My Spy

Traitor

My thumbs hover over my phone as I contemplate what to text Tate next. We've been texting and calling each other back and forth since Monday night and by Wednesday, I am afraid I am out of witty replies. I am doing everything I can to show Tate I am interested and the more I talk to him, the more I like him. He's charming, witty, funny and he helps take my mind off Whitney, Jackson and Ryan. He reminded me about his invitation to come visit him and I am wondering if I am being too forward by asking him if I can go this weekend. I just can't be in Hollis for Whitney and Jackson's wedding. Almost the entire town is invited and I don't want to hear a single detail.

I decide to hit send and I immediately start over-analyzing what I sent. I reach over to the small patio table and pluck my refreshing ice-cold lemonade up off the glass and wipe away the condensation rings from the cup. I keep my eyes on my phone while I sip and I use my feet to push the swing to sway. Something in the distance catches my eye and when I look up, I see Annabeth trotting up my long driveway. She waves when she sees me looking at her and I welcome her to come and join me on the swing.

"Well hello doll," Annabeth sweetly says as she sits next to me and I twirl her chestnut braid in my fingers before dropping it on her shoulder.

"Hey there pretty lady. What brings you on down to Chateau de Sweeney?"

"Oh, I was just on my way to town and I thought I'd stop by and check in with you," she says. "Ya know, we never really talked after the dance on Saturday and I kind of wanted to apologize if I said anything hurtful." I wave my hand at her, showing her any apology is unnecessary but she continues, "Austin ended up showing up and I shouldn't have gotten all insecure in the first place. I'm sorry."

"Annabeth you really don't have anything to apologize for," I sincerely reply back to her and she gives me a small smile.

"Did you have a nice time with Austin?" I ask her and I watch her whole face light up.

"Yeah, I did. I could tell his mind was elsewhere but I didn't care. I enjoyed dancing with him." She enjoys the memory for a moment and then asks, "When does he leave back to S.C?"

I shrug my shoulders, "I'm not sure. He hasn't really said much. My guess is either this week or next week."

"Must be next week if he's coming with me to the wedding," Annabeth says and I whip my head over to her.

"What?" She looks to me, clearly confused on what I am confused about and replies, "Austin told you he's coming with me to the wedding right?" I'm dumbfounded, shock is written all over my face and she easily reads it,

"Sawyer, you didn't know he asked me to go?" I shake my head.

"To Whitney and Jackson's wedding? He wasn't even invited."

"No, but I was. He asked me if he could be my plus one. Of course, I said yes," she answers. I look to her, unable to form words. I can't believe Austin would go to that wedding. I can't believe my best friend would go to that wedding.

"It's hardly appropriate for either of you to be there. Why does he even want to go?" I snap at her, trying to form an answer.

"I don't know honestly," she shrugs. "I didn't think about it much. He just asked and I said hell yes!" She can see I'm not thrilled. She flings her arm across my shoulders and says, "I wasn't even going to go until Austin asked. I mean, this has nothing to do with Jackson and Whitney. I just saw it as an opportunity to hang out with Austin. I thought you knew, I'm sorry. Are you mad?" I look to her and I can see the eagerness oozing off her. I'm not surprised she'd jump at the opportunity but I am surprised by what they decided on for their date.

"I'm just...surprised," I reply before swallowing hard. I can't put a finger on exactly what I feel at the moment but betrayed might be right. She pulls her lips into a flat line and we say nothing else. I take another sip of my lemonade and am disappointed vodka didn't magically mix into it.

"Well, I guess I'll be on my way then. Call me later, okay?" Annabeth says to me as she pushes herself off the swing. She gives me a cautious glance and I can tell she's worried that I am pissed at her. Which I think I am. I wave to her as she walks down my steps and I watch her disappear down my driveway. My phone buzzes and I snatch it up off the table. It's Tate. He sends me the airport information and gives me the go ahead to book my ticket.

I push myself off the swing and run inside to find one of my mother's credit cards. I rifle through her purse that's laying on the dining room table and snag a Visa she has tucked into her wallet. I know she'll approve of the expense so I don't bother asking. I slam the front door shut behind me and sprint all the way to the library.