“Fine, but I know there’s more to it. And just remember, Hails, the truth will come out, it always does.”
An hour later, Flick had finally given up on the idea of there being more between me and Cameron. My silent treatment every time she brought him up probably had something to do with it.
“Hotties at two o’clock.” She side-eyed the cute guys who had just walked in as we played air hockey. “The blond is cute,” my best friend was still staring in their direction.
“Good that I like tall, dark, and handsome then.” I flashed her a playful wink, sinking the puck in her open goal. The guys must have noticed us watching because one of them nudged the other, and they both glanced in our direction.
“What about Cameron?”
“Cameron who?” I cocked my head, but her smile faltered as if she saw straight through my ruse.
“Fine, play it that way. Maybe we should invite them over?”
“I don’t… Shit, too late.” I mumbled, dropping my eyes and whispering, “They’re coming over here.”
Flick did a little excited squeal.
“We’re supposed to be having girls’ night,” I protested, but she simply rolled her eyes at me.
“What better way to make you forget all about he who shall not be named, than cute guys?”
“I don’t know.” I glanced over at them again. They had doubled back to the counter, probably when they noticed my frown, but they kept looking over here as they ordered drinks. I’d been joking when they first walked in, hoping to throw her off Cameron’s scent. But now I wasn’t so sure I wanted them to come over here.
“It’s on my list,” she blurted out. “Number ten, hook up with a random guy.”
I sprayed a mouthful of soda into the air. “Easy there, who said anything about hooking up?”
I definitely wasn’t looking for that.
“Says you.” Flick sighed, lowering her voice. “You already lost your v-card. Now it’s my turn, Hails. I don’t want to be the only girl at college who hasn’t done it yet.”
“Flick, come on. It wasn’t like the one time I did it was anything to shout home about.” It had been awkward and over so quick I wasn’t sure it had even happened, and I’d never seen the guy again. Not exactly a first time to remember.
“I’m not saying I want to sleep with him.” Her gaze moved to the two guys again. “But I wouldn’t say no to second base.”
“I don’t know—” But it was too late. The guys were already heading toward us, the blond making eyes at my best friend as the dark-haired one smiled at me. “Hey, I’m Toby.”
“Hi,” Flick said eagerly. “I’m Felicity, this is my friend Hailee. And you are?” She directed at the other guy.
“Jude,” he said smoothly.
“Well, Jude, want to buy me a drink?”
Toby and I watched as Flick grabbed his hand and gave him no choice but to follow her back to the counter. “Is she always so…” His voice trailed off.
“No,” I said fighting a smile. “She really isn’t.” And I wasn’t sure what to make of this new version of my best friend.
“I guess it’ll make me look like a complete jackass if I don’t ask you if you want a drink?”
“No judgment here.” I held up my hands. Then something occurred to me. “Hey, do you live around here? I don’t recognize you from school.”
“Ah, that would be because I go to Rixon East.”
“I figured.”
“I take it you’re a Raider?”
“Is that what you’re calling us these days?” The corner of my mouth lifted. “Actually, I hate football.”
“For real? And they haven’t cast you out yet?”
I laughed at that. Toby was funny and he had a nice smile. “Please don’t tell me you play?”
“Do I look like I play?” He didn’t. He was tall and lean, built more like a basketball player or swimmer than a football player. “Nah, it’s not really my thing either. I’m more of a creative type…”
“No way, me too.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, I’m hoping to go to Michigan next year to the Stamps School of Art and Design.”
“Nice.” Toby grinned and I found myself returning the gesture. “So, I know this might seem a bit out there, but we’re actually heading to a party. Do you want to come?”
“Is this party in Rixon East?” I asked because no way I was going to a party my brother and his jock friends might be at.
“Yeah, it’s across the river. That a problem?”
“It’s not a problem for me,” I replied around a smile, just as Flick and Jude returned.
“What’s up?” Jude asked his friend.
“I invited Hailee to come party with us. You in?” He looked at Flick and her eyes lit up, locking on Jude. “I’m in.”
“Cool,” her new friend said. “You want to get out of here then?”
“Sounds good.” I brushed my hands down my jeans and we followed the guys out of the building. They walked ahead slightly so Flick took the opportunity to loop her arm through mine.
“An East party; are you sure? If Jason finds—”
“Let him find out. He’s not my keeper, Flick. What happened to ‘oh, he’s so cute’?” I gave her a pointed look as we trailed after Jude and Toby.
“Oh I’m in.” She grinned. “I’m just making sure you know what you’re doing.”
“Everything okay?” Jude called over to where me and Flick had stopped. I grabbed her hand, started toward his car, and said, “Everything’s fine.”
Despite Rixon and Rixon East being divided by the Susquehanna River, it was only a fifteen-minute ride to the party. Jude pulled up outside a country house. Cars and trucks lined the street, the faint vibration of music filtering out of windows.
“Holy shit,” Flick whistled between her teeth. “This place is—”
“Impressive, huh?” Toby got out and came around to open my door. I climbed out, suddenly feeling underdressed in my jeans, Vans t-shirt, and worn chucks. Rixon East was renowned for being more affluent that Rixon. Our neighborhood wasn’t poor by any stretch of the imagination, but Rixon East boasted more estates nestled in the beautiful, leafy surrounds, and exclusive rentals along the river.
The house before us was no exception.
“You know someone who lives here?” I gawked, and Toby chuckled. “Yeah, he’s my cousin. Come on.”
“Cousin?” Flick mouthed as we followed the guys inside. I shrugged. It was too late now to worry about who Toby’s cousin was.
Until we stepped inside, only to be met with a sea of red and white.
“Hmm, Toby, who did you say your cousin was again?” Flick asked, panic flashing in her eyes as she gave me a sideways glance.
“Lewis Thatcher, only the best damn QB in the state,” Jude chimed in.
I almost choked on the air in my lungs. Toby’s cousin was Lewis Thatcher, QB One for the Rixon East Eagles, and Jason’s arch-nemesis.