Page 163 of Offside Devil

I can’t exactly ask why she’s lying to Taylor with Taylor sitting two feet away.

There’s always a second option, but I can’t even think about it without white-knuckling my knees under the table.

When I left Paige, I said I was done with that lifestyle. The drugs and partying, yeah. But the lies, too.

No matter how I slice it, Mira is lying to someone.

I want to know why.

Between the entrees and dessert, Taylor stands up and clears her throat. “I’m going to the ladies’ room.”

Mira is quietly pushing her food around her plate, and Taylor has to pointedly clear her throat two more times before Mira blinks and looks up.

“Oh,” she mumbles, sliding her chair away from the table. “Yeah, I’ll come, too.”

The women link arms and move towards the back of the restaurant.

Daniel stares after Taylor with obvious longing. “That dress really does look good from every angle.”

“You better be talking about your date,” I warn.

“Obviously.” He lounges back in his chair, arm slung over Taylor’s empty seat. “I don’t really see the point of a double date. Witnesses or not, I’m focused on one thing and one thing only.”

“Sex?”

“I was going to say ‘Taylor.’” His head bobs back and forth in concession. “But you’re not wrong. That is the finish line I’m working towards.”

I toss back my lime and soda, some small part of me wishing it was something stronger. “I’m just ready to go home.”

Daniel sits up quickly. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He arches an eyebrow. “I’d do the thing where I pretend to believe you and then coax the truth out of you slowly with my charm and unconditional friendship, but we’re a little short on time. So spare me the effort and just spit it out. I’ve known you long enough that I can tell when you’re lying.”

I snort. “I thought I had that ability, too. With everyone.”

“You do. You’re a nightmare to play poker with.”

“Maybe I should play poker with Mira,” I mutter.

Daniel glances over his shoulder and then leans in closer. “You think she’s lying to you about something?”

“She’s lying to someone. Based on what she told you about her parents, it’s either me or Taylor.”

“She wouldn’t lie to Taylor. They’re best friends.”

“I lied to you,” I confess. “Plenty of times. Over and over again. It didn’t matter that you were my best friend.”

His forehead creases. “That was different. You weren’t yourself.”

“Yes, I was. I was still me. The difference is I was ashamed and had something to hide.”

“You think Mira has something to hide?” he muses, almost like he’s talking to himself. “Taylor has complained that she’s kind of cagey. And Mira told you she likes her privacy.”

“Yeah, well, lying about your family goes a little beyond privacy,” I say bitterly.

Daniel sits back, eyes wide. “What did she lie about?”

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