Page 27 of For Dear Life

The boots drop to the floor. “Um. You don’t want to be the third wheel, Violet.”

“The what now?”

“Although… do you bowl?”

“On wheels?” I rub my forehead. “Explain.”

“Bowling.” I look at her blankly. “Throwing balls.” I shake my head. “A competition. See who can knock down the most pins.”

“Knock down what?”

With a chuckle, Holly produces her phone and opens the internet browser. By the time Holly’s given me a full explanation of what bowling entails and how the ‘sport’ is a favored teen pursuit—including educational videos and enthusiasm about her own expertise—I’m a little more aware but still fail to see the attraction.

“Do the town’s kids attend here?” I ask and point at the bowling establishment highlighted on her phone. She nods.

Teams. With balls. There’s a rugby team at the academy, and I’ve briefly witnessed that bizarre activity. I’ve no idea what the game entails apart from too much rather rough touching and a fair amount of shouting. Bowling balls appear different, though. “And when the teams play, do people get injured since the balls are heavy?”

She splutters a laugh. “Alright. You can come with me and Chase—if you bring one of your guys.”

“As a fourth wheel?”

“And a fifth and sixth if you want all three with you?” she says, still amused by something.

Hmm. She wants the four of us together. Or only two of us? “When?”

“We’re meeting at seven.” She pauses. “So… they are all your guys!”

“They’re not possessions. We’re a team. I’m the leader.”

She snorts. “Of course you are. That would work well for bowling, although I’ve only ever seen Leif at a bowling night.”

“And what wheel does he play?” I ask.

“Violet. There aren’t any wheels.”

“You are utterly confusing,” I mutter. “I’ll select one of the guys to accompany me and join you.”

“Maybe not Grayson,” she puts in sharply.

“Why?” Is he due to meet his uncle tonight and Holly must ensure he does?

“Vamps have an unfair advantage—superior physical skills,” she explains.

“Then so will I.”

Holly bites her lip and looks me up and down. “You’ve never bowled before? I doubt you’ll have an advantage.”

Challenge accepted, Holly. Including the one to catch you out and reveal who you are.

10

ROWAN

I need you

I’ve barely read Violet’s message before I have my blazer in hand, ready to leave the room.

What’s wrong

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