The rest of the days slipped by faster than I expected. Megan practically dragged us out shopping every single day, turning boutiques into battlegrounds of laughter, complaints, and overflowing bags.
Somewhere between the designer racks and coffee breaks, she and Hazel grew closer—much closer than I’d anticipated. It wasn’t loud or obvious. Hazel restrained herself carefully, but I could see it in the way her gaze lingered, in how she always seemed to stand just a little too close. She wanted Megan badly. And Megan… Megan pretended not to notice, but her reactions betrayed her.
Tonight was the night before the trip. My suitcase sat neatly by the door, already packed. I’d always been that person—the one who packed days in advance. Prepared. Controlled. Even though I could buy anything I forgot, I hated the feeling of being unready.
“Okay, so I’d really like to know what we’ll be doing in Atlanta,” I said, suddenly realising I hadn’t even asked. “I’ve been so busy.”
“Spend money, obviously.”
We all burst out laughing at Zach’s response. His timing—his effortless humour—was one of the many reasons I loved him.
“I think that’s pretty obvious,” Meg added.
Hazel and Megan were staying over so none of us would be late in the morning. At least, that’s what my brother claimed. His hatred for tardiness bordered on obsession.
“Of course,” I said. “That’s what black cards are for. But seriously, I’d like to know what we’ll be doing. I know we won’t just be lying in hotel beds the whole time.”
“Actually, that was the plan.”
I stared at Caleb.
“What?!” Megan and I said in unison. “Caleb, you can’t be serious.”
“I am,” he said calmly. “I planned for us to relax and unwind. But then you decided to bring your friends.”
“But I told you last Sunday,” I protested. “You could’ve changed the plans.”
“In my defense,” he shrugged, “I don’t know what you all like doing. So when we get there, do whatever you want.”
“And we, as adults,” Zach added smugly, “can relax while you children play.”
I shot him a glare. He laughed.
“Okay, I am not a kid,” Hazel finally spoke.
“She’s right,” I said, sipping my juice. “She’s eighteen.”
“Oh really?” Zach asked.
“Yup.”
“You’re still not allowed to drink,” Caleb said pointedly.
Hazel lifted her cocktail. “Then it’s a good thing you’re not a cop.”
“I like her,” Caleb said, making me giggle.
“It’s a good thing she’s coming then,” Zach added. “I’m sure you’ll get along.”
They both laughed. I glanced at Megan and caught it—just a flicker, but unmistakable. Jealousy.
The door opened.
We all froze.
“Who could that be at this time of night?” I asked, just as heels clicked toward the living room.
Heels.
“Oh, there you are.”
Ari appeared, smiling brightly as she wrapped her arms around Caleb. He looked just as surprised as the rest of us.
YOU ARE READING
Weight of The Untold
RomanceIn a world where wealth hides wounds and silence is currency, Kyla is carrying more than anyone knows. Behind oversized hoodies and carefully guarded smiles, she holds a secret powerful enough to change everything-one she's been forced to protect in...
