Page 34 of Edge of Unbroken

Shane’s face takes on a naughty expression. “Alright, I dare you to go into the house, into the kitchen, and take Troy’s beer out of his hand and walk away without saying anything.”

We all turn our attention to the large floor-to-ceiling glass windows that give a perfect view of the interior of the beach house, including the beautiful kitchen where a number of people are mingling. I have no idea which one of them is Troy.

Steve’s face takes on a wicked expression. “Fuck, dude, if Troy comes after me to beat my ass, you better provide me with backup,” he says, already getting up from the sofa.

“For sure,” Shane says with a nod.

We watch as Steve makes his way into the house.

“Which one’s Troy?” I ask.

“That burly guy with the white hoodie,” Tori says.

I immediately spot the person they’re talking about. He must be one of the football players—probably a linebacker. He isn’t particularly tall, but he’s wide and weighs probably sixty pounds more than Steve, who’s by no means tiny.

“He’s known for his temper,” Tori says with a frown.

Shane chuckles. “He won’t do shit. He knows to behave himself when he’s at my place. But it’ll be fun to see his face turn red with anger.”

Steve enters the kitchen a few seconds later, and we all hold our breaths as he marches toward Troy, who’s in the process of taking a sip from his beer. Steve takes the bottle out of Troy’s hand, only to turn and walk away. Shane wasn’t exaggerating when he said Troy’s face would turn red in anger; at first Troy looks utterly stunned, but in under a second his face contorts and he goes after Steve.

Steve picks up his pace, rushing through the living room and back out to the deck with Troy on his heels.

“Hey, what the fuck?” Troy shouts, his hands balled into fists by his side.

Shane gets up, turning to Troy with a smile on his lips. “Hey man, what’s up?”

Troy slows down as Steve arrives back at the sofa and hands Troy’s beer to Shane.

“Sorry man, I dared Steve to take your beer from you without giving you any explanation. We’re just having fun,” Shane tells Troy with a laugh, handing Troy his beer.

Troy’s facial expression instantly neutralizes, a toothy smile spreading across his lips.

“You’re so easily triggered, T.” Tori giggles at Troy, who looks sheepish.

“Sorry, dude. They made me do it,” Steve says.

“It’s all good. Glad you said something though, because I was ready to go to town on Steve.” Troy chuckles, then looks around the group. “Hey, how’s Ran doing?”

Shane turns serious. “He’s hanging in there.”

Troy’s gaze flits to me before returning to Shane. I’m sure Troy has heard the rumors and is probably wondering why Shane is willing to hang out with the chick who’s allegedly responsible for Shane’s best friend’s departure.

“Right.” Troy nods. “So, what happened to him?” he asks hesitantly, but he’s obviously intrigued.

“He got hurt last summer and was sent to stay with family for a while to recover,” Shane says, providing only the bare minimum.

“How did he get hurt?” Troy asks, emboldened.

Shane’s tone is warm but steadfast. “You know, man, it’s kind of a private thing for Ran, and we’re just trying to respect that.”

“Oh, sure, yeah, no worries.” Troy stands awkwardly for a second longer. “Thanks for throwing this party, man. I’m gonna head back inside to my girl.” He raises his hand as a see-you-later.

“Yeah. Enjoy yourself!” Shane says, and Troy nods before meandering back into the house to rejoin his group of friends in Shane’s kitchen.

Zack sighs deeply. “Damn, maybe truth or dare wasn’t such a great idea. Shit keeps getting awkward.”

“Oh, stop it. It’s fun!” Vada exclaims with a shake of her head. “Babe, it’s your turn,” she says to Steve.

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