Page 15 of Home in Nevada

Maybe I’ve been running from myself.

Fuck. I don’t know what to do with any of this.

I splash more water on my face, as if it might wash away the confusion, the fear. It doesn’t. I feel raw, exposed, like I’m seeing parts of myself I’ve never wanted to look at before.

This trip isn’t just weird. It’s turning my entire existence upside down.

Chapter 6

The one where Jeff is stubborn (and jealous).

Lucydoesn’tseemtohave noticed my little accident. Thank God.

I manage to gather up my soiled sheets, shoving them into the wash with a few other random items to avoid suspicion. Halfway through, Mom catches me in the act. Despite my protests that I’ve got it under control, she takes over with a mix of concern and amusement, grumbling about me doing chores on my vacation. She expertly sets the machine and hits start, shaking her head.

Mom might have her embarrassing moments, but she’s got my back like no one else. I know I’m lucky—it could be way worse.

When I get back to the kitchen, Lucy is already seated, halfway through a stack of pancakes. She kicks me lightly under the table, her eyes practically daring me to squirm.

“Hey,” she says with a smirk, looking up from her plate. “You never told me what happened at Jamie’s.”

Her grin widens, and I swear Jamie’s name is a weapon she wields expertly. My face burns, betraying me instantly.

“It was fine,” I mumble, shoving a forkful of pancake into my mouth. The carbs help. A little. I’m starving, probably from the nerves that still haven’t settled since last night.

“Tell me now!” Lucy presses, kicking me again, this time harder.

“Ow! Shit, dude, cut it out!” I grab my glass of orange juice and pretend to throw it at her, making her flinch dramatically.

She rolls her eyes so hard I’m surprised they stay in her head. “Just tell me! Was it good or bad? At least give me that.”

“It was…” The words stick in my throat. How the hell do I even explain? “Dammit, Lucy, I don’t know how to answer that.”

“Jeff!” She leans in closer, her fingers gripping my forearm like a vice. I wince, jerking back.

“Did something happen?”

I glance around, desperate for an escape. “...Kinda.”

Her eyes narrow, laser-focused on my face like she’s trying to pull the truth straight out of my brain.

“Okay, yes… Yes, okay?!” I throw my hands up, flustered. “It’s none of your business.”

There’s no real bite to my words, and she knows it. Her eyes sparkle with triumph, but she keeps her grin subtle, like she’s savoring the victory. “That’s all I wanted to know. Thank you very much.”

I glare at her, stuffing another forkful of pancake into my mouth to hide my scowl. She smirks one last time before heading to the sink to rinse her plate.

As soon as her back is turned, I sneak my phone out under the table. My stomach twists with anticipation, hoping—praying—for a message from Jamie.

Instead, my screen lights up with several unread texts from Tiffany.

Wait.

Shit.

I’d called her when we first arrived, but I haven’t reached out since. She’s going to be furious. I can already picture her annoyed look, her voice sharp and disappointed. I need to fix this before it gets worse.

“I’m gonna call Tiffany,” I mumble, standing so fast my chair scrapes loudly against the floor. I don’t wait for Lucy’s response as I step outside, the sliding door rattling shut behind me.

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