Page 11 of Savage Temptation
My phone vibrates, and I say a silent prayer of thanks that I have something to distract me from the approaching train wreck.
Lance:You bringing a plus-one to the reveal tomorrow?
Tessa:Reveal?
Lance:For the Playground mods. Don’t you remember? Atticus sent out invites a month ago.
The revelation isa blow to my already fragile ego. Not only can Atticus and I never go back to what we were, we can’t go back to anything.
I try to think of a way to delicately say,“Your bestie is ignoring me after our late night hookup,”but the last thing I want is to see them quarreling. It wouldn’t just affect their friendship, it could very well cost my brother his job if he reacts like I think he will.
Tessa:Oh, that was tomorrow? I completely forgot. I’m in Bali, and there’s no way I can make it back in time. Congrats on your launch.
Lance:You forgot? Not buying it. I know you.
Fuck—he’sright. It was the worst cover story I could have used. I’m organized and strategic to a degree that I could teach classes on the art of professionalism. There is no way I’d miss a scheduled event.
But it’s not like I can tell him the real reason I’m not attending.
Ashley reaches over and touches my shoulder.
“Did you hear that? We’re hitting up an exclusive underground club tonight!” she squeals.
“No, thank you…” I begin to say, but my voice trails off.
For six long months, Atticus has barely acknowledged my existence. At best, I make him feel awkward. At worst, he’s being a bully because he disrespects me now that we’ve hooked up.
My thumbs race across the screen of my phone.
Tessa:To tell you the truth, I’ve been looking forward to this trip for a while. You partied throughout your entire adulthood while I’ve had my nose shoved in books. I’m livin’ it up while I’m here.
Lance:Sis, this isn’t like you.
A twingeof guilt needles me, but I can’t be too sympathetic. I want Lance to pass along my debauchery to Atticus, so I have to dig the knife in a bit.
Tessa:Don’t tell me you’re mad that I’m skipping your mod party?
Lance:No, you’re just acting more like Ashley than yourself.
I hatehow he’s making me feel, but it’s not like I’m really skipping his event. I wasn’t invited.
Lance:Are you being safe? I don’t want any jerks taking advantage of my baby sis.
Opportunity knocks…
Tessa:I have a date.
Lance:Should I be worried?
Tessa:Why do you think I haven’t told you I have a boyfriend until now?
Lance:I don’t like this. Not one bit.
I’d laughif the situation wasn’t so pathetic.
God, this whole situation has turned me into a shitty person, because while Atticus may deserve all of my scorn, Lance deserves none of it.
Somehow, I have to make it up to him.
