lies

seven

Sav

What is going on tonight?

Between Heidi's no-boundaries mother and a couple of moments—or what I perceive as moments—with Justin, I'm ready to run away. There have definitely been some looks between us; I'm not imagining that.

Judy keeps the cocktails coming through, which I'm extremely grateful for, as she has absolutely no problem with asking personal questions. I don't know how long I can be around her because I have no clue how I will handle it if she asks questions I can't answer. Some things that happen in life are too much to bear. Some people can work through any obstacle or heartache and come out stronger, but for others, all you can do to keep breathing is pretend.

I'm counting on Heidi or Justin to stop her when she asks something I sure as hell won't be answering. So far, she's not touched on my family. No one knows the truth. They all think I'm just not close with my parents and that I cut them out of my life.

It's not a total lie. They don't know I have a sibling, grandparents, and an aunt and uncle. Hell, they think I've only ever dated once. I've had a very serious relationship.

Just the one. Never again.

I glance at the kitchen door on the far wall. Come on, bring our damn food. How long have we been here? We put our food order in about twenty minutes ago. It must be coming soon.

Justin has been weird with me since our most recent moment. I don't think anything would have happened if we hadn't been interrupted, but I can't be sure. He jumped away from me, and since then, all I can see of him is his shoulder and the back of his head. He's deep in conversation with Freddy.

Though I have a feeling, the football conversation he initiated is a smoke screen. He's worried his mum will pick up on what happened. I saw her delighted expression though. Thankfully and probably by some miracle, she hasn't made a comment.

I won't relax until we're out of here though.

"You seem tense," Heidi whispers as she leans in.

She's perceptive.

Giving her a fleeting smile, I grab my cocktail. "I'm fine. Just hungry."

And waiting for your mum's questions makes me anxious as hell.

If I refuse to answer, they'll know something is up.

"Yeah, the food doesn't usually take this long to come out here."

Great.

In front of us, Bobby stretches his arms over his head. "So, ladies, is it invite-only to drinks after dinner?"

I stiffen. The guy is a lazy creep, and he keeps staring at me, so I have no desire to spend any time around him when he's drunk.

Yes. Heidi, please say it's invite-only!

Justin bumps into my arm as he straightens up, and out of the corner of my eye, I see him turn our way.

"Nah, you can join us, bro," he replies. His mouth tightens as he glances at me, like he knows how awkward I feel around Bobby.

Did he do that on purpose?

Why would he? I mean, he's not my number one fan, but surely, he wouldn't be that spiteful. As if anything he does or says still surprises me. He blows hot and cold constantly.

"Ace!" Bobby cheers, his eyes landing on me as he dips his chin. I think he's supposed to look seductive, but he looks psychotic.

Yeah. Ace.