Page 115 of River of Deceit

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Blaze volunteers.

I see Asch and Blaze both typing, stopping, then typing again. I make an impatient gesture with my hand, even though they can’t see it, until their response finally pops up.

Wannabe Hot Stuff

Dinner tonight. Asch and I will pick you up.

I tilt my head at my phone. Dinner? Who said anything about dinner?

Pandora

Is this a date?

Asch starts typing, then the dots disappear as he stops again. Iwait, and eventually, he starts typing again.

Blaze’s Bitch

As long as you promise not to stab either of us with a steak knife. Or a fork.

Cry Me A

Might want to include spoons in there, too.

Pandora

How am I going to stab anyone with a spoon?

I’d gouge an eye out instead

Wannabe Hot Stuff

What I’m hearing is, you don’t want to go to a fancy restaurant in town

What the hell? I thought he was going to take me to one of the restaurants on campus, not out on the town.

My face feels weirdly hot, but I quickly type back.

Pandora

I’ll behave! No stabbing or gouging or suggestive language

Blaze’s Bitch

We’ll all keep it G-rated.

Wannabe Hot Stuff

Some suggestive language is allowed.

Wear something nice. There’s a strict dress code.

Blaze’s Bitch

We’ll see you at 8

I send back a thumbs up emoji, and that’s the end ofthe group conversation. My stomach twists in an unfamiliar sensation, but I’m grinning too.

What did I say? Blaze and Asch do know how to treat me.

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