Page 59 of Unwritten Rules

Someone else chimed into the conversation. “Andshe’s been hanging around Garrett quite frequently. With this news–and the rumors we’ve already known–you have to wonder what else could be going on. Are their families connected or in cahoots together? Shouldn’t she be leading her dead mom’s company at some point? Garrett’s family has never smelled too great; they’ve got white collar crime writtenallover them.”

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?Chapter 17

Fallon

Kicked back andrelaxed, Kelly and I were mid binge fest watching our favorite horror movies. A knock on the door gave us both a jump scare, sending popcorn sailing across the living room floor. We looked at each other, clearly surprised we’d be easily jump scared like that.

“This had better be a masked murderer and not Brent at ten or I swear...” I mumbled, getting up and surveying the new popcorn decor.

“Or you’ll what? Sleep with him?”

I threw the now empty bowl at her and went to check the peephole.

It was covered until I opened the door to see him leaning on the door frame–in a different jacket. His face looked weird, more serious than normal and I wondered if he was here for anactuallife or death reason.

There was no humor or teasing on his face. “Can I come in?”

I stepped back and gestured for him to come in. “I guess I better make good on my word, then. Welcome to my humble abode.”

He stepped through easily, unlike when he forced himself in the last time.

“Kelly,” he nodded, sizing her up. Was he...making eyes at Kelly? There was no way that happened.

Maybe I saw something that wasn’t there. Like a ghost.

She raised an eyebrow and looked over at me before responding to him. She was just as shocked to see him here as I was. “Good...evening.”

I bit my lip to hold back a smile and she shrugged at me. Our own little secret exchange happened right in front of him.

“Since you’re here, I’m hoping it’s on the life-or-death clause I mentioned earlier. Care to tell us what is such an urgent matter that you’re here after bedtime?”

He looked over at Kelly before turning his attention to me as if he was asking to talk alone. His eyes darkened and his jaw set firmly. “Garrett. It’s more of a private conversation.”

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