Page 25 of The Game She Hates

I pass by the group of girls still taking pictures and videos and they try to stop me, eager to include me. But I’m not in the mood after Duke’s comments and not knowing where Pearl is.

Robyn approaches and informs me in a whisper, “She went outside.”

I nod in thanks and relief and head toward the exit door.

19

Pearl Davis

I’m standing alone under the chilly night sky. I’m more captivated by the stars than by the idea of another camera flash blinding me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind taking a few pictures, but after a handful of decent shots, my motivation tends to dwindle. Maybe it’s because I don’t have any social media accounts to share them on.

The only destination for my photos is a single picture attached to the occasional email to Beatrice and Fynn.

I wrap my arms around myself, wishing I had brought a cardigan. Then again, I hadn’t planned anything else after the late lunch with Zane. I’m so glad Robyn tagged along; I don’t think I could handle being alone with Zane. His gaze threatens to enthrall me, and his smile leaves me breathless. The genuine interest he shows in me only adds to my discomfort around him. I’m just a girl in search of her soulmate—I don’t need this bait-and-switch in my life. I need to push him out somehow.

A voice interrupts my thoughts, and I instinctively jerk, turning to see Zane approaching.

Not him and me. Outside. Together. Alone.

“Sweet P, isn’t it too cold to be out here?” he asks me while closing the distance between us.

“I just needed some air,” I reply curtly, trying to steady my racing heart. Why does he have to be caring too.

“Are you sure you’re fine?” He removes his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. I slip my arms into the sleeves and feel myself engulfed in his intoxicating scent of spices and citrus. I wish I could bottle it up to keep it close forever.

When I meet his gaze, I see genuine concern impressed across his features.

“Yeah. Why do you ask?”

“It’s just...” he pauses, exhaling slowly. “I accidentally overheard you and Robyn at the restaurant, mentioning Duke breaking your heart. I just want to make sure being here and celebrating him and Kate isn’t too hard on you.”

The dimness of the outside lights prevents me from getting lost in Zane’s eyes, but I can still see him clearly enough to read the sincerity in his gaze.

Despite being here, I haven’t thought about Duke at all. I can happily confirm I’ve finally moved on. “I’m really over it. We never dated or anything. I just had a big crush on him.”

“Good to know. You deserve better than Duke.”

I frown. “You don’t even know the guy or me. What makes you say that?”

“The few words we spoke today told me everything I need to know about him. And about you,” he says, his lopsided grin a delightful ache. “I’ve picked up on more than you realize about you.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Shoot.”

“Are you always eavesdropping?”

His serious expression softens into a smile.

“This is the second time you’ve done it. I just need to know if it’s a recurring habit of yours.”

“Ha ha, honestly, I’ve never been one to pry into others’ affairs. But the way I grew up made me someone who is always hyper-aware of my surroundings. That includes picking up on conversations I probably shouldn’t be privy to.”

“How did you grow up?” I know it’s a loaded question, one that would be fine in my professional setting. But with Zane, I shouldn’t be asking this. I should be showing him the exit door out of my life.

“My mom died giving birth to me, and my dad is an alcoholic who has spent the last ten years in jail. He’ll be released next month. You can imagine how it was growing up in those circumstances,” Zane shares, surprising me with his candor. My heart aches with every word he just said.

His expression mirrors the surprise I feel. Was he also not planning to share this much?

---