Page 3 of Shattered

“Nah,” he says, putting a stop to my wishful thinking. “If anything, us being there would stop him from actually talking to her. He’d chicken out and then stick with us.”

“Yeah . . .” I nod slowly, even though I'm disappointed, “I guess you’re right.”

A second later, he’s jumping to his feet, turning on some music and asking if we want some beer while I try to keep my shoulders from slumping.

“Where’d you get beer from?” Jason asks him.

“Took them from my stepdad’s bar fridge. I only take one or two at a time, so he never notices.”

Cam offers one to both of us. I don’t really like alcohol, so I decline, but Jason accepts. With music playing in the background, they crack open their beers and start chatting about some bullshit, allowing me to turn my attention back to my phone.

Me: So, you’re drinking tonight. Does that mean you’re at the party?

Sunflower: Party? No. My parents had a few of their friends over. No one was paying attention, so I took a drink.

The disappointment in my stomach dissipates at her response. That makes me feel better. There’s no reason for me to go to the party if she’s not there.

Me: A little rebellious, are we?

My lips tip up at the sides before I catch myself and make my face neutral again. I’d probably never hear the end of it if the guys caught me smiling like an idiot at my phone.

Seeing the two of them are distracted, I plant myself back in the beanbag after dragging it to the corner. It’ll probably end up being my bed for the night, anyway.

Sunflower: A complete rebel.

Sunflower: Tell me something no one else knows about you.

I rub my thumb over my bottom lip, running through the possibilities of what I could tell her. The last time she asked, I told her I wouldn’t be going to college because my family couldn’t afford it. She told me she’s not going next year either, so that made me feel better. The time before that, I told her how my older sister manipulates my parents into getting everything she wants—which is also the main reason why we have no money.

For some reason, I trust her with these things.

Coming to a decision, I type out my reply before I change my mind.

Me: My real name is Neilix.

Sunflower: Are you serious??

Me: Yeah, Neilix Henry Adams. My parents are Star Trek fans and named me after an alien chef.

My sister also received a Star Trek name, but hers is way more common than mine.

Sunflower: Oh my god! I love that! Why don’t you go by that name?

Me: I’ve always thought it was too weird.

Sunflower: It’s not weird at all. I love it. Can I call you that?

I chew on the inside of my cheek, settling deeper into the beanbag.

Me: You can, if . . .

Sunflower: If, what?

Me: If I can see you.

“Are you going to play or what, Adams?”

I jerk my head up to see the guys watching me, Campbell holding the controller out to me in question.

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