Page 45 of Well That Happened

And there she is.

Leaning against the hallway wall.

Talking to Grayson.

He’s dressed like… something minimal. Black jeans. Henley. Leather jacket. Not much effort, but it works. Of course it works.

He’s got one hand braced against the wall, head dipped slightly as she says something I can’t hear over the music.

And she’s looking up at him like she’s listening.

Really listening.

My chest tightens.

I make my way over slowly, careful not to spill the drinks.

“Rescue delivery,” I say, holding hers out.

She turns, takes it with a grateful smile. “You’re a hero.”

Grayson gives me a nod, says something low, and melts back into the crowd like a ghost.

She watches him go, just for a second.

Then sips her drink.

I try not to let it sting.

“Everything okay?” she asks, glancing at me over the rim of her cup.

“What do you mean?”

“Your sister. Earlier—your call?”

Oh.

She remembered.

I smile, softer now. “Yeah. She’s okay. Just overwhelmed. Teenage stuff. Parents being… them.”

She bumps her shoulder against mine. “You’re a good brother.”

“Trying,” I say. “Some days I feel like I’m just duct-taping everything together and hoping for the best.”

She gives me a look that almost makes me forget the Grayson thing. “For what it’s worth? I think duct tape’s pretty damn underrated.”

We stand there for a second, our shoulders brushing, the party buzzing around us.

And for a second, I let myself pretend I’m the only one she’s looking at tonight.

Chapter Thirteen

Rilee

The drink Caleb handed me is cold and perfectly mixed, but I can’t taste a thing.

Not with Grayson’s voice still echoing in my head.

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