Page 26 of Nerd Girl

“Evie. Didn’t expect to see you here.” Sawyer’s voice was warm and deep. “Who are your friends?”

Aubrey opened her mouth, and I kicked her foot under the table. “Ms. Young will work,” I said tightly. “And whatever you’re buying, we’re not selling.”

“Shouldn’t that be —”

I shot Alys a raised eyebrow look, and she snapped her mouth shut.

“That’s too bad.” Sawyer didn’t look fazed. Fucker. “I understand a team needs four people to participate in trivia night. You look like you’re one short.”

“They could use another player.” Aubrey pointed at Adam’s table.

And I wanted to hug her.

“We’re set,” Alys added.

Sawyer shrugged. “Your loss.” He turned away.

“Tell me we just seriously handicapped them,” Aubrey said, as Sawyer strode toward their table.

I couldn’t promise that. Sawyer was observant. He was cocky. That didn’t mean smart, but I’d already underestimated him more than once, thinking he was being honest with me. “We’ll kick their asses.”

“Ravyn.” Alys stood and waved with her shout.

A tall, slender redhead strode toward us.

I’d seen Ravyn Miller around town a few times, but didn’t know much about her except she was from one of the wealthier families in the state, and she’d recently inherited a large farm at the edge of town, where she lived alone.

That and she’d been a huge help to Alys during the scavenger hunt that happened last month.

Alys introduced all of us, and we passed handshakes around the table.

“Are you playing tonight?” Aubrey asked Ravyn.

“If you’ve got an opening I am. Otherwise…”

“We do.” I was happy to have her on the team, and not a moment too soon. The game was starting in a few minutes.

Aubrey grabbed my arm. “Before the questions start flying, you have to tell us how much hate to lay down on Sawyer and why.”

“Who’s Sawyer?” Ravyn looked confused.

Alys nodded in his direction. “Sexy new guy.”

“Who we hate?” Ravyn looked at me.

I sighed. “If I give you the thirty second version will that sate you until the game is over?”

“Are you sure you want to talk about this with me here?” Ravyn didn’t make any move to leave.

It didn’t matter. “By the end of the week, the whole town will know, even if no one tells anyone.” I had no doubt this would get out and the stories would be wild and varied.

“If anyone else finds out, I blame Gage.” Aubrey paused and twisted her mouth. “Wait. Gage knows, right?”

I was sure it was Rohde who liked to gossip, but I kept that thought to myself. “Gage definitely knows.”

“Of course he does.” Alys rolled her eyes.

“Y’all don’t do a fast thirty seconds, do you?” Ravyn said.

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