Page 100 of Tell No Lies

I watched her walking away, wishing she hadn’t left me. I told her what Nick had said in math, and she agreed with him. She even mentioned a bet she had going with the other girls as to how long he would take to ask me out. I was praying they were all wrong. Luke might be out of the picture, but the wound was fresh.

I switched my books to my other arm in a feeble attempt to create a barrier between us. Didn’t that say something in body language, like “Don’t come any closer”? I gave him a small smile and continued toward the English hall.

“So, I heard you got permission to come on the trip this weekend. That’s great.”

I caught his smile and grimaced. Why did I feel so hot and cold toward him? He was definitely handsome, a Polynesian god. And his perma-smile melted my heart, but he seemed too eager, as if he assumed I would immediately be on board with going out with him. Maybe I should be? My brain and heart were waging war inside my head, leaving me confused and annoyed.

“Yeah, it should be a fun trip. I’m excited to get to know more people.”

His smile dimmed, but he recovered quickly. “I’ll make sure I introduce you around.”

I nodded slightly. That wasn’t what I meant. “I think it’s time I branched out a little more, you know?” Hint, hint.

“Of course. You’ve been busy since you got here, but everyone knows who you are. I mean, Mike’s girls are always well-known.”

I immediately stopped walking and faced him. “What?”

Before he could respond, Gage appeared next to me. He brushed my arm with his and looked between me and Mike. “Um, what’s going on?”

Mike glared at him and turned, calling over his shoulder. “I’ll talk to you later, Bree.”

I released the breath I had been holding and looked up at Gage. “Perfect timing. Things just got weird.”

A smile broke across his face, and he laughed. He grabbed my arm and turned, directing me to our class. “Oh yeah? My Spidey senses were tingling, so I knew a damsel was in distress somewhere close.”

I made a face at him. “Funny. Mike just referred to me as ‘Mike’s girl,’ in third person.”

This set off a new series of chuckles. “That’s just wrong.” He shook his head as he continued to laugh at my expense.

“Stop! It’s not funny. I need to do something.”

He looked at me with a serious expression. “So, you’re not ‘Mike’s girl’?”

“No! I’m not anyone’s girl. That makes me sound like an object. We’re just friends, anyway.”

“You might need to explain that to him, Bree.” He winked as he opened the door and waved for me to enter.

I shot him one last glare as I slid into my desk. I hadn’t thought I would ever need to explain to a guy that I was not his. Why had Mike just assumed I would go along with that? Or maybe he’d been joking. Mike and the other guys sometimes referred to the girls we hung out with as “their girls.” Still not okay.

Five

The Catalina trip was all anyone could talk about, including the people who wished they were going but hadn’t been invited. The boys who had practice complained constantly. Of course, the people who were going talked the most. We decided to leave after school on Friday, so carpools were being coordinated, and the two guys with the boats were organizing who went in each.

I sat listening to the conversations floating around me while I munched on baby carrots. I didn’t have much input, since it was my first time going and I was mostly along for the ride. I didn’t care what car I went in as long as I had a ride, and I felt the same about the boat. I figured the girls would ensure we were together anyway.

Talia was standing over the guys, organizing the boat groups, pointing and shaking her head. She grabbed the pencil out of Tony’s hand and began erasing vigorously. Apparently, she didn’t approve of his plan.

Tony didn’t put up a fight. Few guys would. Even though it was public knowledge she was dating Mark, most guys took advantage of any chance to get close to her.

She began writing, and after a few moments nodded and gave the pencil back. She crossed her arms, looking pleased with herself before glancing around. Catching my eye, she smiled and mouthed, “You okay?”

I nodded and smiled back. Even though I sat with these people every day at lunch and in classes, I still didn’t feel like I was truly a part of their group. I didn’t want to impose any more than I already was, and I enjoyed watching them interact. They’d known each other forever and were comfortable with one another. Having that closeness was the only thing I missed about Chicago. Not a single one of my so-called friends had reached out since I left. It was like I’d never been there at all.

It made moving on easier, but I didn’t quite feel settled here yet. Like I hadn’t found my place.

Mckayla sat down next to me with Sean on her other side. “Are you getting excited? It’s your first trip with us.” Her excitement was obvious from her wide smile, and her eyes were practically glowing.

“Yeah, I’m just watching them organize everything. I didn’t want to get in the way.” I nodded in the direction of Talia and the guys.