Page 56 of Tell No Lies

“Your solo was amazing. You’re very talented.” Steve was looking at me like a proud parent. So, this was what it felt like to have parents who cared.

“Thank you, McSteamy.”

He and Diane laughed at the nickname, but Mckayla kicked me under the table. “Don’t encourage him. He already thinks he’s the cool parent.”

“He is!”

The table broke into laughter, and it warmed my heart. This was all I’d ever wanted. A loving family who cared about each other, people you could tease and hassle, but in the next moment turn to for comfort.

After dinner, we slowly began standing and walking our plates to the sink. An arm slid around my waist and tugged me away. I leaned into Mike as he bent down to whisper, “Let’s go outside.”

Silently, I followed him to the balcony and sat next to him on my favorite swinging chair.

“You seemed happier tonight.”

“Am I normally depressed?”

“Nah, you just seemed more like yourself. I can’t see the weight you usually carry around.”

I gave him a sad smile. “I need more of this.” Looking out of the corner of my eye, I saw him staring down, waiting. “Family time. No stress or things to do. Sitting around and playing video games with Matt and talking with Diane and Steve was just what I needed. It makes everything else seem less devastating, knowing I have them supporting me.”

“Of course, we’re all here for you, Aubrey.”

“I know that. I’m just not used to it.”

“Well, you’d better start, because we’re not going anywhere.”

I snuggled into his side and laid my head on his shoulder. “Promise?”

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?”