Page 53 of Hide and Keep

So she doesn’t want her friends to know she’s out of control.

It is pretty fucking embarrassing. I’d lie my ass off, too.

“I want one.” Her double pouts, looking me up and down like I’m in the window display of her favorite boutique.

All at once I realize she was talking about me. I’m the “that” she was referring to. And she didn’t askwhois that. She askedwhatis that. I’m nothing more than an object to these people. A tool for hire.

“No. You. Don’t,” Ever bites out like I’m the biggest inconvenience anyone could possibly be saddled with.

For the next several minutes, I have to stand here and try to ignore every vapid word coming from Ever and company’s mouths. Some topics are easier to tune out than others. Yachting. The Masters. Charity auctions—that shit might as well be another language to me.

A gala though, that’s just another word for party, and that piques my interest. Not for my sake. For my protectee’s.

Taking place this Saturday, Ever’s friends couldn’t be more excited for the gala. “The event of the season,” they keep calling it.

“What time will you be making your grand entrance, Munreaux?” the blond guy asks lazily.

“I’ll have to let you know. I have something beforehand.”

He perks up. “Pregame?”

“Without us?” the first girl, Paris, practically whines.

Ever mumbles, “That’s rich.” Then louder, she adds, “It’s for cheer.”

The group, minus the blond, erupts in groans.

“Didn’t you already have your little show?” Paris asks.

“You mean Nationals? It’s a competition, the biggest one of the year. And yes, we competed on Saturday. We won fir—”

“So then why is it still going?” the blond interrupts to ask.

“It’s not even football season anymore,” another guy says.

The third one adds, “And basketball ended weeks ago.”

“The season is over, it just…”

I thought she told Arthur it wasn’t over.

When Ever doesn’t continue, I twist imperceptibly so I can see her fully. Ignoring the double takes her friends give my face now that it’s on display, I focus on Ever. She’s lost in thought and standing in a way I’ve seen her do a couple times now, with her hands behind her back.

Nervous habit maybe? What is she nervous about? Is it something with cheerleading?

Or is it these people?

They bother the shit out of me.

“So you can skip it?”

Ever releases her arms back by her sides. “No, I can’t. We’ve been asked to perform our winning routine at the Flower Fest this year.”

No one says a word, making Ever’s scoff hard to miss. They all act like they do though.

“I’ll let you know when I’m on my way,” she tells them with a shake of her head.

There’s a collective sigh of relief.

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