Page 93 of Tell No Lies

Sean looked at me while rubbing Mckayla’s back. “I wouldn’t worry about it. Between Mike and the rest of the guys, Brandon will have nothing to worry about. Plus, Mike is all buddy-buddy with him now.”

I chuckled. “You’ve noticed that too? I was wondering when that happened!”

“He’s been really protective of you since formal. The other day in class, one of the guys from the basketball team was talking about you, and Mike freaked out at him. Apparently, someone can’t even call you cute without being threatened.”

I dropped my head and sighed. “I almost wish he would calm down. I appreciate him watching out for me, but it’s kind of too much. I don’t want him to scare people off.”

Mckayla reached over and put her hand on my arm. “That’s why this weekend will be good for you. It will give you a chance to meet people on your own. You have all of us, but it would be good for others to get to know you.”

Things had been a little crazy lately, and I hadn’t been making an effort to meet people. Half the time, I couldn’t remember the names of the guys who showed up at my house with Mike. They were right. I needed to step out of my comfort zone. “That sounds like a really good plan. As long as Brandon is okay with it.”

“Don’t worry so much. This weekend will be the perfect break for all of us.”

She was right. I was sure Brandon needed a break just as much as I did. He recently started seeing Liv, from his office, and I was sure they would appreciate a weekend without the little sister around.

By the end of lunch, Mike and Talia had gotten the group down to around twenty, depending on who could get permission.

On my way to Yearbook class with Mckayla, I stopped in my tracks. Dread filled me as I remembered I couldn’t go this weekend.

Mckayla turned back to me while I threw my head back and groaned. “What’s wrong with you?” She took another step toward me, blocking people to prevent them from running into me.

“Dance. I completely forgot about that. I have practice with the company team. There’s no way I can miss it.”

She raised a brow. “Then how is Cassie going? She wouldn’t miss practice either.”

I snapped my head back. “What do you mean?”

“Cassie already gave Talia her money to reserve her spot. Text her and find out what’s going on.”

I had my phone out before she’d finished the sentence. I sent a quick message asking Cassie if I was missing something. We continued to class, and as we sat down my phone buzzed.

I read the message and laughed. I really needed to stop stressing so much. Maybe then I could remember things and not walk around in la-la land.

I held my phone out discreetly, so Mckayla could see it as Mrs. Gonzalez read through the roll, marking those of us who’d bothered to show up for this joke of a class.

“So, you don’t have practice? Why didn’t you know that?”

“Probably because I’ve been spacey lately. We have a double practice on Thursday to make up for it. That’s going to kill me, but at least I can go this weekend!”

“You definitely need a vacation. Let’s go grab a camera and get out of here.”

Maybe I needed to take up yoga to calm down. As if I had time for that.

I followed Mckayla out of class, and we meandered pointlessly around campus, chatting about the trip.

We were walking past the gym when an obnoxious catcall came from behind us. I didn’t want to turn around, but Mckayla was already walking back. I rolled my eyes and turned to see Tucker standing with one of his teammates.

“Hello, ladies. You’re both looking fine today.” He winked as my stomach turned. I couldn’t believe I’d thought he was attractive at the airport.

Mckayla laughed it off. She was used to his teasing and had once promised me he was harmless. “Hi, Tucker. Andy, what are you doing hanging out with this loser? You’re better than this.”

The guys laughed. They probably enjoyed getting any attention from a girl as gorgeous as she. Mckayla reached out and pulled on my arm, bringing me closer to the group.

“Andy, have you met my cousin? Aubrey, this is Andy. Don’t judge him based on his choice in friends.”

I met his gaze and smiled. He was taller than Tucker and had short brown hair. He was cute in the typical athlete-way. Height would do that to any guy.

“Hi, Andy.”