Page 56 of The Wrong Play

CHAPTER 8

JACE

Iwas almost inside my house when Jagger texted me.

Jagger: I need a favor.

Sigh. It was hard being the cooler, more capable brother.

Me: It’s going to cost you.

Jagger: Obviously. You can have 10% more of the investments you do for me.

Me: 10%. What the fuck do you need? Because you must be desperate.

Jagger : If Mom and Dad ask, tell them the blow-up doll in my house was yours.

Me: …

Me: You know what, I was going to ask for context, but I feel like it’s better if I don’t.

Jagger: It is. Just do it.

Me: No.

Jagger: Jace.

Me: Jagger.

Jagger: Do you want them thinking their firstborn son is a pervert?

Me: Firstborn son. You do realize that if I claim the doll is mine, then they will think I’m the pervert.

Me: Seriously. I feel bad for you that you weren’t born with the big brain.

Jagger: I need the blow-up doll to distract them.

Me: Distract them from what?!

Jagger: Unimportant.

Me: NOT TO ME.

Me: Wait.

Me: Wait.

Me: DID THEY FIND A BODY?!

Jagger: This is why I didn’t want to tell you. You’ll get all dramatic. Like a drama llama.

Me: It’s No Drama Llamas, actually. But don’t distract me.

Me: THEY FOUND A BODY.

Jagger: Stop yelling.

Me: IN YOUR HOUSE?!