Page 140 of A Little Complicated

“Yup,” they reply.

“Okay.” I look back at my phone and type my response.

Me

The girls voted for Never Have I Ever. Thoughts?

Reeves

Classic. It’s good for big groups. I’ll get the ball rolling.

Me

Thanks.

Reeves

Anytime, Lia.

43

OPHELIA

It was a long week of radio silence. Maverick texted me a couple of times, but I told him I felt guilty texting when his brother refused to respond to any of my messages, so Mav told me he’d back off, but only if I promised to give him a chance to talk tonight.

And because I have an addiction to all things Maverick Buchanan, I agreed.

The place is packed, making previous parties look like small get-togethers compared to the bodies jammed into the boys’ house. I had a feeling it was crazier than usual when I was getting ready, and my bathroom wall was shaking with the music, but this is something else. Their front door is propped open, and the front porch is practically spilling over with people.

If only I liked crowds more.

I tear my attention from a couple making out on the grass outside and nudge a discarded cup from my end of the porch to the boys’ side.

“I guess summer break’s over,” I mutter under my breath as I slip between two bodies blocking the entrance, the girls moving in behind me.

People are everywhere. The nooks. The crannies. The couches. The hallway. Almost every inch feels like it’s filled with hot, gyrating bodies while music plays over the speakers.

Finley grins and grabs my arm, squeezing it softly. It’s like her excitement is literally more than her petite frame can handle. Dylan, however, hesitates. “Yeah, I think I’m gonna—”

“Nope!” Finley loops her arm through Dylan’s. “You’re not going anywhere. Come on.”

Jutting her bottom lip out, Dylan lets out a groan. “Seriously, are you and Aunt Kate even related? My mom says she hated parties when they were in college, and you’re her daughter.”

“Dude, my parents ask the same thing all the time,” Finley says with a laugh. “I think you can blame my half-sisters. The age differences made for somefunexperiences growing up.” She tugs Dylan inside. “Now, come on. Let’s go find some fun.”

Reeves is busy making out with a girl in the corner. Trevor Cameron, the blonde asshole on the men’s team, is chatting with a few of the other players while Griffin is talking to a brunette with long silky hair that reaches her back. As for Archer, Maverick, and Everett? They’ve yet to make an appearance, but I’m sure they’ll be around soon.

Not that I want them to be. I’m not sure who’s aware of my breakup with Archer since I’ve basically been hiding in my house whenever I’m not at practice, and I don't know if he’s told anyone about my little hookup with Maverick, either. The combination makes me dread and second-guess every single look cast my way. I can’t hide away in my house anymore, though, which means I need to pull up my big girl panties and face the fallout of…everything, even when it’s terrifying. I just wish I knew what Archer was thinking.

Sliding my phone from my back pocket, I send him another text.

Me

Hey. Just got here. I hope it’s okay.

I stare at the screen, but he doesn’t reply.

Of course not.

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