Page 33 of Truth or Dare

My phone vibratedin my pocket.

WTF. Are you serious? Reagan?

I smirkedas I typed back.

Truth.

It’s not your turn!

She replied,immediately.

Truth.

Her frustration spilledinto her next message.

It’s my turn. Are you trying to make me jealous?

I tappedout the same response.

Truth.

Fuck you. I’m not playing your game anymore.

I shovedmy phone back into my pocket, anger simmering beneath the surface. She could say whatever she wanted, but it was obvious she didn’t plan on sorting out her mess with Evan. She wanted to keep playing both sides.

But I was done playing.

Reagan grabbed my hand,tugging me along with her, her steps quick and determined.

“Where are we going?” I asked, a bit breathless from the sudden burst of movement.

She glanced over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Off-campus. To Grimaldi’s.”

I hesitated, slowing my pace. “We could get in trouble for that.”

Her grin widened as she squeezed my hand tighter, pulling me closer. “I know a shortcut.”

Before I could argue, she led me through the maze of hallways, darting through the woodshop and out a creaky side door. The sharp smell of wood dust lingered as we emerged into the open air.

The only things standing between us and Grimaldi’s pizza were the teacher’s parking lot, a rusty old fence, and someone's backyard. I followed her across the small lot, and we slipped through a gap in the fence like it was a well-rehearsed escape route.

A dog barked as we cut through the thick, overgrown grass of a stranger’s yard, but no one came to the door to stop us. My pulse quickened as we darted toward freedom, adrenaline mixing with excitement. We reached Grimaldi’s, the scent of garlic and freshly baked bread filling the air as we stepped inside. My stomach growled, a sharp reminder that I hadn’t eaten anything for breakfast.

“I’ve got this one,” I said, pulling out my wallet.

Reagan smiled, but instead of pulling away, she curled her fingers around mine. The warmth of her hand was comforting, an unspoken camaraderie between us. We were in this together. After devouring a pepperoni pizza and downing a couple of Dr. Peppers, we leaned back in our chairs, both satisfied and a little too full.

Half an hour later, we slipped back into school, unnoticed, sneaking through the side door like seasoned pros. Just before we entered the hallway, Reagan pressed a soft kiss to my lips, catching me by surprise.

“Let’s hurry before the first tone rings. I’ve got to pee,” she said, smiling as she pulled away.

“You go ahead,” I said, leaning against the wall. “I need a cigarette.”

Her smile faltered, a frown tugging at her lips. “You should really try to quit.”

I shrugged, not ready to make any promises. “Maybe.”

Reagan sighed but didn’t push it further. “All right. See you later.”

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