Sunset games. Rafe Cameron

five

CHAPTER FIVE
[5]
"I know you" faye webster

Olivia stood in front of the mirror in Sarah's room, adjusting her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. The soft music playing in the background did little to ease the nervous energy bubbling inside her. Tonight was supposed to be fun—a big party out by the docks, everyone would be there-but for some reason, Olivia couldn't shake this uneasy feeling.

"Girl, you look amazing. Stop fussing," Sarah said from her bed, scrolling through her phone.
She glanced up and smiled. "JJ's going to lose his mind when he sees you."

Olivia smiled back, though it felt a little forced.
She didn't know why, but something about tonight felt... off. She tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the good things. JJ, her boyfriend, would be there, and Sarah, of course. It would be fine. It had to be.

Just as she reached for her lip gloss, her phone buzzed on the dresser. She picked it up, seeing JJ's name flash across the screen. A small wave of relief washed over her. Maybe hearing his voice would settle her nerves.

"Hey Jayj", she answered, her voice light.

"Hey," JJ's voice came through the phone, but something about it seemed... distant. It wasn't his usual playful tone, the one that always made her feel at ease. "Can we meet up before the party? I'm over by The Cut."

Olivia frowned, glancing at Sarah, who was still lounging on the bed. "Uh, sure. Everything okay?"

There was a long pause before JJ finally answered. "Yeah, it's fine. Just need to talk to you."

Her stomach twisted slightly. JJ was never this serious. But instead of pressing him for details, she swallowed her concern and nodded, even though he couldn't see it. "Alright, I'll be there in ten."

After hanging up, Olivia turned to Sarah, who had a curious look on her face, "What's going on?"

"JJ wants to meet up before the party," Olivia said, grabbing her jacket. "I'm not sure why, but I'll be back soon."

Sarah sat up, her brow furrowed. "You want me to come with you?"

Olivia shook her head. "No, I've got it. I'll meet you at the party later."

"Okay," Sarah said, though her tone was cautious. "Call me if you need anything."

———

Olivia biked over to The Cut, her heart thudding a little faster than usual. She and JJ had been together for a while, and while their relationship wasn't always smooth, there had never been anything she couldn't handle. But tonight felt different. When she finally spotted him by the old docks, his hands in his pockets, staring out at the water, the uneasy feeling in her stomach grew.

"Hey," Olivia said as she approached, trying to keep her voice light. "What's up?"

JJ turned to her, his face shadowed in the dim evening light. There was something off about his expression-his usual carefree grin was gone, replaced b somethina more serious, almost distant. It made her nervous.

"Olivia, I... JJ started, then trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck. He was never this hesitant.

"JJ, you're scaring me," she said, stepping closer. "What's going on?"