Page 59 of Waiting For Fate

“Nope.”

“You’re on your own, brother.”

“Oh, I think Cece needs her Uncle Tucker.” He backs into the house and blows Taylor a kiss.

“Mhm, I’ll deal with you later.”

“Promise?” He wags his brows and winks at her, making her cheeks turn red as she rolls her eyes. Then the guys follow behind him and we’re left alone on the patio again.

“So, what does this meannnn?” Lauren grins ear to ear as she shakes my arm. I love that about her. Even though she jokes about wanting a man, and being so lonely she resorts to kissing a dog—she’s able to be happy for her friends when something like this happens.

“I don’t knowwww,” I mock. “Jackson fucking showed up and I haven’t talked to him since.”

“What! Why?” Ruby exclaims.

“Well, he heard me telling you guys that the reason Jackson and I broke up was over something stupid and I think he assumes I meant the kiss.”

“But it wasn’t?” Taylor narrows her eyes, as if she’s now wondering what the stupid thing was too.

“No. But he left early, and I didn’t want to explain unless I could do it in person and now—” I pull my phone back out and open our texts, showing everyone the latest one he sent me. “He wants me to meet him at midnight.”

Taylor jumps out of her chair and grabs my phone.

Shane stomps her feet on the ground excitedly.

Ruby claps at the speed of light.

And Lauren shakes my arm again.

“You have to go!” Taylor hands my phone back to me and I look down at the lackluster outfit I’m wearing.

“To a rooftop lounge? Looking like this?” I wave a hand down my body.

“Obviously not. You’re borrowing something of mine. But your hair is all cute and curly and you can just throw on some blush and mascara because your skin is sinfully perfect.” Ruby pulls me from my seat and starts dragging me through the house.

“Wait. Are we sure this is even a good idea?”

“Only one way to find out.” She grins at me as we all pile in the house to get me dressed.

CHAPTER 25

SAWYER

I check my phone again for the millionth time to see if I have any messages from Leah.

Nothing.

I don’t know why I thought she would come. She isn’t the one to bail on plans—especially not with her friends. Our entire team was put on the VIP list for this NYE party tonight and even though press is my least favorite part of the job, it comes with the territory. I told one of the guys at the door that I was expecting a plus one and gave him Leah’s name—in case by some miracle she decided to come—but as the moments tick by, I’m growing less optimistic that she will.

I grab a whiskey from the bar, shamelessly checking the entrance for her again, as someone slides up next to me.

“Well, if it isn’t the Sawyer Clark.” I turn to see her standing with her arms crossed over her chest, with a clutch in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other and a playful scowl on her face.

“Alana Townsend. Holy shit. Long time no see.” She finally breaks and a huge smile spreads across her face.

“Yeah, that’s what happens when you trade, you asshole.” She slaps my chest with her clutch and laughs. “Dad was so pissed when he lost you. This season hasn’t been the same without you.”

I wave a hand dismissively. “Ah, he’ll be alright. He has plenty of talent there, he’s just gotta utilize it.” I wag my brows and she shakes her head, a soft smile playing at her lips.

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