Page 69 of Tangled In Lies

Ruby’s eyes widen, and she takes my hands over the table. “Oh my God, babe.”

Then they talk at the same time.

“You didn’t think to tell us?”

“Are you okay?”

“Fucking hell.”

“You played piano?”

“How was it?”

“I’m so sorry.”

The words all blend, but I still hear them so clearly, it should be impossible.

I grab both of their hands and make ashushingsound. “I’m sorry I kept it from you, but I had to shake it off first and didn’t want to have that conversation over the phone either.”

Mason tugs me against his body while Ruby still holds my hand across the table.

His lips touch my hair gently. “I hate we couldn’t be there for you, but I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Reveling in the warmth that is my friends, I lean closer to Mason.

It’s so different from when I was cuddled against Phoenix’s hard chest last week when my heart skipped beats to keep up with his.

My pulse picks up at the memory alone, and the desire to see him flares brightly in my chest.

Shit. It’s really stupid to miss him, isn’t it?

My heart needs to stay out of this, or things will get ugly fast.

Not to mention, he might be back to his former asshole self again when I see him next.

“Hey, babe.”

At the familiar voice, I untangle myself from Mason’s embrace, and Ruby lets go of my hand after squeezing it once more.

It’s Tyler.

Wait. Did he just call me babe?

I peer up at him, but he isn’t looking at me. His gaze isfixed on Ruby as he slides onto the bench beside her and presses his lips to hers.

She giggles under her breath and pushes against his chest. “Tyyyyyyyy, stop it.”

I stare at the two of them with wide eyes.

Tyler leans back and shifts his attention to me. “Hey, Evie. I’m so glad you’re better.”

Did I somehow land in an alternate universe?

I blink and nod. “Uh, yes, thank you.”

He laughs at my response and gets up after kissing Ruby again. His smile is infectious. “You want your regular, Evie?”

I squeak out a “Yes, please,” and he leaves with a small salute.

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