Page 14 of Beneath the Stars (Sugarlake 1)

Just like that, he’s gone again.

6

Alina

Sixteen Years Old

“Reed Stanton asked me on a date.” I’m nonchalant, sitting on my bedroom floor.

Becca’s laying on the bed with a Cosmo magazine. She drops it to the side, rolling over to give me her full attention. “And?”

“And... I said yes.” I shrug my shoulders like it isn’t a big deal, but we both know it is.

“I’m sorry, what?” She cups her hand over an ear.

“You heard me.”

“I did, I just wanted to hear it again. I never thought I’d see the day you’d go on a date with someone who’s not Chase.”

“Is that really so hard to believe?”

“Yeah, it really is. It’s about time, though. You’re sixteen and still so twisted up in him when he doesn’t even see you.”

“He sees me.”

“You mean when he sneaks in your room once every few months to use you as his emotional trash can?” She taps her chin. “Or maybe it’s when he ignores you at school, too busy payin’ attention to the tits and ass all over him.”

My heart squeezes as I defend him. “Chase is complicated. You wouldn’t understand.”

“I understand he’s a dick.”

“Why are we talkin’ about Chase, again? I thought I was tellin’ you about my date with Reed.” I need to get the subject back on track.

Becca sits up, smacking her hands on her thighs. “Yes! Reed ‘Lick Him Like A Lollipop’ Stanton! Damn, that boy is finer than frog hair. Watchin’ him throw the football in those tight pants is the only reason I fake school spirit.”

I giggle at her theatrics.

She falls backward on the bed, laughing. “How’d he get you to say yes, anyway?”

“He cornered me at my locker. Said the only thing better than winnin’ the game on Friday night will be when he gets to take me out on Saturday.”

Her jaw drops. “He just said it to you like that? Didn’t even ask?”

I shake my head, smirking at the memory.

“Damn, I bet he fucks like a porn star.”

“You are so crass, Rebecca Jean!”

“Best way to live, honey.” She grins, tossing her wild red hair over her shoulder. “Does Lily know yet? I bet she can’t wait to dress you up.”

My smile dims. “I haven’t seen her goin’ on three days now. She missed classes on Thursday and Friday.” Worry bubbles in my gut over who she’s spending her time with. “She hasn’t even been comin’ to dance practice.”

Becca makes a face. “I have half a mind to go over there and stick my foot up her ass. In fact, there’s no time like the present.”

“You wanna go over there? Like, right now?” My teeth bite down on my lower lip at the thought of seeing Chase.

“Why not? She can’t hide from us forever.” She jumps up from the bed, marching out of the room. “Let’s go.”

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