Page 12 of Tell No Lies

“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.

Sean laughed. Clearly, he understood. “I wouldn’t want to, either. It’s best to stay away and ask to be directed later. Just plan on showing up tomorrow with a duffel bag. They’ll take care of the rest.”

I had assumed this was his first trip with them too. He hadn’t exactly been in this crowd before Mckayla asked him to formal.

He must have caught my confusion. “I’ve observed … from afar.”

I laughed with him.

Mckayla just shook her head. “You could have come before. I would have wanted you there.”

I had to look away. They were too cute together, and it made me miss having something like that. Before Derek cheated on me last year, we’d been a cute couple like them.

Alexis bounded over with Justin in tow. “Are you guys ready for the best weekend of your lives?”

I had to laugh at her enthusiasm. It was just a two-day trip to an island an hour off the coast. I was pretty sure tents were going to be involved. That didn’t qualify for best weekend of anything.

The others agreed with her and started talking about things we were going to do there. Evidently, bison lived there and were a must-see. Interesting. There was shopping too. That was definitely more appealing to me. Snorkeling sounded like it could be fun, if I got over my fear of fish in the next day or two.

“Do you guys want to get together tonight to pack?”

I narrowed my eyes at Alexis. “What? How does that work?” Would we bring all of our clothes to one house and decide from there?

Mckayla laughed and bumped my shoulder as if I’d said something funny. “We do a video conference with each other. That way we don’t double up on things, and we can make sure none of us forget anything.”

I believed the “duh” was implied.

We agreed to plan on seven o’clock, and Alexis promised to text us to remind us. I gathered my things as the bell rang and headed toward Yearbook with Mckayla.

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