Page 39 of The Backup

“You look amazing,” I say, adjusting the beaded neckline of my black dress. It’s the only thing I could find that remotely fit the theme—simple and understated, like everything else about my plan.

“And you,” Jacklyn says, eyeing me critically, “look like you’re attending a funeral at the Great Gatsby’s house.”

“It’s neutral,” I protest, smoothing the fringe at the hem. “That’s the whole point.”

“Neutral?” Jacklyn groans, dropping onto my bed dramatically. “Sloane, you’re acting insane. You have Asher Knox—quarterback, godlike jawline,clearlyinto you—at your fingertips, and you’re doing mental gymnastics to avoid him.”

I turn back to the mirror, adjusting my feathered headband. “I’m not avoiding him. I’m being strategic.”

“Oh, is that what we’re calling it now?” she teases.

I glare at her. “Look,” I say, grabbing a tube of lipstick from the vanity. “People are already saying Asher should be benched and Joe should come back. After one bad game. Do you know how much worse it would be if they thought he was distracted because of me?”

Jacklyn rolls her eyes. “You really think you’rethatimportant?”

“No, buttheydo,” I say, my voice sharper than I intended. “And I can’t be the reason he’s under even more pressure.”

She studies me for a moment, her playful grin fading into something softer. “So what’s the plan, Miss Strategic?”

I shrug, trying to sound casual. “I asked Scott from my marketing class to go with me. As friends. He’s…neutral.”

Jacklyn bursts out laughing, clutching her stomach. “Scott?Scott Harper? The guy who still wears suspenders to class even when it’s not a theme party?”

“He’s nice,” I say defensively.

“He’s boring,” she shoots back. “And about as exciting as a glass of water. Which I guess makes him perfect for your master plan.”

“Exactly.”

Jacklyn shakes her head, grinning. “You’ve got Asher freaking Knox practically begging to be with you, and you’re taking Scott Suspenders to the Sigma party.”

“Because it’s the right move,” I say firmly, though my conviction wavers as my mind drifts back to the night in thetruck bed. The stars, the wine, the way Asher looked at me like I was the only person in the world.

Jacklyn watches me carefully. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?”

“No,” I lie, focusing on my lipstick.

“Yes, you are,” she says, sitting up. “You’re thinking about that night and how it was probably the best night of your life.”

I freeze for a moment, then force myself to shrug. “It doesn’t matter. I have a plan.”

Jacklyn sighs, standing and smoothing out her dress. “You’re a disaster.”

“Thanks,” I mutter, grabbing my clutch.

“Come on,” she says, linking her arm through mine. “Let’s go find your boring date and see how long you can keep up this charade before Asher loses his mind.”

My stomach twists at the thought of seeing him tonight, but I push it down. This is the right move. It has to be.

The Sigma house comes into view as we pull up in Brian’s truck, and I immediately regret agreeing to this. Even from the street, the mansion-like house radiates excess. Strings of gold lights twinkle from every balcony, casting a warm glow over the lawn. The massive Greek columns are wrapped in black and gold ribbons, and a line of partygoers dressed to the nines snakes down the steps, waiting to get inside.

Jacklyn nudges me from the back seat. “Still think this is a good idea, or are you ready to ditch Scott Suspenders and make out with Asher in the coat closet?”

I glare at her, adjusting the strap of my clutch. “We’re sticking to the plan.”

Brian chuckles from the driver’s seat, throwing the truck into park. “I don’t even know why you’re bringing Scott. No offense, man.”

“None taken,” Scott says cheerfully, climbing out of the truck. He’s wearing a too-tight vest over a button-up shirt and a bow tie that looks slightly crooked, paired with slicked-back hair that’s trying way too hard to look casual.

---