Page 101 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“Do you think he believes that he’s good?” Dylan asks genuinely, making me huff out a laugh.

“Of course I do. According to Luke, he’s amazing at everything.” As the words leave my mouth, an uncomfortable feeling settles in my chest. That’s not entirely true. No matter how amazing he is at football, he always seems to doubt himself right before the big moments. And I know he’d be questioning himself now, as he waits for the draft in a couple of months.

“I still can’t believe Luke’s your brother,” Summer says when her laughter dies down, pulling me from my thoughts. “I was a little shocked when the guys told me.”

“Really? Why?” Since I’ve always been known as “Luke’s little sister,” I assumed everyone knew who I was.

“I’m not really sure. Though it all makes sense now. Dylan mentioned that when he first saw me, Luke warned him away, saying ‘you don’t date teammates’ sisters.’” Summer pulls Dylan in close and smiles his way. “I’m glad you didn’t listen, but I’mguessing that notion is personal for Luke. Does he steer guys away from you?” she asks, turning my way.

It’s a perfectly innocent question and a topic I’d even find funny if she wasn’t talking about Thomas being her brother while not actually connecting with him. So, instead, it makes me uncomfortable.

“All my life,” I say anyway because it’s true.

Conversation moves away from siblings, and I start to relax until the topic comes up again when Dylan gets a text.

“Lucy said she’s coming around to watch the Super Bowl,” he tells Summer and Joel. “She said she wouldn’t miss it.” He looks my way with a smile. “Lucy’s my older sister,” he adds, filling me in. “She lives in San Francisco but comes back to annoy me when she can.” I laugh until I realize what he said.

“You’re watching it here?” I ask with mock horror. “I’m surprised Luke hasn’t forced you all into watching it at the Ball House,” I add jokingly even though I’m genuinely shocked.

“Oh, he has.” Dylan laughs. “When I say Lucy’s cominghere, I mean she’s coming to Heartwood. We’ll be watching the game at the Ball House. Are you coming?”

Thomas has mentioned he’ll be in Heartwood next weekend, but he never said he was watching the game. Although why wouldn’t he watch it? “I can’t, unfortunately. I’m working.” I fake a frown when in reality, there’s no way I could go with them and pretend I didn’t know Thomas, which actually has me questioning Summer…

“Are you going?”

Her lips pull up into a small smile, but she shakes her head. “Not this time. I’ve got some stuff going on.”

Dylan sympathetically pats Summer’s leg while Joel frowns. There’s something about his look that suggests he’s not overly happy with that answer, and neither am I. I get that she wentthrough hell and that Thomas was a part of that, but… Nope, I can’t get involved.

Swallowing a lump in my throat, I hold back from saying something about the situation, but when she jokes about having better things to do, I can’t stay any longer. I’m grateful for today, and I really do enjoy their company, but it doesn’t feel right. Maybe one day when everything’s out in the open and Thomas and Summer are talking again… But for now, it feels like I’m lying to them, while also betraying Thomas. He should be here in my place. He should be laughing with Summer, and joking with Dylan and Joel. These should behisfriends. Not mine.

“We can’t all love football as much as the men in our lives,” I say with a laugh before standing up. “Can you please point me in the direction of the bathroom?”

I excuse myself to gather my thoughts, but it only takes the short walk for me to make a decision, and when I get to the bathroom, I quickly type out a text to Jace, praying that he’s close to his phone. I feel awful for what I’m about to do, but in the long run, it’s for the best.

Lainey: I need an out.

And I need it now.

My phone rings ten minutes later, and I have to physically stop myself from sighing in relief.

“Sorry, I better get this,” I say with a grimace.

“Of course,” Summer says as the guys nod.

“Hello,” I answer, standing up and moving just out of earshot in case Jace questions me. But of course he doesn’t.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Miss Bennett, but you’ve been listed as an emergency contact for Genevieve Swinton. She’s just had dental surgery and needs someone to collect her.”

Since I know they can’t hear him, I don’t bother with the theatrics but internally thank Jace for giving me an excuse. An excuse so good I almost laugh at the use of my gran. I wouldn’t mind really picking her up after dental surgery—maybe she’d spill some truths. But for now, I’ll use it as my way out.

“Of course. I’ll be right there. Thank you.”I hang up and turn back to the group, giving them an apologetic smile. “I have to go.”

“Is everything okay?” Summer asks, her eyes full of concern as she rushes to stand.

“Yes, my gran had an after-hours emergency dental procedure. She’s okay; she just needs a lift home. Apparently my mom’s not answering.”

“And heaven forbid Luke do anything to help,” Dylan chips in, making me laugh.

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