Page 99 of Next to Everything We Wanted
I got in my car and pulled into the closest parking spot and called Phoenix. When he picked up on the third ring, I blurted, “I think Sienna’s on to me.”
He gasped. “What happened?”
“She invited us to Hayden’s party this afternoon and casually mentioned that she doesn’t know my last name.” I scratched the back of my neck. “I forgot she’d assume Hicks isn’t my real one.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“What should I do?”
“I told you what I thought. If you can’t be honest with her, you need to break up. That’s the only easy way out if you’re looking for one.”
“That’s not an option!” The two weeks I’d been dating Sienna had been the best two weeks I’d had in a while. How could I throw everything away?
Phoenix sighed. “Gavin, you can’t have a healthy relationship if you’re consumed by guilt all the time. I really believe Sienna will understand if you tell her. Even if it’s just like, ‘Hey, I used to be in the spotlight and had a traumatic experience. I prefer to keep my past private. I thought I’d tell you to explain things.’”
I drew in a sharp breath. When he said it, it sounded so easy. A quick conversation to ease my conscience and move forward. Sienna had never asked questions when I’d had a panic attack over my real name, after all.
Your secret—whatever it is—is safe with me.
After a few beats of silence, I cleared my throat. “Do you want to come to the party with me? She said I can bring you guys.” I could show up alone, but it might’ve been a little awkward to be surrounded by families I didn’t know. Plus, our bandmates were visiting their families, which would leave Phoenix alone.
And maybe if he saw Sienna and me together, he’d change his mind about having to tell her the truth.
“Will there be hot dogs?” Phoenix asked.
“Sienna says Hayden’s dad makes the best one.”
“Count me in. Won’t you be tired from driving for so long, though?”
“I’m only three hours out and can take a nap when I get home.” It wouldn’t be easy to sleep knowing Sienna was probably suspicious of my past, anyway.
“Okay. Have a safe drive.” Phoenix paused before sighing again. “And really think things through, okay?”
I wanted to ask what he was talking about, but Celeste’s words from a month ago rebounded in my head.Don’t ask questions you know the answer to.
Before I could say anything else, Phoenix hung up.
Cars covered the street when we arrived at Hayden’s neighborhood. We found a free spot toward the end of the street to park at. I’d struggled to keep my eyes open during the short ride, but a wave of energy coursed through me as Phoenix and I made our way to Hayden’s front door. His one-story house looked similar to Sienna’s, with the same suburban finish.
“Try not to embarrass me too much,” I told Phoenix as I rang the doorbell.
Phoenix scoffed. “How am I embarrassing? I save your ass in every situation.”
The front door opened, and Hayden appeared with a smile. “Hello—” His jaw fell to the welcome mat as he looked back and forth between us, his dark eyes as big as saucers. “Sienna is thebestfriend ever.”
“I only came for the hot dogs,” Phoenix said with a smile. “Your dad better not disappoint, or I’m out.”
I laughed. “Happy birthday, Hayden.”
“Yeah, sorry your birthday falls on a holiday.”
Hayden shrugged. “Better than Valentine’s Day or Christmas. And I get the best hot dogs ever.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Phoenix looked behind Hayden. “Are we allowed to come in, or does the party take place right here? It’s a bit cramped.”
“Oh, yeah.” Hayden laughed and moved out of the way to let us inside. “I can’t believe you guys are actually in my house. It’s like I’ve been blessed by celebrities.”
“You have,” Phoenix said, winking at me.
