Page 41 of Lies Like Love

“God—” I spin around and grunt in frustration. Every time I think I’m getting closer to seeing another side of him, he reminds me of exactly who he is. Pushing me away and pulling me close.

Catch and release—when I wish he’d just bash my head in.

But when I try to escape him and walk away this time, all he does is follow me down the sidewalk.

“Running from the truth?” Jude taunts beside me.

“You wish. I haven’t thought about you in years.”Lie. “I’ve moved on.”Another lie.

“Have you?” He grabs my arm and spins me around, stopping me in place.

People continue to pass us on the street, and no one says anything.

“I have.” If only I sounded surer than I actually am. “So it’s fine. Go back to yourfriend.”

Jude looks me over, his fingers tight on my forearm as he stares me down. His teeth grind and his green eyes burrow into me. Finally, he takes a breath and releases my arm, shaking his head.

“Have it your way.” He turns, leaving me standing alone on the sidewalk with no spine left.

“You’re seeing Jude tonight?”

The bathroom door slams shut, and I’m thankful I’m hidden in a stall because my stomach sinks at the mention of Jude’s name.

“How did you even manage that?” A voice I immediately recognize as Samantha’s cuts through. “He doesn’t date anyone.”

“Oh, he does. He’s just discreet about it.” Through the crack in the stall, I see Veronica smiling as she fixes her ponytail in the mirror.

I don’t like that they’re talking about Jude, or worse, that they seem to know things I don’t. It’s no secret half the cheerleading squad is clawing to get at him, but I thought he turned them all down.

Maybe I’m wrong.

“I don’t get it, he’s the football captain. Not to mention, God’s gift to women. He has nothing to be ashamed of.”

“It’s that little stepsister of his.”

“Felicity?” Samantha’s voice goes up an octave at my name, and it sends a chill up my spine.

“She’s pathetic.” Veronica spins to face her friend, as she shakes her head. “You heard she’s in love with him, right? It’s gross, they’re related.”

Except, we aren’t. Just because our parents are married doesn’t make us actual siblings. And I’m not in love with him. I care about him, that’s all.

“Does he know?”

Veronica leans in close to Samantha. “Who do you think told me?”

Pounding starts between my temples, and I have to brace myself as I feel a bubble of rage well up inside.

“Whatever. Book nerds like her don’t matter.” Veronica waves her hand. “He’s mine.”

Mine?

Why does that word turn my insides to knots?

Samantha and Veronica file out of the bathroom laughing, and I finally find the strength to peel myself from the stall.

I’m not an idiot. I’ve heard the rumors. Ever since our parents got married, kids at school have been speculating whether there’s something more between me and Jude.

It never bothered me because I knew the truth. Or I thought I did.

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