Page 43 of The Invite
I’ve never stepped in between their fights. However, if I catch a whiff that they’re taking it too far, I’ll bring a whole heap of trouble to their doorstep.
“Stay out of this, Augustus,” Scarlett warns, all traces of humor gone. “I can handle them.”
“When it’s four to five against one, you can’t handle shit.”
“He humiliated me in class in front of everyone before you and Maverick showed up. After tonight, we’re even.”
“Did you not hear me? I’m warning you that one day, you’re going to push them too far and it’ll bite you in the ass. They’re civil in school because they have too much to lose but outside of school grounds, it’s fair game. So, let go of the petty bullshit. They’re beneath you, Scarlett.”
She sighs after a long and heavy pause, realizing I’m serious. Sitting down beside me, she intertwines her arm around my elbow and lays her head on my shoulder. “I’m careful, Gus, and I’m always with the girls.”
“They aren’t your friends.”
“I know that, and I also know when to stop.”
“Fine,” I relent.
Pecking my cheek, she straightens, and says, “Maverick came by to see you and I invited him to come with me when you weren’t here. So, like I said, I’m being careful when I go to the old town.”
“Good.” Leaning over, I finally grab the envelopes. “What is this?”
“Bertha gave them to me. Said someone left them on our doorstep.”
Bertha is our sixty-year-old housekeeper. She’s been managing our property for as long as I can remember. The only employee that I trust.
“Who even sends letters now?”
“They’re from someone called Anonymous.”
I frown at the slight apprehension in Scarlett’s low voice. “Who left it?”
“No clue. The guard was on his break and the cameras were shut off due to maintenance. So, he didn’t see and found them on his windowsill.”
“Have you already read both?”
“Yeah.” Her voice comes out tight. Nervousness flickers in her gaze as she says, “It says they know our secret.”
“That’s impossible, Scarlett.” I immediately end her silly notion.
Snatching one of the envelopes, I pull out the note. Whoever it was used some fancy-ass paper judging by the smooth texture of it.
Secrets never stay buried for long.
Surprise! Surprise!
I know yours, Augustus.
A hint: Roses are red, Violets are blue,
The skeleton buried in your backyard plays peekaboo.
How the mighty Grayson has fallen.
Don’t worry, I won’t tell.
All you have to do is play my game.
A secret for a secret.
