Page 127 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Aaron

“Brother,”Sofia sneered, making no effort to hide her disdain for Zara.

“Sofe. Poppy.” I smiled but she didn’t return it.

Not that I blamed her.

Zara had some real shitty timing. I tried to shake her off, to put some space between us, but it only made her tighten her grip on my arm.

“Sofia, Poppy,” she practically sneered Poppy’s name. “Me and Aaron were just discussing plans for Friday. Isn’t that right, babe?” She smirked up at me.

Jesus.

This was quickly going to devolve into a bitch fight if the glint in Sofia’s eyes was anything to go by.

“Well, you’ll need to find another date for Cole because Poppy and I are going with the swim team.”

“The fuck?” The words fell from my lips before I could stop them.

I knew Poppy planned to go with Eli, but Sofia hadn’t breathed a word about having a date. In fact, I specifically remembered her telling me she didn’t have one.

Zara frowned at me, but quickly schooled her expression, flashing the girls a saccharine smile. “Too bad. I’m sure I’ll find a replacement for Cole.”

“I’m sure you will.” Sofia bit back.

“Oh, here’s Cole now. Cole, over here,” Zara called.

He came over, glancing between the four of us. “Do I even want to know what’s going on?”

“Sofia was just telling us she and Poppy are going to Homecoming with the swim team, but don’t worry, I’m sure I can find someone for you.”

“Yeah, thanks but no thanks.” He rubbed his jaw. “I’m happy to go stag.”

“But you can’t. I wanted us all to—”

“Leave it yeah, Zar,” I said.

“Well, this was fun and all but we need to go.” Sofia grabbed Poppy’s arm and pulled her away.

“No offense, Aaron,” Zara drawled. “But your sister is kind of a bitch.”

Cole choked on air while I glared down at her.

“What?” She shrugged, running her hand up my arm. “It’s not your fault she’s so salty. But I guess it’s hard when your twin brother is popular and you’re well, not.”

“I need to get to class,” I said, nudging her away.

I needed to get out here before I said something I would regret.

“But I thought we were going to—”

“Later, yeah?”

“Aaron,” she called after me, irritation coating her voice but I kept walking.

Cole caught up to me and whistled through his teeth. “You’re really going to see this thing through with her?

“It’s not worth the headache telling her no. It’s not like it means anything.”

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