Page 6 of Truth or Dare

“That’s cool,” I replied, letting the corner of his bed catch my weight as I sat down. His room was exactly what you'd expect from a teenage boy—posters of his favorite NFL players plastered on the walls, a gaming system wired up to the TV, and shelves cluttered with random trinkets.

Neil kept talking, his voice bright with enthusiasm. “I hope to get some more playing time next year. A lot of the seniors aregraduating, including Evan—Presley’s boyfriend. He’s a running back.”

“Does he treat her right?” I asked, my voice casual, though I was fishing for more than just brotherly gossip.

Neil shrugged, his face twisting in uncertainty. “I guess. I’ve never had a girlfriend, so I wouldn’t know.”

He looked timid, like a freshman desperate to fit in with the older crowd. From next door, muffled voices broke the stillness—yelling, by the sound of it.

“What’s that?” I cocked my head, straining to hear.

Neil snorted. “Probably Pres and Evan going at it again. They argue a lot. He always thinks she’s cheating or something.”

A smile crept onto my lips. Perfect. Breaking them up would be a lot easier than I thought.

The minute I found out we were moving back to Asterdale, I’d looked Presley Rossi up on social media. She was popular, gorgeous, exactly the kind of girl you couldn’t forget. And that ape, Evan, he was all over her photos. Big, cocky, smug. I’d done my homework on him, though. His profiles screamed narcissism—most pictures were of him, either partying or flexing in his football gear. There were a few shots of Presley, but you could tell he treated her more like an accessory than an actual girlfriend.

“Then why does she stay with him?” I pressed, eyeing Neil as he spun lazily in his desk chair.

He sighed, as if the answer should’ve been obvious. “I dunno, man. She was happier before they got together.”

“How long have they been dating?”

“A few months, maybe. Don’t get me wrong, Evan’s a good guy, but... I don’t think he’s right for her.” There was a softness in Neil’s voice, like he admired the guy despite his flaws. Typical. He was probably hoping for a seat at the cool kids’ table, and Evan was his ticket in.

“It’s her choice,”I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Neil just shrugged again, mumbling, “I guess.”

I couldn’t help but smirk at his indecisiveness. What could you expect from a fourteen-year-old?

“So, what’s there to do around here?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Wanna play Fortnite?” Neil offered, already reaching for his controller.

“Not my thing,” I replied, standing up. “I think I’ll go check on dessert.”

He didn’t even glance up, his focus entirely on booting up his game. As I left his room, I paused outside Presley’s door, which was cracked open just enough for me to catch a glimpse of her inside. She was sitting on her bed, scrolling through her phone.

I nudged the door open with my foot. She looked up, her eyes narrowing.

“What do you want?” she growled, her voice sharp.

I stepped inside, ignoring her irritation. “We should finish our conversation.”

Presley tossed her phone onto the bed with an audible huff. “I didn’t invite you in.”

I pulled the letter from my back pocket, holding it up like a taunt before letting the door swing shut behind me.

“Let me explain,” I said calmly, taking a step closer.

“I don’t want your explanation,” she hissed, her fists clenching at her sides.

I ignored her venom, scanning the room. The soft peach hues of her walls and curtains made the space feel warm, almost too sweet for someone as fiery as her. Pictures cluttered a giant corkboard, and books lined a shelf, surrounded by knickknacks she probably thought were meaningful.

“Nice room,” I muttered, breathing in the scent of apples and cinnamon. It reminded me of her—a mix of warmth and sharpness.

She exhaled loudly, crossing her arms. “Did you hear me?”

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