Page 6 of Girl Violence

“I know what a party is,” he replies coldly and then shrugs. “I’m just wondering why you’re asking me?”

Josette used to ask him to go everywhere with her. They used to do everything together. She knows they’re different now, but why is it surprising to him? “Are you coming or not?”

Bringing his hand up, he rubs the back of his neck, debating it. “Sure.”

“Wait—what?” She hadn’t prepared for him to say yes.

He stares at her like she’s an alien. “Did you not hear me the first time? I said I’ll come, so let’s go.”

Josette’s mouth gapes as he grabs a black denim jacket and slips his arms through. Stepping out of his house, he closes the door, making Josette stumble back, her head lifting to take in his height. He’s much taller than he used to be, and she hates how intimidated she is because of it.

He soon notices her glowering at him as they walk and frowns. “Why are you looking at me like I’ve just murdered your cat?”

“You know I’m allergic to cats,” she snaps at him, her voice quivering with offence, and all he does is chuckle with amusement.

“I always wondered if you had a problem with listening. Even before, you didn’t.”

Josette scoffs. Oh—before. Nice to know he’s acknowledging there was a past between them. “At least I’m not rude. Why did you agree to come?”

Not answering, he walks ahead instead. Despite her agitation, Josette’s eyes lower to his ass. And what an ass it is, looking exceptional in his tight jeans—

Vince suddenly turns, and Josette lifts her head quickly. But it’s too late, he noticed, and her face burns when the side of his lip rises that he caught her checking him out. “Going out seemed better than watching my mother cry over my dad.”

He’s being honest—Josette can tell by how his eyes darken. Old Vince always told the truth and never lied. That’s what cemented their friendship back then. Only now, she’s not sure he likes telling her the truth. “Why is she crying over him? Did something happen?”

“What didn’t?” A shiver runs down her spine, hearing the hate in his voice. She also realises this is as far as his honesty will go. They’re not children anymore. Their secrets are their own, and Vince is done sharing. But if her dad was getting his flirt on with someone still crying over their ex, that’s concerning.

They continue walking until he stops outside the entrance to the park. “The park?”

“Not scared, are you?” she teases, going inside, following the lit path to get to the party she knows is in there somewhere.

“You used to be,” he grumbles behind her as he walks to catch up. She still is, and Josette is secretly glad he’s with her so she isn’t alone, though she won’t tell him.

As they walk in silence, Josette’s phone vibrates in her pocket. The party is spread out all over her newsfeed on Instagram, and she’s surprised there’s no excitement about going. Instead, she’s nervous. It’s been a while since she’s seen anyone from the group. What if she’s forgotten how to have fun?

Josette’s phone buzzes with a text as soon as she says she’s attending. Her scalp prickles uneasily when she sees who it’s from.

TYLER:You coming tonight??

Josette swipes out of his message without replying. Why is he messaging her in the first place? Scratch that—she knows why. But she knows it’s only for one thing, and he’s the last person she wants to deal with tonight.

When Josette glances up, Vince watches her with his hands tucked into his pockets. Composing herself, she stows her phone away, but his amused grin makes her feel transparent. “Ignoring your boyfriend?”

“Why do you care?” It comes out angrier than intended. But sheisangry. They didn’t lose contact—he disappeared and stopped talking to her. He doesn’t get to ask these questions when he abandoned her, which sounds deep, but it’s true.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Josette shoots him a bitter smile.You promised you’d never forget about me. But you did. She doesn’t say the words out loud even though she wants to. “I don’t have a boyfriend. Not that it’s any of your business.”

He smirks. “You have a chip on your shoulder with me, huh?”

“Not at all.”

“You’ve always been a terrible liar, Josie.” She swallows hard. Josie. She’s not been called that in years. Only Vince ever called her that. It was his nickname for her. “What’s the deal with you and your dad?”

“What do you mean?”

He shrugs, looking ahead. Even in the dark, he’s devastatingly handsome. It’s unfair. “He’s gone strict on you.”

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