Page 124 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

“She has good taste,” Lucas mumbles pulling his hat down lower.

If Alex wasn’t standing right here, I would probably tell him to quit acting like a nervous mother throwing a party for her favorite child. Because that’s actually a hundred percent how he’s acting.

Not gonna lie and say I don’t get it. I glance down at the camp, knowing that she and Jade are already there.

It’s driving me crazy. Crazy.

I want to see my pretty girl, which is not unusual. I want to see her all the time, but after that kiss, I want to see her even more.

“Do we need more chairs?” I ask trying to find an excuse to go down.

“There’s seven already,” Alex chuckles. “There’s seven of us.”

Apparently, Tessa doesn’t like a big to-do. She just wants her best friends there.

I like that. She’s not for show. And I like it even more because it’s good for Lucas. If things work out between the two of them, maybe he’ll finally have someone who doesn’t just see the benefit of attaching herself to him.

A cloud of dust rises from the dirt road.

I look toward it, trying to make out what’s coming through the trees. Then I see the big black truck.

“Well, there’s Brooks.”

Alex looks over. “He’s bringing Becca and Phoebe.”

I glance at Alex and catch the slight smile on his face. “I see it, big guy. I see the way you look at her.”

“She’s cute as a button.” He stretches his back. “Doesn’t mean anything.”

Brooks finally pulls to a stop, dust still hanging in the air behind him. He leans across the cab.

“You got these two?”

Alex lifts his chin but doesn’t move.

“You seriously aren’t staying?” I ask.

Brooks shakes his head. “We all celebrate the win differently.”

The passenger door opens, and Becca climbs out first. Phoebe follows, elbowing her as she shuts the door.

“Lady friend,” she whispers.

Alex turns toward her, and she looks up at him as Ryan calls, “Have fun, button.”

Holy shit. I look at Alex, who doesn’t even react.

Phoebe lifts her chin, just like he did. “You too, Paul Bunyan.”

Alex walks over and bends down, leaning into the window. “You finish early, come back. We have a lot of food and a bonfire planned.”

“Where’s the birthday girl?” Ryan asks.

“She and Jade are down at camp,” Alex tells him.

He reaches into the glove box for the card.

Something falls out. Then another. Then another.