Let's Make a Deal

Chapter 20

Nova's POV

It's Saturday night, and one has noticed the tattoo in almost twenty four hours. I can't actually believe that Luxe has kept it from them for this long, but then again her family tries to ignore her.

I just know that they will eventually find out. How could they not? It's just a matter of when.

Tonight is my date with Adam. We usually take turns planning the dates, and tonight is his turn. All he said was to "be ready for a good time". Whatever that means.

I open the door to their house and head up without an invitation. At this point, I don't even knock on Adam's door either.

I walked inside and sat on his bed. He was sleeping on his bed next to me, so I tried to wake him up carefully.

"Hey, babe? It's Nova. Time to go on our date. Remember?" I stroke his hair gently as his eyes flutter open.

"Mhmm." Was all he managed.

I turned around to grab my bag and was shocked to see Luxe rolling her eyes in the hallway.

I jumped back, not expecting her.

"He isn't a baby. Let him set his own alarm and be a responsible adult. You spoil him, Nov." Luxe looked at him disapprovingly.

She stood there just long enough for Adam to throw his pillow at her. He was up now, and not happy.

"Why don't you back off? I don't see you with a loving boyfriend. Stop being jealous, and leave us alone." Adam shouted at Luxe as he fixed his hair in the mirror.

He put the brush down and grabbed his keys.

"Let's go, Nova. We don't want to be late." Adam took my hand and glared at Luxe, leading me down the hallway and downstairs.

"Bye, Luxe!" I called out the door as we went outside.

We got in the car and settled in. It was about seven o'clock, so the sky was getting dark now and I saw Luxe watch us from her bedroom window. Once she saw me looking at her, she pulled the curtains over and left.

Adam pulled away from his house and eventually onto the highway. I looked outside and wondered where he was taking me.

I decided to make conversation while he was focused on the road. He seemed to be tense from his little fight with Luxe earlier. He was gripping the wheel tightly and his eyes were narrowed.

"Things are still tough at home with Luxe?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't explode.

He nodded and stiffened even more at her name. "Yeah. Just on the weekends when I'm home, so it's not terrible. I'm sorry you had to be a part of it."

"It's no big deal. I know that you two will get closer. I hope so, at least. You both just seem to bring out the worst in each other." I tried to put it lightly.

He scoffed. "Well, I don't want to worry about Luxe tonight. We're almost there, anyway."

"Where are you taking me?" I asked excitedly.

He smirked. "Your first college party."