Page 65 of Trustfall

Jaxon: Have you given any thought to my question, Princess? If you think I’m bluffing, I can assure you I’m not.

Did he ask me a question? It definitely sounded more like a threat at my dad’s house. I didn’t answer when I first saw it, but marked it as read so he would know I unblocked him. I want him to know that I’m not going to hide in the shadows. I’m going to face this head-on, even though I’m scared shitless.

Of course, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing with Luke—hiding. And, to make matters worse, I can't just hide in my bed all night with the covers over my head like I’ve been doing for the past six nights. It’s Nate’s birthday and we’re celebrating at his favorite beer bar in Rocky Falls. I have to go. Nate would know something was up if I didn’t. I could try to come up with an excuse, but he would see right through it like he always does. He doesn’t even drink beer. He just likes it for the pizza, which is terrible. But whatever, it’s his birthday.

My only saving grace is that, while I know Luke will be there, he won’t be able to approach me. Not anything more than a “hi” anyway. Otherwise, Nate would be suspicious, and I know Luke wouldn’t want that.

At least Allie will be by my side. I haven’t told her about anything. She knows I was seeing Luke, but I didn’t tell her about the freak-out or my run-in with Jaxon. I guess I can’t blame her for not being super forthcoming with her own drama lately. It’s not like I’m any better.

Speaking of the devil, Allie comes into my room and starts rummaging through my closet.

“I don’t know what to wear,” she whines.

“It’s beer and shitty pizza. Nothing crazy.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” she recites with her usual attitude.

I chuckle at the absurdity that is my best friend. “I don’t think that applies here.”

“Oh, it absolutely does. If I want a crazy night, I’m going to dress crazy. Otherwise, the nightwillonly consist of beer and shitty pizza.”

Maybe it’s the lack of sleep and proper nutrition, but that makes sense. “Okay, you got me. Dress crazy.”

She gives me a self-satisfied look. “What are you wearing?” she asks as she abandons my closet and looks herself over in my floor-length mirror.

“Something that makes me look like I’m going out for beer and shitty pizza,” I sass.

“Ughh. You are the worst,” she huffs before opening my door to stomp down the hallway.

True to my word, I pull on a plain jean skirt and a T-shirt. Then I part my still damp hair into two sections and thread each section into a French braid. I put on some mascara and swipe some clear gloss on my lips, ready to go get this night over with.

An hour later,Allie and I step into the bar, the scent of hops and the hum of conversation immediately taking over my senses. I hear the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter coming from various groups of people huddled at tall tables or sitting at the bar. There’s classic rock pouring through the speakers, which I assume is my brother’s doing. He’s a sucker for that shit.

I see Nate standing at one of the far corners, talking to a bunch of guys I recognize from high school. Former teammates. One of them turns around as I approach. Matt, I think his name is?

“Hey yo! It’s Little Wells,” he calls and reaches his arm out to put around me. I take a step back, so he misses, and I pat his shoulder instead. The name feels so wrong coming from anyone other than Luke.

Nate glares while I slap a fake smile on my face.

“Hi,” I say. “Long time no see, Matt, right?”

“Mason,” he corrects me.

“Oh yeah, Mason. Nice to see you again. It’s been like, what? Eight years?”

“We saw each other at Thanksgiving,” he says, appearing slightly dejected. “We had an entire meal together. I sat across from you.”

Allie snorts, and Nate’s glare turns into a smirk as he shakes his head.

“Oh my God. Yes, of course I remember,” I lie. “You just look different. Did you cut your hair? Anyway, I’m glad you could make it tonight.”

He looks confused for a moment, but then shrugs his shoulders, grabs his beer, and takes a couple of swigs. He seems much happier after that. If only that were all it took for me to be happy.

Beer and shitty pizza.

I turn my attention to Nate. “Happy birthday, big bro,” I say as I give him a side hug.

“Thanks, little sis. Sorry I’ve been so busy lately. Dad’s been riding my ass about these new accounts. You staying out of trouble?”

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