Page 38 of Iced Out
She didn’t argue. We walked back in silence, side by side but miles apart.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
MILA
Avery’s and Jasmine’s eyes were huge when Luke brought me over to them then left without a word. Avery opened her mouth to say something, but I shook my head, glancing at the crowd of people around us. She caught my message, and we found a spot away from the bonfire, off to the side and under a tree. Jasmine dropped to the ground, cracking open another drink. Avery perched on a log beside her.
“What was that?” Avery whispered.
I paused, searching for words. “Luke… I don’t even…”
Jasmine shifted, concern flickering. “That looked serious. That was more than ‘I hate you,’ more than… what?”
Before I could shape an answer, my throat closed. Hearing him admit he still wanted me tilted my world, and I hated how much it mattered. So I shrugged. “That was Luke staking a claim, or some shit along those lines.”
“A claim?” Avery frowned, gaze dark. “He totally went after Logan.”
I snorted, forcing a laugh. “Territory bullshit. Two idiots circling a target.”
Jasmine shook her head, pursing her lips, eyes contemplative. “He saved you, though. I saw how Logan had grabbed you.”
My stomach flipped. “It’s not what you think.”
Avery straightened. “Luke wasn’t messing around.”
I rubbed my sore wrist—thanks for that, Logan, you asshole. Adrenaline still buzzing low in my veins. “Look—I need to go.” I pulled my phone out and ordered a ride.
Avery touched my arm. “We’ll drive you.”
But I shook my head and waved toward the crowd of people, specifically Elise and her posse. “No—my ride’s on the way. I’m done dealing with those idiots tonight.” I forced out the words steady, cold. “And I have a headache.”
They both nodded. Avery stood then pulled me in for a hug. “Call me later, okay?”
I managed a ghost of a smile. “Yeah.” Then I moved through the crowd with purpose until I got to the street.
The ride back was quiet. A single text from Avery to remind me:“Call when you get home.”
I didn’t. I shot her a message I’d made it there instead.
At home, the porch light was too bright, exposing me. My mom was there, leaning against the doorframe still dressed in her work clothes from this morning, arms crossed.
“Where’ve you been?” She sounded calmer than I expected—more wary, weighing me instead of accusing.
My phone buzzed again. I glanced: a single missed message from her, the time stamp from a few minutes ago. I stuffed it in my pocket. “Out with friends.”
“Friends?” She stepped inside, voice clipped. “You didn’t answer your phone. I was worried.”
I laughed, bitter. “You don’t check in all hours of the night—why start now?” I pulled my phone back out and showed her thetime stamp of her message. “So worried. I just got this. Where the hell haveyoubeen?”
Her lips compressed into a line. “Don’t do that.”
“Fine.” I leaned against the door and crossed my arms over my chest. “I heard a rumor—about you and Principal Miller.”
She froze. Then brushed it off with a shrug. “I’ve seen Warren a few times. It’s not a big deal.”
“Yeah, it kinda is. Seems I’m getting discounted tuition, special treatment. Sound about right?”
Her face flickered—anger, hurt, something like regret. “Do you understand how hard I’m working? How much I sacrifice for your future?”
