Page 176 of Tell No Lies

He pulled me against his side and walked me out of the building. “It’s over now, Aubrey. I know it might not feel like that, but this isn’t going to happen to you again. You’re safe.”

I prayed he was right, but I couldn’t imagine life anymore without being worried about who was watching me. Morgan and Tucker were connected. Was there anyone else who would come after me to avenge Tucker? Andy? One of his other friends?

“Please listen to me, Aubrey.” He opened his passenger door and held it open for me.

I slid in and turned to face him.

“You’re safe. This is over.”

He sounded so sure, so absolutely convinced. But I wasn’t.

☼ ☼ ☼

Liv and Brandon planned a dinner party as a celebration that things were returning to normal. My friends and family were ready to help me move on, and I didn’t think I’d be able to try without them. Their positivity that things were over was gradually spreading to me. It had been a week since the incident, which was how it was being referred to, and I was feeling a little bit better with each passing day.

“Are you ready, Aubrey? People are starting to show up.”

I smiled at Mckayla and stood from my bed. “I guess.” I walked to her and looped my arm through hers.

The kitchen was crowded as people milled around with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Everything looked classy and refined, meaning Liv had put this together.

There was a hush over the room once a few people noticed me walking in. I squeezed Mckayla’s arm closer to me. Why were they acting so strange?

Brandon stepped forward with a smile on his face. “Welcome to the fiesta de Aubrey! We’re all here because we love you and think you’re amazing.”

This was so weird. I felt like I should have had a speech prepared or something. Time to wing it.

“Thank you all for being here.” I looked around and smiled at Carter, who was standing in the corner. “I really appreciate all of the support and love you’ve shown me over the past few months. Who knows where I’d be if I hadn’t had my bodyguards at school?” I smiled at Bear and Donny who were here representing the football boys. “Or my school chaperones.”

Talia and Alexis whooped, making everyone laugh.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mike. “I’m so grateful for my amazing friends who’ve cared enough about me to put up with me through this.” I was staring at him, waiting for him to look at me, but it was like he was purposely avoiding my gaze. I gave up and looked around again. I smiled at Cassie and shook my head. “I can’t even imagine what you guys thought about what was happening, but you all supported and protected me anyway.”

I was starting to tear up, but I cleared my throat and moved on. “I’m so, so grateful for my family. Diane and Steve, thank you for putting up with the madness and loving me through it. Brandon, you have been my rock. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Carter.”

I broke free from Mckayla and walked into my brother’s arms. “Thank you,” I whispered against his chest and hoped he knew how much I meant it.

“I love you, Bree.”

I stepped back and smiled before turning to find Carter. I gave him a tight hug and kissed his cheek.

“Alright, enough of that! Let’s eat, drink, and be merry.”

Cheers followed my admittedly lame speech. I cuddled against Carter and looked around the room. How lucky could one girl be? A room full of people who had proven they’d be there for me no matter what.

Carter kissed my head and whispered against my hair. “It looks like Mike is waiting for you.”

I looked in the direction he nodded, and sure enough, Mike was watching me. I broke away from Carter and walked directly to him.

“Thanks for coming.”

Mike looked as if he felt awkward for the first time since I’d met him. “Brandon texted me. I figured it was my turn to apologize.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but he held up his hand.

“No, I need to. I said some pretty awful things to you, things you didn’t deserve. There’s so much I’m sorry for. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you that day. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you when you told me you didn’t cheat on me. I’m sorry I made you choose between me and Gage. I was a lousy boyfriend, but I guess I figured that out too late.” He nodded in the direction of Carter, and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks.

“Thank you. For apologizing and for all that you’ve done for me. I don’t think a few rough days should cancel out the months of good times though.”