Page 81 of Versions Of Us

I fill her in on recent events. The showdown with Chase, the make out session in the kitchen, the huge scar on Henley’s back. And the way he freaked out over the screeching tyres in the street.

“Maybe there’s a whole lot more to the story than we realise,” Liv says, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes narrowing in deep thought.

“Yeah,” I scoff. “Like maybe he was abducted by aliens or kidnapped by the mafia.”

Liv laughs but then a seriousness takes over her face. “I’m not kidding though. None of this sounds normal.”

“Whose side are you on?” I swat at her knee as we sit on opposite sides of the couch.

“No ones,” Liv says bluntly. This earns a glare from me. “I mean yours. Obviously, yours. Always. All I’m saying is what if things aren’t exactly as they seem?”

“What do you mean?” I feel my brow crease.

“I don’t know. EJ went to talk to Henley the other day and the next thing I know, he’s practising in the studio on the new Tama and joining the band for their gig at the carnival,” Liv explains.

“That is weird,” I agree.

Henley hadn’t mentioned he would be playing at the carnival, but I guess we didn’t really do all that much talking last night.

“I just don’t get it. Something is definitely going on.” Liv reaches for her bagel and takes a small bite.

“You think EJ is keeping something from you?” I ask.

“Yeah, I do,” she says earnestly.

“That’s crazy,” I wave off her apprehension. “No way.”

That doesn’t sound like EJ at all. He’s transparent. He doesn’t keep secrets. If he’s keeping one now, then he must believe it’s one that’s worth protecting.

“Yes way,” Liv continues. “Only just last week he went to give Henley a piece of his mind. He was so angry at him for what he had done to you. And himself as well. I mean, they were best friends and he left EJ without warning too.”

I nod compassionately. “Yeah, he was a jerk. The worst kind of jerk.”

“Yeah. But that’s just it. A few days later EJ had a completely different attitude towards him. He seems to have forgiven him.”

“Wait. What are you saying?” I ask. “You think he might know why Henley is having these panic attacks?”

“I’m saying EJ knows something. Something he isn’t telling. You know. Bro code and all that.” At that moment, EJ bursts through the door carrying a tray containing three large takeaway coffee cups. “Oh, thank God! Gimme all the coffee.”

EJ laughs as he hands over a cup to Liv. Then he reaches for the second and hands it to me. “Double shot cappuccino with extra chocolate on top.”

“For me?” I ask, taking the cup from his hands.

“I saw you out the window walking past the stair well. Figured you might need one because you’re… well… you.”

“Thank you,” I say, eyeing him curiously. “Do you know something that you aren’t telling me?”

“Like what?” He takes a long draw from his own cup then comically slaps his forehead as he lowers it. “Oh, shit. Yes. I forgot to ask for soy milk.”

“Not about the coffee, you goof.” I roll my eyes. “I’m talking about Henley.”

“What about him?” he asks. His poker face sucks.

“Cut the crap, EJ. I know you know something. You were so fired up when Henley came back to town and the next minute, you’re offering him a place in your band? What gives?”

EJ sighs. “Look, it really isn’t my place to say. I don’t think I even know the full story.”

“What story?” Liv pipes up, lifting her head from the coffee cup.

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