Page 101 of To Love or to Lose
I immediately point an accusatory finger at him. “I amnotdrunk.”
“You’re not helping your case here.” Jameson acts as ifheis enlighteningme.“If anything, you’re making it seem as if you were fully responsible for what you said—which would suggest you meant it.”
“Pointing out facts is not a crime.” I suddenly feel as if I am digging myself a deeper hole.
“So, instead of blaming your slip-up on the fact that you are intoxicated, you are going to admit that you think me making the winning shot is one of the hottest things you’ve ever seen?”
I take a breath, telling myself Jameson has had much more to drink tonight than I have, and there’s a chance he won't remember this conversation come morning. I’m hoping I won't, either.
“My facts are purely subjective,” I reply, hoping to sound unattached from the situation.
“That makes absolutely no sense.” His smile only brightens.“But it’s good to know your unfiltered opinion of me, Genova.”
I roll my eyes at his attempted charm. “I would warn you not to let it go to your head, but I believe it already has.”
“Trust me, a compliment coming from you deserves a spot on my resume under the category ‘Biggest Accomplishments.”
I can’t keep myself from laughing. “That is sad.”
“Well, that will go right under ‘Valedictorian’ come May,” he adds.
“It’s even sadder that your unattainable dreams have clogged your conscience.” I give him a look of faux pity before we laugh. I deduce that it’s probably the alcohol causing us both to feel a bit more giddy in each other’s presence.
The moment is interrupted when my phone rings. I pull it out of my wristlet to see my thirteen-year-old sister is calling me.
“Hey Gwen, what’s up?”
“Hey.” Her voice sounds apprehensive. “Are you busy right now?”
“Why? What’s wrong?” My big sister instinct flips on at any sign of panic.
“We need you to come pick us up.” I hear rustling in the background, leading me to believe she’s not where she is supposed to be.
“Where are you?”
When I left for Winnie’s house earlier today, Gwen was safe and sound at our house with her two best friends, Mae and Gracie.
“I really fucked up, Evie.” My heart drops at the croak in her voice.
I’m shocked at her use of swear words, since Gwen usually isn’t as crude as I am, which means she must really be panicking.
“You aren’t hurt, are you?”
“No, not really.” I know Gwen will not say much over the phone, so I have to trust that she’s smart enough to admit if she’s in real danger.
“You don’t have to explain yet, just tell me where you are, and I’ll come get you.”
“You won’t be mad at me?” Her small voice cracks in fear.
“No,” I tell her strongly. “I’m more concerned about your safety, and if you’re in trouble, I will be there, no questions asked.”Until I find her, at least.
“We’re at the diner,” she confesses quietly. I immediately know what diner she’s talking about.
Taylor’s diner, the one owned by Eloise’s family. It’s one of our school's most popular hangout spots located right in town. It’s open 24/7, and by this time of night, it’s usually bustling with kids my age.
It’s not the place for a group of thirteen-year-olds to be.
“Okay,” I answer, trying to keep my cool as I give Jameson a look that says,I have to leave. “Are Mae and Gracie with you?”
