Page 105 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

An hour later, the guys had made themselves comfortable playing video games while a couple of them played pool. But I was restless, Cole’s words from earlier playing on repeat in my head. The girls wouldn’t really be stupid enough to go out to some bar in Halston would they?

It bothered me more than it should have.

Peyton was streetwise. She’d had a tough life before getting with Xander. But she’d also been a bit of a party girl.

Unable to stop myself, I texted Sofia again.

Me: How’s it going?

She didn’t reply. Five minutes later, there was still nothing. So I texted again.

Me: Let me know you’re okay…

Nothing.

“Hey, Cole,” I said. “Text Sofia and ask what they’re up to.”

“Why the hell would I do that?” He frowned.

“Just do it.”

His brows pinched as he dug out his cell phone and did as I asked.

“See if she replies,” I said.

But five minutes later, she hadn’t.

“They’re probably braiding each other’s hair.” He threw my words back at me from earlier.

Asshole.

Almost fifteen minutes later, when there was still no reply to either of our messages, I started to worry.

“They’re probably too busy bitching about us,” he said.

“What’s going on?” Ezra came over, much to Dylan’s disappointment.

“Nothing,” I said.

But at the same time Cole said, “Sofia and Poppy went to see Peyton in Halston and now Aaron is worrying they’re out getting drunk and flirting with guys.”

“Yeah, no thanks to you, asshole.”

“They’re not three damsels in distress you know?” Ezra said.

“So you’d be fine with Leigh being there and—”

“The fuck I would.” He grunted.

“Ugh.” I ran a hand down my face, unsure of my next move. It wasn’t like I could turn up in Halston looking for them. It was a bigger town than Rixon and I wasn’t at all familiar with it.

But the thought of them out, all dolled up and drinking in a strange new place…

“What are you thinking?” Cole asked.

“I’m sure they’re fine. I’m sure—” My cell phone blared to life, startling me. “It’s Sofia,” I said, hitting answer.

“Sofe—”

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