Page 105 of Beyond the Hate

“I don’t feel like going anywhere,” I say before collapsing in a chair. “Go have fun. I’ll see you later.”

“She’s cute,” Sophia says. “She actually thinks we’ll leave her alone.”

I don’t. But it was worth a try.

“No worries. I’ll grab the supplies.” Chloe flounces out of my house.

“Supplies?” I ask the room but no one will meet my gaze. Not a good sign with my friends who aren’t exactly known for their ability to follow the rules.

“You sit there.” Nova pats my shoulder. “We’ll take care of everything.”

Scarier words have never been spoken.

“I’ll get the glasses.” Sophia hurries to the kitchen.

“Don’t forget plates,” Maya hollers after her. She pats her belly. “Mini Caleb’s hungry.”

“Mini Caleb?” Nova asks. “You know you’re having a boy?”

Maya shakes her head. “No idea but there’s no way Caleb’s super powered genes haven’t overpowered mine.”

Nova nods. “I know what you mean. Iliana is a girl but she’s all Hudson. She points to stuff and grunts at it.”

“I’m back,” Chloe sings as she barges into the house.

And there goes any hope I had of my friends leaving me to suffer on my own. Chloe has snacks and drinks. She’ll never leave now.

I bet I could construct a wild child signal. I could flash it in the air whenever Chloe gets out of control and Lucas would rush in to snatch her away. It’s an idea worth considering.

Chloe slams a bottle of whiskey on the table. “It’s truth or drink time.”

I groan. There’s no way I’m surviving this night unscathed. I should probably phone Blossom and tell her I’ll be in late tomorrow.

Nova pats my arm. “Don’t worry. I already told Blossom you won’t be in tomorrow.”

Damn. There went my last excuse to get out of this situation. Oh, wait. I have another idea.

“But Nova and Maya can’t play truth or drink.”

Chloe smirks. “Yes, they can. If they have to drink, they have to drink a glass of prune juice.”

Nova moans. “I hate prune juice. Hudson made me drink it all the time when I was pregnant since it’s good for hydration.”

“Don’t tell Caleb. I have no interest in downing gallons of prune juice. It’s disgusting.” Maya makes a face.

“Any more excuses?” Sophia asks as she sets out plates and glasses.

“I believe the game is truth or dare. Not truth or drink.”

She shakes her head. “Lame. I expected more of you.”

Chloe sets a charcuterie board on the table. My mouth actually waters at the sight of the various cheeses and meats and nuts.

“Did you make this?”

“Don’t sound so surprised. I can cook.”

Sophia barks out a laugh. “No, you can’t.”

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