Page 2 of Magnetic God

Peter says, “Matt and I are going to grab a beer. Do y’all want a soda or water?”

“Water is fine,” I answer.

Jess puts her hand on her hip. “Peter, you better not get shitfaced. I don’t know how to drive your truck and I don’t want to have to call Mom or Dad to come and get us.”

Peter’s cheeks turn pink, probably because his sister just told on him, because the exact scenario happened a few weeks ago when the two went to a party together. I was supposed to go with them but ended up being guilted into going to my mom’s house for a family dinner. Obviously, I chose poorly.

Peter hisses, “I’m not going to get wasted, Jessica.”

“Sure you’re not. I’ll be sure to tell that to Mom when she has to rescue us. Again.”

“Stop acting like you haven’t done shit. I distinctly remember having to go with Dad to fix your car when you hit the curb and fucked up two of your tires.”

Jess’ cheeks turn pink. She opens her mouth to reply, and I bite back a groan. There’s nothing worse than a sibling argument, especially in public.

Matt swoops in and says, “Guys, simple solution. Hannah can drive us home if we have more than one drink. It’s not the end of the world.”

“Gee, thanks.” But I guess that’s safer than letting their drunk asses drive us.

They’re already looking at the menu for the concession stand, as if they knew I wouldn’t say no. That’s my fault for always being so easy-going, but it’s been beaten into me from an early age. Good girls are mild and meek and do whatever it takes to make things easier on everyone. Yeah, right.

Jess grabs my arm, pulling me to the side.

“You need to lure my brother away.”

“Lure your brother away? What in the crap does that mean?”

“Tell him you want to look at merchandise.” Her eyes light up. “Better yet. Tell him you want to find our seats since the show is about the start.”

“Let me guess. While I do that, you and Matt will spend some quality time together in the concession line?”

“Bingo.”

I snort. “I don’t know if your plan will work, but I’ll give it a go.”

“You are the best.”

“I know.”

I follow her back to the guys, who are just getting in line.

“Hey Peter?”

He looks up from his phone. “Yeah?”

“Do you know where our seats are?”

“Of course.”

“Isn’t the show starting soon?”

He must look at the clock on his phone because he says, “Shit. It is.”

“Maybe we should go find our seats and let Jess and Matt get the drinks.” I go in for the kill. “I mean, what if someone thinks we aren’t coming and are in our seats?”

His eyes widen and he turns to Matt. “You cool if I go secure our seats?”

“Go ahead man. Jess and I can get the drinks.”

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