Page 145 of Tell No Lies

He shifted slightly, and I felt him kiss the top of my head. “I promise.”

Nineteen

Despite the drama that had taken place behind the scenes over the weekend, things felt normal on Monday. In some ways, it was lucky that there had been no witnesses to my attack, because people at school didn’t treat me like I was a freak again. There were only so many creepy things that could happen to a girl in public before she was cast out. Although, if there had been a witness, maybe this whole nightmare could have been over by now.

I tried to push these thoughts out and focus on Mckayla’s story about Sean. I nodded with her, but my attention was focused on the people around us.

Was anyone watching me?

Did anyone look angry with me?

Did the person who thought I’d ruined their life go to school with me?

The only person I could think of who would hate me that much was Sydney, but she’d ended up getting what she wanted. She won the formal crown, and I did my best to stay out of her way. Why would she go through all this effort? She hadn’t been at Catalina; someone definitely would have spotted her. She wouldn’t go anywhere or do anything if she wasn’t going to get attention.

I scanned the crowd again, but no one stood out. Mckayla stopped in front of me and threw her hands up. “You’re not even listening!”

Quickly, I tried to run though our conversation, but she was right. “Sorry. I’m distracted.”

With a heavy sigh, she shook her head. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“After what the note said … it just makes sense that it’s someone from school.”

She looked around the quad, eyeing a few people. “You’re right. Wow, that’s super creepy.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s a new lead, though, right?”

I shrugged. “I guess. Brandon and Carter are going through my computer and reviewing everything again with the assumption that it’s another student to see if that gives anything away.”

“This person attacked you, Aubrey. How much longer does this go until you’re really hurt?”

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe you should stay home or something, especially if we think it’s someone here.”

“So, I should just hide away and let this monster take over my life?”

“If it keeps you safe, yes.”

Frustration was building up within me. “No. There’s no way! I already have babysitters, and I’m on lockdown whenever it’s not completely necessary for me to be out. I’m not going to stop coming to school.”

“Okay, fine. You’re probably safest here anyway.”

I felt bad that I had snapped at her, but I was so tired of people deciding what was best for me without considering the big picture. If I stopped going to school and dance, then they won. They would have successfully ruined my life by forcing me to give up the things that were most important to me and my future.

☼ ☼ ☼

After school, Mike met me by Mac’s car, holding a bouquet of cabbage roses. How did every guy know my favorite flower? Who was giving away inside information?

I stood on my tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek before accepting them. “This is so sweet, Mike! What are these for?” Narrowing my eyes, I waited for an explanation.

“I called Brandon and got guard duty today.” He looked extremely pleased with himself. “You don’t have dance. My practice got cancelled, so I thought we could spend the rest of the day together.”

What other guy paid enough attention to his girlfriend to know her schedule and feel comfortable talking to her family? He’d changed so much since asking me to ditch my practice for his. I’d gotten lucky with this one, and I hoped he knew how I felt.

“That sounds perfect. What are we doing?”