Page 91 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

Here goes nothing.

CHAPTER 38

LACHLAN

Iknew it’d be hard coming to the Halloween party with June and posing as her friend while Jake gets to be the boyfriend. Kissing June earlier did nothing to help my predicament. But I have to be smart and stay away from her tonight.

Unlike Jake, who used Malcolm’s front yard as a urinal, I waited for the actual bathroom. On my way back to the heart of the party, Maya spots me. She’s dressed as a dalmatian, which means Banksy is as well. They always match.

“Lachy!” She waves maniacally, then weaves through people to get to me.

Hell, and here I am, caught without a drink.

“Hey, Maya.” I smile.

She gives me a hug, then steps back. “I love your costume! Whose idea was it to dress up like the characters of theWizard of Oz?”

“Mine.”

Her eyes widen. “Really? You didn’t think to do a couple’s costume with your girlfriend?”

I almost say Iamwearing a themed costume with my lass, but I catch myself in time. Then I finally comprehend Maya’s statement. “What girlfriend?”

“June said you were dating someone. You aren’t anymore?”

I open and shut my mouth, not knowing how to answer that. I vaguely remember June mentioning she lied to the WAGs about my relationship status, but it slipped my mind until now. “No.”

Maya’s eyes bug out, followed by a wide grin. Shite. I should have lied.

“Don’t worry, Lachy. I got your back.” She grabs my hand and steers me deeper into the party.

“Where are we going?”

“I want you to meet someone. You’ll love her.”

I should put a stop to this, but I can’t think of a way to do it without acting like an arsehole. Maya is a nice girl, and I like Banksy. I search for him in the crowd. Bloody hell, where is he? He needs to save me from his wife’s love-matching schemes. No such luck, and I’m without a drink.

We reach a group of people I’ve never seen before in my life. Maya introduces me to everyone, and their names become vapor as soon as she says them.

“And this is Amelia Fletcher,” Maya emphasizes. “My bestie from college.”

She’s a short brunette dressed as Wonder Woman. She smiles brightly and offers me her hand. “Hello, Lachy. Nice to meet you.”

“Hey.” I glance over her head, trying to find the guys to save me from this situation.

“Are you looking for someone?” She looks over her shoulder then back at me.

“Yes, a waiter.”

“Shoot, Lachy,” Maya chimes in. “I didn’t notice you didn’t have a drink. I’ll get you something.”

She walks away before I can say a word. It’s then that I realize all the people I just met are also gone. Great. I’m alone with Maya’s friend.

“I’ve heard so many nice things about you.” She smiles.

“Don’t believe any of it.”

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