Page 102 of Victorious: Part I

Chapter Twenty-Four

PHOENIX

“Piece of shit truck,” I mutter for maybe the fifteenth time, slamming the hood closed. No matter how many times I check, the result is the same—we’re not going anywhere tonight.

The sun has almost disappeared now, casting everything in a purple twilight that makes the abandoned park look even more like something out of a damn horror movie.

Perfect fucking setting to get stranded.

And probably murdered.

By Maverick when he finds out I tried to kiss his sister.

Clover stands nearby, hugging herself against the rapidly cooling desert air. The temperature drops fast out here once the sun goes down, and she’s only wearing a thin T-shirt and shorts.

“We need to grab our stuff from the truck and find somewhere to settle in for the night,” I tell her, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

Truth is, I’m uneasy about spending the night here. Not just because of the isolation but because being alone with Clover feels increasingly…

… complicated.

“I’ve got a blanket in my duffel,” she offers. “And there are snacks in my bag and, of course, the leftovers from the diner.”

I nod, opening the truck door to grab our things. “I’ve got a flashlight in the glove box. And a sleeping bag behind the seat.” I don’t mention that it’s only one sleeping bag—a detail that’s suddenlyveryrelevant.

We gather what we can, piling it into our arms, and I lead us toward what looks like the former ticket office. It’s one of the more intact buildings with walls on all sides and part of the roof still secure.

“Is this safe?” Clover asks, eyeing the structure skeptically.

“Safe enough for one night,” I answer, though I’m not entirely convinced. “Better than sleeping in the open.”

I use the flashlight to check for scorpions, snakes, or other unwelcome desert inhabitants before we settle in. The floor is dirty but dry, and one corner still has a wooden counter that will provide some protection from the elements.

“Home sweet home,” I say dryly, setting down our gear.

Clover laughs, but it’s a nervous sound. “Could be worse, I guess.”

“Yeah, it could be raining.”

She groans. “Oh God, don’t jinx us!”

Chuckling, I start arranging our meager supplies. The sleeping bag goes on the cleanest part of the floor. My jacket can serve as a pillow. Clover’s blanket will give us extra warmth if we need it.

If we need it.

That thought hangs in the air, unspoken but impossible to ignore.

Clover busies herself, going through her bag, pulling out her phone. “No service,” she says, frowning at the screen. “Of course.”

“I’ve got a satellite phone in the emergency kit,” I tell her. “But unless it’s a genuine emergency, we should save the battery. We can call for help in the morning.”

She nods, putting her phone away. “I guess Mav won’t miss one check-in.”

The mention of her brother sends a fresh wave of guilt through me. Here I am, stuck in a compromising situation with the girl I’m supposed to be protecting. The girl who’s absolutely off-limits for too many reasons to count.

“You hungry?” I ask, desperate to change the subject.

“Starving, actually.”

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