Page 144 of Heartless Legacy

“What do you know about the guy LJ’s seeing?”

He’s quick to answer, “Nothing.”

“This isn’t the time for some bro-code shit, Austin. Who is he?”

“I honestly know nothing about him. I met him once when I ran into them at a restaurant. I was leaving as they were coming in. She gave a quick intro, said his name was Damon something. He was insistent about not missing their reservation, so they rushed along. When I asked about him, the next time I saw her, she said they met through her mom and that he goes to UC Berkeley. Other than that…” He shrugs.

“Other than that, you didn’t ask any more questions about some random guy showing up in LJ’s life?Youjust let it go?”

“I asked, Thea. I didn’t let it go. But the more I asked, the quieter she got. I figured she felt uncomfortable talking tome about it because I’m a guy.” He shakes his head, shoulders slumped.

“What else?” I ask, sensing there’s more to the story.

“I invited them to a Coyote game. I figured it would be a good way to get to know the new guy in her life. LJ was so excited, too. ”

“And?”

“And I overheard them talking. She had him on speakerphone and he said he was busy. When she said she’d try to get him an autograph, he told her that nice girls don’t spend their time unchaperoned around men they’re not dating.” He looks so dejected when he says, “I wish I had more to tell you, Thea, but LJ had been pulling away from me and Connor. I think we were too much of a reminder of you.”

I give him an understanding nod. It may have seemed like that’s what was causing the rift, but I’m not so sure. “Sorry to disrupt your evening.”

I’m on the phone before I make it back outside. “Wsup bitch?” Sasha answers way too cheerily for this time of night. That means she’s doing something to someone’s computer systems that they won’t enjoy.

“Sasha, I need everything you can find on a Damon no last name attending UC Berkeley. He’s got ties to Canyon Falls.”

“On it.”

She ends the call without asking for any more details. Sasha’s just that good. One clue is all she needs.

Chapter 85

Finn

I’m parked outside of Thea’s door, waiting for her to return. I know she’s still on campus, because Holden sent me live footage of her at the library. I should probably be there too, but I’m spending less time out in public these days. I’ve got a bag of all of Thea’s favorite snacks and drinks beside me for the movie night I’m here to convince her to have.

She comes through the stairwell door, carrying a cup of coffee in her hand. It’s a good thing I’m here to keep her from studying all night. Before she can complain, I pull out a bag of twizzlers, waving it at her like a matador with a cape.

“What do you want Finn?” She asks, eying the candy.

“Just to hang out for a little while. Since none of us have rides, I thought we could do a movie night.”

“You expect me to come to Vale Tower?”

“Absolutely not. It’s a hang for just the two of us.”

“That sounds like you’re asking for a date.” She says as she unlocks her door.

She still doesn’t like that word, which is why I was careful not to use it. “Not a date. Just two people hanging out, watching a blockbuster flick.”

I pull one of the DVD cases out next. I have two that have been out for years and two that came out over the summer while she was gone. When she doesn’t slam the door in my face, I take that as permission to come inside. “Which movie do you want to watch?” I ask, pulling the rest out of my backpack.

I put on the heist movie she chooses, then get to work setting the snacks and drinks on the table in the shared lounge. “Where are your suite mates?” I ask, heading to the microwave to make the popcorn.

“Not sure. Probably hanging with their friends.” She calls from the bathroom. When I’m done, I pull the table closer to the chair that is way too hard for my liking. Thea comes back out carrying a lawn chair. I watch as she unfolds it and sets the legs in place. It has a padded scooped seat. When she disappears again, I ease into the contraption, which turns out to be a hammock chair.

Oh, this is much better. I slip off my shoes, curling into the corner. She comes back out, carrying a blanket, takes one look at me and says, “You’re not stealing my chair, Finn.”

I scoot over a little more. I wouldn’t dare take her seat, but after sitting here, just for these few minutes, there’s no way I’m sitting in her hard ass school issued chair to watch a movie. “It’s more than enough room for us to share.”

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