Page 88 of Truth or Dare

Evan’s voice was sharp and demanding. “You left me last night and didn’t answer my texts. What the hell, Presley?”

“I took you home, put you to bed, and left with Neil. He was in bad shape.”

“How did you get home?” His voice was a growl. “Doug told me you were with that asshole, Hudson. Were you?”

“Hudson just gave us a ride, that’s it,” I replied, trying to stay calm. “You were passed out. Neil needed a ride, and you were too wasted to drive. Don’t be angry just because you messed up. Hudson’s just a friend.”

“You spent the night at home, right?” he questioned.

“With Neil. I was worried he might choke on his vomit.”

He hesitated, and I knew he was suspicious. “Is he there now?”

My heart raced. “Of course he’s here. He’s sleeping it off.”

There was a tense silence, then Evan’s voice cut through it like a knife. “I want to hear him tell me that.”

“Are you serious?” I snapped. “You think I’m lying?”

“You better not be,” he said, each word dripping with menace. “You better start acting like a real girlfriend because right now, it’s not looking good. I expect you to stay over tonight.”

I clenched my jaw, scrambling for an excuse. “We’re having company tonight.”

“You didn’t mention that last night.”

“Sorry,” I said, my tone icy. “Didn’t think I needed to give you my schedule.”

His voice dropped to a dangerously calm tone. “Don’t play games, Presley. I’m done with your bullshit.”

I felt my pulse quicken, forcing myself to stay composed. “Evan, I didn’t do anything wrong. I took care of Neil. You were out cold.”

“Convenient,” he scoffed. “You just happened to end up with Hudson, and now you’re playing nurse to Neil? You think I’m an idiot?”

“No,” I replied quickly, too quickly. “You’re just not thinking straight.”

“I want to talk to Neil,” he demanded, his voice like steel.

Panic clawed at me. I had to buy time. “Fine,” I said, forcing my voice to stay calm. “But he’s asleep. I’ll wake him up and call you back.”

“Wake him up now.”

With a shaky breath, I cupped the phone with my hand and hurried to Neil’s room. He was still sprawled out, dead to the world. I shook him gently but urgently.

“Neil, I need you to wake up,” I whispered, anxiety threading through my voice. “Evan wants to talk to you.”

Neil groaned, rubbing his eyes. “What’s going on?”

“Just tell him you were with me all night. Please, Neil. I’ll explain later.”

Reluctantly, Neil nodded, still half-asleep, and took the phone from me.

“Hello?” he mumbled, sounding groggy.

There was a pause before Evan’s voice cut through. “Neil, where was Presley last night? Tell me the truth.”

Neil shot me a glance, and I mouthed, Say it was here. “I was home with Presley. She looked after me because I drank too much,” he muttered.

Evan’s voice dripped with suspicion. “And Hudson?”

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