Once A Liar

Chapter 16: Have you heard from ___?

THOMAS' POV

"I don't understand why you guys are doing this anyways," I complained as I helped Sarah-J move one of the many round tables in the room over two feet. "Don't you think this is going to cause him more stress at this vulnerable time?"

My mother stood at the front of the large event room with her hands on her hips. Her eyes fluttered around like she was thinking about ten thousand different things at once.

"Your father only turns 50 once, sweetie. It will be nice for all of us to get together and celebrate him, and all that he's accomplished," My mom replied without even looking over at me.

I had to stop myself from scoffing out loud. I however couldn't control my facial expression because Sarah-J spoke unimpressed.

"The man just had a heart attack could you give him a break?" she sighed and wiped off her hands by rubbing them together.

"It's not like he ever gave me a break," I sighed under my breath.

My mom flickered her eyes toward mine and snapped, "You sound like a five-year-old. I don't want to hear any more complaining."

I rolled my eyes.

Looks like someone decided to put their parent pants on for once.

"Also why are we doing this so early? The party isn't for what, another two weeks?" I asked looking around the spacious room.

"Better to be prepared," Mom sighed happily. "Also, Tommy, let Mr. Dubis drive you back to your dorm."

I looked at her like she had two heads.

"Don't look at me like that! There is a murderer on the loose and it's after dark!"

I rolled my eyes and before I could respond Sarah-J joined in.

"Isn't it teenage girls that are being killed? Tommy doesn't exactly fit the type."

"What she said," I joked and nodded my head in her direction. "I'll be fine, mom."

She walked over to me and placed a kiss on my cheek.

"We'll see you later then, sweetie. Be safe."

I nodded and waved goodbye to my sister. As I walked to my car I went to send a text to Aero to see if she wanted to spend the night together. As I unlocked my phone, I saw that she had already texted me.

Aero: I need to talk to you. Can we meet up somewhere?

I immediately became anxious. Was this about Blake? Why does she need to talk?

I hoped everything was okay and that she wasn't too freaked out by Blake's and my conversation/fight the other day.

I texted her back and asked where she was. I looked in my review mirror to see my mom and sister getting into their car.

Another family event that I couldn't wait to get done and over with.

PARKER's POV

I got so lucky that Holden had scheduled an indoor surf session for tonight. It was my opportunity to get alone time with Cole. Holden had wanted me to come and watch him surf but I somehow convinced him I had work I needed to finish.

"Thanks for meeting me," Cole cleared his throat as we sat down.

"Hi," I greeted as I scanned him with my eyes.

He wore a dark green sweater over a white-collared shirt with dark pants on the bottom. His hair rested neatly on the side of his head and he wore his glasses pressed up against his face.