Page 20 of Spiteful Lies

The main door swings open, and Pierce walks in, checking out who’s in the hall before he ventures further. Justin waves to him, and Pierce motions toward the door. Bryce and Wyatt enter, walking with heads held high toward their table. No matter what scandal rocks the school, they’ll always rule this place.

Pierce sits beside me, blocking Wyatt from the chair. Wyatt glares for a moment, then sits beside Justin, and Bryce sits beside him. They place their order for breakfast, but no one seems interested in eating. It’s more coffee and carbs—the breakfast of choice after midterms.

“My mother isn’t coming to Rawlins’ kiss-ass event,” says Pierce as he smothers his everything bagel with more cream cheese. “But my dad will be here. He says he missed the sinking of the Titanic, but he won’t miss this.”

“That’s mean,” says Charlotte, “where’s your school pride?”

“In my dad’s checkbook,” Pierce nudges me. “Astrid, I want you to meet my dad.”

I sigh. “Is he like you?”

They all laugh, even Pierce. “He’ll like you, Astrid,” he replies, “He wants to check out the girl I’m sweating over.”

Charlotte rolls her eyes as she sips her light and sweet coffee. “You’re charming, Pierce. You know exactly what to say.”

“Are you staying on campus, Charlotte?” asks Bryce softly.

She nods, cutting her bagel into pieces but not eating it. “I’m helping out during the event. You know, Dad being sick, we’re skipping Thanksgiving this year. Right, Astrid?” She smiles when I nod vigorously, backing her up completely.

“My mom’s coming,” adds Wyatt, “And she would love to meet you and Charlotte.”

Charlotte smiles at Wyatt. “Did you hear that, Pierce? That’s a gentleman talking.”

Pierce scoffs, but Bryce cuts him off before he can reply. “My parents will be here too. They want to see firsthand what’s happening at Stonehaven. I doubt they’ll donate another building, but they definitely are invested in the school.”

“We all are,” replies Charlotte softly, “It will determine our fates.”

For a moment, the table is silent as we consider Charlotte’s words. A lot has happened, and a lot more will happen before we graduate. I’m nervous as fuck to meet the boys’ parents, but what did I expect? That we’d stay hidden away in that basement room together?

Awkwardly, I realize that I’m the only one who hasn’t spoken since the boys sat down. “I’ll be here to meet everyone’s parents, and I hope it won’t decide my fate for me.”

Chapter 17

Astrid

Staying on campus is a big mistake. Instead of recuperating from a grueling week of midterms in bed, eating lime pita chips, we’re put to work as Stonehaven ambassadors. Thirty upperclassmen in school uniforms stand in three lines in front of a pacing Rawlins in the main gym. Rawlins eyes our uniforms for wrinkles and checks our hair for a strand out of place. We look like a cult about to take orders from our crazy-ass leader.

Dr. Rawlins clarifies that we must assist the school that has nurtured us through our development. I resist rolling my eyes when I look around at the other kids’ expressions. They’re taking all this very seriously. They drank the Kool-Aid and are asking for seconds. I stand a little straighter as she continues to lecture us.

“Because of the actions of a misguided person, Stonehaven is under attack,” she says, “Are we going to let a bunch of outsiders take us down?”

“No, Dr. Rawlins!” Their boisterous shout makes me jump. Stiff-lipped with hands clenched, the students are ready to pull out their A-game to protect the institution that raised them. Dr. Rawlins’ lips curl in satisfaction as she paces down the line. Her gaze rests on mine and doesn’t leave it. It’s time to start making choices. Astrid Bowen may scoff, but Astrid Howland will protect her interests by protecting Stonehaven’s.

Unflinching, I meet her gaze. “No one can beat Stonehaven.”

Dr. Rawlins’ eyebrows rise, and she looks pleased. That may be the first genuine smile she’s ever given me. My shoulders lift, and something shifts. Suddenly, I’m not her problem anymore. She continues to provide direction on what we’re to do, but above all, we say nothing about the scandal.

“If they ask, tell them that you aren’t aware of that matter; you’re too busy concentrating on academics. And then steer the conversation toward an attribute of the school. Having studied your handbook will pay off.” She continues. “And another thing. If it becomes too much or overwhelming, go to your room and take a break. This won’t be easy, but we’re up for the challenge.”

Rawlins asked Justin to keep a low profile in his studio, and he readily agreed. Charlotte and I decide to stick together, walking side by side in our uniforms and long coats as we head down the path toward the stone gate. Charlotte looks perfect while I adjust my name tag with a gold ribbon attached, signifying that I’m a senior. Each student welcomes a parent and guides them to the dining hall, which has been decorated for the occasion. The long tables have been replaced with circular ones covered in autumnal tablecloths in hues that start with sienna and ochre. The dining hall staff is dressed in proper gear—long sleeves with long pants and long aprons wrapped around their waist. Solemnly, they only take orders, under strict instructions not to talk or face immediate termination.

Charlotte stops in front of an attractive middle-aged couple with a full head of blonde hair. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Shelton.”

My eyes nearly pop out of my head as she hugs them both. She could’ve given me a warning. I stand by quietly, watching. Bryce’s father looks nothing like him other than his height and broad shoulders, but Bryce definitely has his mother’s good looks. The straight nose, the full bottom lip, and the smoldering blue eyes are twins. I stare at her like a dumbass, unable to force my head to turn away. My brain keeps screaming “look away,” but my eyes won’t obey. Eventually, she lets go of Charlotte and glances at my name tag.

“Oh, another Howland.” She smiles and places her hand on her husband’s arm. “Look, dear, the other Howland.”

Charlotte remembers me. “This is my sister, Astrid Howland.” She nudges me, and my arm pops up as if she’s activated a spring in my side. I extend my hand toward Mrs. Shelton, and the weirdest thing happens. She gives me two of her fingers to shake. Is that a thing? When I turn toward Mr. Shelton, he nods stiffly but doesn’t say hello. Immediately, I put my hand down.

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