The Ruse ||Calum Hood

VII

"You're like never around anymore. What's going on McCarthy is there a man involved?" Ryan said, stuffing his hand into the bowl of potato chips on the table in front of him.

" Or are you living a double life we don't know about? " Ashlee remarked, the two shared a glance before exploding into a fit of laughter.

"Our Tristen? I don't think so."

I laughed slightly, raising an eyebrow. "Why do you doubt me so much? I have secrets."

"Not telling me about my surprise party is not a secret, Tris. I mean a real secret."

I balled up my fists as my blood began to boil, if only they really knew what I got up to. If they only knew that I was pretending to be one of the richest women alive. It took so much out of me to refrain from spilling my guts and revealing to my friends all I had been up to. I bit down on my tongue until I could taste blood and allowed them to continue making fun of me.

"Oh c'mon Tris, we didn't mean anything by it--"

I was not proud of what happened next. The words left my mouth before I could even comprehend what I was saying. But the looks on their faces were definitely worth it. Of course they didn't believe me at first and demanded proof, I didn't blame them I would do the same. Fortunately I had tonnes of photos on my phone of the boys and me, I chose to leave out the ones where I was dressed as Evelyn to avoid questions.

Although what I had done was not smart, I couldn't wipe the smug look of my face.

~

" You did what? " Ashton practically bellowed. All eyes were fixed in our direction, he apologised for his sudden outburst and the room went back to work.

"You did what?" He repeated, moving in closer.

"You're doing a great job, Gwen!" I quickly said through the monitor. She gave me a thumbs up and continued to run through her lines. "I just said that I went out with you guys a couple of times and that I'm invited to the concert next week."

The boys sighed and nodded in synch.

"AndthatIwouldtrytogetthemtickets." I added, my words jumbled and vaguely coherent.

"Evelyn." Luke scolded me whilst I bowed my head in shame.

" I know, I know. I'm sorry. I was frustrated and I wanted them to shut up. But the looks on their faces-- it was so worth it. At the time, definitely at the time."

The door suddenly flew open revealing Calum, as per usual he was dressed in a four-piece suit and the bow tie he wore the other evening. His gaze immediately landed on mine, and just like that I was drawn in. He had my full attention.

"Is everything okay?" He finally questioned, averting his gaze to the boys and the other crew.

"Hmm, we're just getting through the recordings. They're all doing a phenomenal job, they're naturals." Mike responded, earning several nods and grunts of agreement.

"Lovely. I look forward to hearing them. Do you mind if I borrow Evelyn for a few moments? We won't be long."

The boys were more than happy to approve, much to my dismay. I had already given into temptation the other night and I knew very well if I was alone with Calum Hood; I would not be able to control my actions. Every day I promised to tell him the truth, but the days ended and Calum still believed I was Evelyn.

"Where are we going?" I questioned.

"You'll see." Calum smirked. Once we neared the location he placed his hands over my eyes and slowly guided me the rest of the way. "We're here but just keep your eyes closed for me, okay?"