Page 74 of Tell No Lies

“I do actually have other friends. They just aren’t on your radar. My friends aren’t on the varsity teams and going on weekend cruises.”

I rolled my eyes dramatically at his exaggeration. “Maybe I should have been spending more time with those friends.”

“No, you were where you belong, and you’ll get over it. I’m honored I got this reaction from them, but I know they care about you more than to drop you over one stupid picture.”

“Two.”

“Whatever. They’re just trying to teach you a lesson or something, but they’ll get over it.” He put his arm around my shoulders, letting it rest casually.

“I hope so. I don’t really miss Mike, which is a huge sign, but I miss the girls.”

“It will work out, trust me.”

“I do.” I sighed and leaned into him.

“But seriously, I do enjoy my alone time … so if you could make up with them sooner than later, that’d be appreciated.”

I elbowed him in his ribs, making him jump. “Anything for you, my secret lover.”

He groaned. “Don’t go there. I have no idea how they believed that.”

I turned to him. “What? You don’t think we’re a believable couple?”

“No, you deserve so much more than me.”

“Don’t say that!” I wanted to push him away and squeeze him close at the same time.

“I’m not being insecure. I’m just being honest. You deserve much better than Mike too. You deserve to be loved and cherished for who you are, not the trophy girlfriend you were.”

“You couldn’t do that?” I was trying not to be hurt by his words, but I didn’t understand.

“No, I don’t think I could. I have a pile of problems, and you would try to fix me.”

“That’s not—” I tried to interrupt, but he didn’t let me.

“It’s not a bad thing. It’s just the sweet, thoughtful person you are. My problems are mine to fix and grow, through. I need them to make me a better person rather than letting someone else smooth them over enough to look past.”

I couldn’t get what I was sure was a sad expression off my face before he saw.

“Stop looking at me like that, Aubrey. We all have things we need to work through in order to become the people we have the potential to be. I’ve seen you do it over the past few months, and I need to do it too.”

Where did this mature, wise Gage come from?

“There’s someone out there who will love you exactly as you are and value you for who you are. Your Prince Charming is out there for you, Aubrey, and you deserve to wait for him. Don’t waste your time on the Mikes and Gages of the world.” The arm that was draped over my shoulders pulled me tight into his side.

What he said was what I always dreamed of having, but after these past few months, I began to wonder if that’s all it would ever be. Finding a guy who truly cared about me, was romantically interested in me, and was available, was like wishing for a unicorn.

☼ ☼ ☼

After dance, I settled onto the couch for my normal routine of leftovers and reality TV. My life had grown increasingly more depressing as the days passed.

Just when I was about to find out who was getting voted off this week, the doorbell rang. I turned to the door suspiciously. Brandon was working late and had already checked in with me. The security system he and Carter had developed was installed, so I knew he could see me if I got in trouble.

I stood and tiptoed to the door. What I saw through the peephole stunned me. This was the last thing I’d expected.

Slowly, I unlocked the door and opened it. Mckayla, Talia, and Alexis stood on the other side looking apprehensive.

“Umm … hi, guys.” My heart was pounding against my chest. I was so happy to see them, but I was also waiting for the pig’s blood to come pouring down like this was all some sick joke.