Page 37 of The Lie
Jace looks around at everyone at the table, and if looks could kill…
I do feel bad for him; the look he’s giving everyone is sad. Still, he's the one who dug this hole and is the only one who can dig himself out. And having Britney here with him, that’s not going to go down well at all.
He lashes out at people when he’s hurt. I get it. I upset him, and he used our childhood walkie-talkies to broadcast her giving him a blowjob. Maybe he thinks I have no right to be upset. But I happen to think that was a low blow, even for him.
I haven’t done or said anything to him since. He made his bed. But there must be something more going on with Jace. Either that, or he's simply an asshole. I don't know if there's a cure for that. Time will tell.
They both turn and walk away and the chatter returns to the table. Sadie’s expression goes wide across the table, and I nod. “Yeah, that's what I meant about the drama,”I say back with my eyes. I see the corner of her lip go up. Yep, this table seems to always have some form of drama.
I notice that Roman is still missing, and I look around for him. Hunter holds my hand and shakes his head a little. “He's hiding from us,” is all he says, and I frown.
I wish he didn't have to hide from us. But I know he thinks he’s protecting us…I will let him have that.
For now.
FIFTEEN
MILA
“This is bullshit,” I mutter under my breath in the school office.
Britney’s here, all dressed up in a pantsuit like she’s interviewing for some corporate job. As if the office staff will take one look at her and let her return to class because she’s overdressed. If anything, she’s just going to be uncomfortable.
I’m not dumb, wearing jeans and a thin sweater. It’s colder today, and the weather report said there will be storms this morning.
Britney glares at me, her arms crossed over her chest as she taps her toe. She turns back to the office lady with the gray hair and pink neck scarf. “I did nothing wrong; I shouldn't be punished.”
Yeah, because she’s the one who gave you the punishment, Britney.Dumbass.
“We have a lot of things on the schedule today, girls, so get ready for a busy day.”
Just great. I already want this day to be over with. Imagining spending six more hours with Britney makes me want to scream.
“Mrs. Hadley thought it would be good for you two to help out down in the football locker rooms first, washing uniforms and towels.” She flips her hand in the air, as if to say, “That’s all.”
I scrunch my nose at the idea of touching other people’s gross stuff. Hot, sweaty boys—no, thank you. But also, sexy, sweaty boys—thank you.
“Will the boys be practicing still?” I ask.
The office lady just raises a brow and rolls her eyes. “They are right now. You can make your way down there, and Coach will let you know what you can do.”
I have no idea where the locker rooms are from here; this school is insanely big. My last school had the same number of students but half the campus. I have no idea how they even fit that many people after being here and seeing how much bigger the school is.
Britney clearly knows where she's going, so I follow a few steps behind her.
“Stop following me, bitch,” she sneers. Her head snaps back and she walks a little faster.
I realize that she's wearing heels; how the fuck does she walk around in them all day?
“I'm not following you. I'm doing what I've been told. Which is the same as you. Or are you that thick?”
Her fists tighten and she stomps a little louder. I can't wipe the grin from my face. I quite like this song and dance with Britney. Can’t wait to see what the day brings.
I’m right about the locker room. The funky, musky smell of sweat from all the football players in here has me holding my breath. Music is playing, but when the door bangs shut behind us, it isn't loud enough to hide our entrance, and everyone looks over at the two of us. Great. I hate being the center of attention, and all eyes are on me.
I guess they all know about Hunter and me. He probably came in here telling anyone who would listen about us being together, and that thought puts a smile on my face.
“Hey, Mila,” one guy closest to us says as he walks past, wiping his face with a small towel.
