself.
Real smooth, dumbass.
“Can’t argue with that.” Axel Fletcher lowers his sunglasses as if to inspect the merchandise.
Classy.
I’ve got to give it to him, the guy sure lives up to his reputation. To think he’d be a solid eight if he didn’t sexualize everything with a heartbeat.
Dia hurries out of the pool, making a beeline for the red cooler by the barbecue. Her drenched shorts and tank top fit her like a second skin, her thick black hair a tangled, curly mess. Finn got her good.
“What do you want? Beer? Iced tea? We got everything.”
“Iced tea’s good.”