Masked Risks

Chapter 15

I love summer because it means no school, which means I don’t have to spend my days with people I don’t like and I can spend it poolside, instead.

I don’t love summer because of bugs.

“I hate bugs,” I announced, probably for the tenth time since I got outside as I swatted at yet another annoying thing with wings.

My dad was grilling some chicken for dinner and my mom was standing beside him, passing him a glass of wine.

“At least something’s attracted to you,” Owen said slyly from where he sat in the patio chair next to me.

“Shut up,” I said, not moving from my spot in the sun. “Besides, when’s the last time any girl has been attracted to you?”

“For your information,” he began, sitting up and sliding his sunglasses to the top of his head. “The ladies couldn’t keep their hands off of me all night last night. They thanked me for gracing their presence at the end of the night.”

I rolled my eyes and turned to look at him. “You’re such a tool.”

He flexed his arms. “That’s just a peasant’s opinion. The king doesn’t listen to peasants.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes again.

“Dinner’s ready!” My mom called out to us. My stomach grumbled in response and I sat up from my chair.

When I got to the table, my mom was already sitting down and chomping on a cob of corn.

“This corn is so good!” She managed to say between bites. My mom values her corn very much.

“That’s not very ladylike, is it, Mom?” I grabbed a cheeseburger and dropped in on my plate.

“I don’t care,” she mumbled, making me laugh.

We ate dinner together, keeping the conversation light and joking. I always enjoyed dinners outside, with food my dad grilled and the finger foods my mom wasn’t afraid to delve into. There wasn’t any talk of some party she planned or got us invited to. There wasn’t any big announcement from her that left me dreading something. It was just normal and nice.

Once my plate was clear and my stomach was full, I noticed the time on my phone.

“Shoot, I have to go,” I said, standing up. “I’m meeting everyone in a bit.” I gathered my plate to take it into the kitchen.

“Whatcha doing tonight?” My mom asked, falling back into her chair.

“Um, just hanging out. Maybe get some ice cream or something,” I lied.

We were actually going back to the studio to rehearse more because the competition was only a week and a half away. I got a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach at the thought of it. I still hadn’t figured out a way to get my parents to agree to let me go somewhere overnight.

But tonight, I finally got Avery to agree meeting me there early so we could talk. I could barely stand the last few days of pure awkwardness between us and I needed to figure out what was really bothering her.

“Well, have fun,” my mom smiled. “Do you need any money?”

I kissed my dad lightly on the cheek before moving onto my mom. “No, I’m good, but thank you.”

Owen winked at me when I smiled at him as I passed through the door into the house.

After a quick outfit change, I was on my way to meet Avery. I hoped she wouldn’t blow me off because I hated how things ended the last time we truly spoke to each other.