Page 85 of Victorious: Part 2
“Because truth or dare with strangers in a penthouse in Vegas when we’re all drunk is how people end up viral on social media for all thewrongreasons,” he says, but even his protests sound less convincing than usual.
Cedar laughs, the sound a little too loud. “He’s got a point. Meadow’s dares can get a little… creative. Especially when she’s been drinking.”
“Hey!” Meadow protests, giggling. “My dares are inspired. Remember that time I dared you to serenade that street musician?”
“You mean when I got arrested for disturbing the peace?”
“The charges were dropped. And that musician said it was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever done for his art.”
Phoenix looks at me with an expression that clearly says,‘See what I mean?’but his eyes are softer now, more relaxed. The alcohol has smoothed some of his sharper edges.
“Come on,” I nudge Phoenix with my shoulder, the movement making me feel pleasantly dizzy. “When’s the next time we’ll get to do something this random and silly?”
“Hopefully never,” he mutters, but he’s clearly wavering. The whiskey has made him more amenable to bad ideas.
“Pleeease?” Meadow turns those big eyes on him, swaying slightly. “I promise to keep the dares reasonable.Mostlyreasonable. Okay,somewhatreasonable.”
“That’s not exactly inspiring confidence,” Phoenix grumbles,but he can’t fight back his smile.
“I’ll start,” I announce before he can talk himself out of it, feeling bold and reckless in the best possible way. “That way you can see it’s not gonna be anything too crazy.”
Phoenix sighs as though I’ve just sentenced him to death, but he nods. “Fine. But if we end up in jail, you’re calling Sin, ’cause I amnotdealing with that phone call for bail money.
Snorting out a laugh, I nod. “Deal.” I turn to Meadow. “Truth or dare?”
“Truth,” she says immediately. “I always choose truth. Secrets are simply truth waiting to be shared with the right people.”
I think for a moment, trying to come up with something that won’t accidentally hit any painful territory. “Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?”
Meadow’s entire face lights up. “Oh, that’s easy. There was this little beach in Thailand where the water was so clear you could see straight to the bottom, and at sunset, everything turned pink and purple. Cedar and I danced in the waves until the stars came out.” She turns to Cedar with such pure joy that my chest aches a little. “That was the night you told me you loved me.”
“Still do,” Cedar says softly, and the way he looks at her like she’s something precious he’s trying to protect makes me understand a little better why he’s chosen to live inherversion of reality.
“Your turn, Clover,” Meadow chimes. “Truth or dare?”
“Truth,” I say without hesitation.
I’ve always been terrible at dares.
“Okay, hmm…” Meadow tilts her head as if she’s receiving cosmic guidance. “When did you know you were in love with Phoenix?”
My breath catches. “I never said I wasin lovewith him,” I blurt out a little too quickly.
“Truth,remember?”Meadow’s smile is gentle but knowing. “And besides, it’s written all over both of your faces.”
I feel heat flush across my neck as I glance at Phoenix, who’s watching me with an unreadable expression.God, how do I answer this honestly without making things weird?Especially since I literally had the realization myself about an hour ago.
“I think…” I take a breath, deciding to just go with honesty. “I think it was gradual, and then all at once. Like, I kept telling myself it was just attraction, or friendship, or whatever. But tonight, sitting in the restaurant watching him thank an imaginary cow for its sacrifice because he wanted to make you happy?” I look at Phoenix, whose cheeks have gone slightly pink. “That’s when I knew it wasn’t justanything. He is myeverything.”
The room goes quiet except for the music still playing softly in the background. Phoenix’s eyes lock on mine, and something shifts in his expression. Surprise? Maybe, or recognition.
“That’s beautiful,” Meadow whispers. “Your turn, Phoenix,” she follows with quickly.
Phoenix clears his throat, still looking at me like he’s seeing something new. “Truth or dare, Clover?”
“Truth,” I say again.
“Are you scared?” he asks simply.
