Page 21 of Bound and Blitzed

“Cool. We can take one of the trails through McKinney Falls.”

“Great.” I rummage around in my belongings for a pair of leggings and a long-sleeve tee.

The buzz of my phone causes my head to pop up.

Avery gives me an apologetic look and holds my phone out for me. “It’s your sister.”

I sigh. “There’s no way Raia hasn’t told her.”

“Raia one-hundred percent told her.”

“Carla must be covering for me with Mom and Dad. It’s the only way they haven’t blown up my phone yet,” I sigh as the missed call is sent to voicemail.

A moment later, a text pops up.

Carla

Stop avoiding me. I know you’re with Avery.

Avery Callaway! What are you thinking, Vale?

You never date, and this is the guy you choose to disappear with? He’s a nice guy and has always been awesome to chill with…but not your type.

I told Mom and Dad that you’re on an extra field research trip.

I told Abuela the same—she doesn’t believe me.

You can’t avoid me forever.

BTW, I SEE that you’re reading these messages.

“Damn,” I whisper. A pang cuts through my chest at the thought of Abuela. She must think I’m avoiding her since I haven’t responded to her last two video calls. We usually chat several times a week.

“What is it?” Avery asks, his brows pulling together.

“Nothing.” The last thing I want is for him to read how even my sister knows Avery isn’t my type. I mean, I know that, but I hate that it’s obvious to everyone else. “Just my sister. She told Mom and Dad that I’m on a field research trip. My abuela too.”

“Buying you time. That was cool of Carla.”

“She’s worried,” I admit. “And I hate not speaking to my abuelita.”

“Yeah,” he agrees, his grin lopsided. “If you were my sister, I’d be worried too.”

I sigh heavily and avert my gaze.

“You gotta sell it, Lena,” he reminds me, using this abbreviated form of my name that no one else does. I like that he has a nickname for me, even if it isn’t a term of endearment. It makes it feel like there’s something special between us. At the very least, it helps cultivate the perception we’re trying to create.

I tap out a reply.

Valentina

Thanks, Carla! I owe you one.

Things with Avery are amazing.

You know me, Car. I don’t do things like this.

Can’t you just be happy for me? I’ve finally met a man who literally swept me off my feet and I’m happy.

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