Page 62 of Roaring Flames

I notice Reid watching us out of the corner of my eye. When he hears my confirmation, he nods once—almost to himself—and resumes sweeping.

I hurry out the back entrance and into the parking lot. Both the moon and sun are visible on either side of the sky, painting the gray in shades of white and black. I plop down on the curb and dig my phone out of my pocket. After pulling up Grayson’s name, I shoot him a text.

Izzy

Hey. I’m done. Are you still picking me up?

When he doesn’t immediately respond, I flick out of his name and onto Ansel’s.

Izzy

Whatcha doing?

Ansel

Ugh. Have a huge test in Stats tomorrow. Studying.

Izzy

You’re in AP Statistics, right?

Ansel

Maybe…

Izzy

Smarty pants.

Izzy

I’ll let you get back to studying.

Ansel

K. See you tomorrow. Need a ride again?

Izzy

I’ll let you know.

I close out of my text messages and scroll through my social media apps. Behind me, the lights of the theater turn off, and Silas says goodbye to Reid. There’s the roar of a motor—probably Reid’s bike—and then silence once more.

And still no Grayson.

Izzy

Hey. Are you still able to give me a ride?

Silence.

Izzy

Are you ignoring me? Lol

When the silence continues, an uneasy feeling circulates in my gut.

I meant for my previous message to be lighthearted and jesting, but I can’t help but wonder…is he mad at me? He didn’t seem to be upset when I confessed I may have feelings for Ansel, but maybe he changed his mind. Or maybe he decided that now that he’s slept with me, he doesn’t want anything to do with me?—

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