Play The Part (Player Next Door Book 3)

72 | Trust

Chapter 72: Trust

*Luke's POV*

I don't trust my parents and I don't trust hers.

I called the first person I could trust with Millie, with my life.

And he normally picks up quickly.

Strangely, not this time. The phone rang and rang, and no one picked up.

I tried again.

"Pick up, Taylor." I cursed, re-dialing.

Thirty seconds and no luck. I called the next best thing.

"Hey Gloria, where's Austin?" I asked.

The comforting, wise voice of Gloria wafted through the phone, "Luke darling, how are you? I heard about your little party last night. Austin had a swell time. But I'm afraid he is with his mother. I'm baking him a pie right now."

"Can you get him on the phone?"

I heard the faint sounds of 1950's rock and roll playing on a radio in the background.

As usual, Gloria was a vibe.

She apologized, "I'm sorry, dear. He's going through something. One of his episodes, you know how that is. But he'll be back as good as new in no time."

I gripped the steering wheel.

Sometimes, Austin goes through these moments. Dr Taylor takes care of him and makes sure he's offline, unimpacted by anything online or in real life, to recover.

I wish I had the luxury of doing that. Of skipping basketball practice or passing on the blame for any house parties. But I don't.

I take the hit.

"Would you like a pie, darling?" she sweetly offered, "I always make extra."

I forgot she was still on the line.

Shit, I'm being selfish. Austin is going through something and I'm complaining about myself.

"No thanks Gloria," I hung up and rethought the strategy.

I was spiraling.

Why is nobody here?

I switched gears, grinding to an immediate halt as the car in front of me stopped at the red light. I almost crashed.

I need to be more careful.

Chad?

Millie would be safe locked up in Chad towers. Then again, people go in and out of that house all day. Including all our friends.

And the blackmailer could be amongst them.

Coach?

We're not on good terms right now. And the coach's daughter, Jamie...

It could be anyone. I needed to pick someone I could trust. There aren't that many of them.

I blew out and dialled one more number.

Someone I trusted 100%.

She picked up on the third ring, "Oh, it's the man of the hour. Wild party you threw last night, am I right?"

"You know it wasn't me."

"Really? Because Dad is cursing your name round the house all day."

"Char, listen to me. I need your help."

"Always so serious, little brother," she patronized me, "If you drank more, you'd still be hungover like the rest of us."