Page 6 of Ace of Spades

He gives me a look that saysPlease.

"Just admit it. You’d rather be home tinkering on your bike until you’re too tired to function."

He’s not wrong.

"And you’re telling me not everybody wants to do that?"

"No, Si. Some people like to actually participate in life."

"Yeah, well, you keep reminding me." So did Mom.

"If you ask me..." We hit a bump that launches us off our seats for a split second. "You should make this your Yes Year," Julian declares.

"My what?"

"YourYes Year. Say yes to all the stuff you usually avoid. Parties, kissing hot strangers, breaking a few rules… you should do it. Just say yes."

If anyone has rejected the teachings of the family we came from, it’s probably Julian.

"That sounds like a first-class ticket straight to consequences," I mutter, turning to the window. “No thanks.”

"All I’m saying is live a little, cuz. For once in your life, you don't have to be the responsible daughter who has to take care of everyone around her."

"That’s not fair…”

“I–” he hesitates. “I didn’t mean it like that. You know that, Si.”

I give him a quick glance before getting lost in the darkening woods that are whooshing by.

“If you won’t do it for yourself… would you at least do it for her?”

“Mom?”

“Yes. Aunt Amalie would’ve fully supported you in this endeavor. You know she would.”

Of course she would. She was Amalie freakin’ Riley. Mom was always down for anything. It’s what made her amazing… and slightly terrifying.

He slows as we enter a road crammed with cars and motorcycles lined up like we’re at a car meet. Music blasts from somewhere nearby, lights pulsing in time with the beat as we get closer.

A group of drunk pirates stumble in front of our slow moving car, laughing. One of them still has the tag on his tricorn hat.

"Now, are you ready to lose your actual mind?" Julian beams. "The only acceptable answer is yes, by the way."

He’s practically vibrating with excitement.

In the daylight, I would’ve instantly recognized where we are. I was just here not that long ago.

But at night, I have no idea, until I glance up at the sign just above the black metal building and do a double take.

"You’ve got to be kidding me."

Chapter3

Levi

The last thing I want to do is be here.

But what kind of brother would I be if I bailed on my own damn party?

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