Page 40 of Lies We Tell (Thistle Cove 3)

“I think I’m trying to keep her safe.”

What he’s saying is crazy—but it’s also true. These men? They don’t play by the rules. Coach Chandler, Brice Waller, and Ezra Baxter do whatever the hell they want despite the consequences—because there are no consequences.

“How upset is she?” I ask, cutting through town.

“I didn’t stay to find out.”

At least he looks ashamed.

“I hear what you’re saying but Kenley is strong. She’s on top of this and honestly, she needs us.” I glance over at him, but he’s still focused out the window as we drive over the bridge. “Why are you fucking up a good thing?”

“Shouldn’t you be happy? More time for you?”

I shake my head. “What we have is a good thing. Kenley’s into it and although I had some reservations, I like it. Being with Rose had me so isolated and tied up in her world, I like being part of something cohesive.”

I know he gets what I’m saying. It’s obvious when his jaw clenches tight. He doesn’t want to do this any more than we want him to, but he’s made his decision. I pull into his driveway.

“Just think this over. We can fight your dad another way.”

“It’s for the best, Finn,” he says, opening the door and stepping out. He leans in. “Take care of her, okay?”

“Ezra—”

He slams the door and walks toward the back door without another look back.

If I thought getting into this type of relationship was difficult, I didn’t understand that the real challenge would be dealing with what happens when it falls apart.

21

Kenley

In the end, I don’t go home. Ozzy takes me back to his place, going through the basement door. When his sisters turned twelve he gave up his room upstairs, so that they could have their own rooms. He moved down to the guest room.

“What did you tell your mom?” he asks once we’re in his bedroom and I’ve put away my phone.

“That I’m at your house.”

“She doesn’t care?”

“I think she’s just happy I have a friend—boy or girl.”

“You mean she doesn’t think we’re dating.”

I wrap my arms around him. “Being an enigma has its benefits.”

I feel like a truck ran over me—make that a train. A truck would be one and done. The train just keeps coming, like the tears that refuse to stop.

Another wave rolls over me and I press my face against Ozzy’s chest. He runs his hands over my back.

“Do you want me to go find him?” he says. He’s been confused and pissed ever since I told him what happened between me and Ezra. “I can go find out what the hell is going on.”

“If Finn drove him home, hopefully he can talk to him.” I look up at him. “I also really don’t want to be alone.”

“Then you won’t be.” He presses his forehead against mine. “You want something to eat? Want to kick my ass in Smash Bros? Whatever you want.”

I wipe my eyes. “Can we just go to bed?”

“Yep.” He kisses my forehead and releases me. “Let me find something you can change into.”

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