Page 14 of Fall

“Time to run along,” she says and actually winks at her.Bravo, Cele.

That gets another chuckle out of Taylor, and if looks could kill, he would most certainly be murdered by both Juliette and Justin.

“Now that the circus is gone, can we get back to Micah? Why would Isa—Elijah’s dad—have Micah moved to a hospital across the country?” I ask Taylor, praying that he didn’t catch my slip. He never told me Isaac’s name, and I need to remember that.

“I don’t know. But I’m sure there’s a good reason.”

“Funny how the one person that can exonerate me isn’t even in the same state.”

“We do live in the twenty-first century. When he gets better, we can call him,” Justin adds, annoyance about what happened a minute ago dripping in his tone.

“Don’t get pissy, Justin. You’re the one who brought the drama. What did you think was going to happen by bringing her here?”

Celeste chuckles with false bravado. “You give him too much credit, Evie. That’s not one of his finer skills.”

Justin huffs but says nothing. Instead, he nods his head at Taylor and walks away in the direction Juliette just went.

“This is going to be harder than I thought,” Taylor absently says. “Come on. Let’s go find a place to hang out and enjoy the festival while we can.”

He casually grabs Celeste’s hand and guides her through the growing crowd. I follow. He picks a patch of grass close enough to the stage to feel the bass of the music without going deaf.

It doesn’t take long for Celeste and me to start dancing, and before we know it, we’re lost to the world and having a good time.

“I’m really proud of you!” I shout over the music.

She slows her movements. “For what?”

“For standing up for yourself.”

She shrugs her shoulders. “I never knew I wasn’t until recently.”

“Just glad you figured it out. It’s a step in the right direction.”

Taylor comes up behind Celeste. “Figured out what? That I’m irresistible and every girl’s wet dream?”

I laugh out loud as she play-punches him in the stomach.

“Grow up,” she says.

He gives her the cheesiest grin, all teeth and squinty eyes. “Never.”

Some local DJ comes to the stage and plays an original song that none of us have ever heard. It’s the kind of song that you can’t help but dance to, and that’s exactly what we do. Only this time with Taylor in between us.

After a few more songs, I’m in need of a drink and a seat. All three of us start walking towards the food trucks, and a chill rolls down my spine. I look around, wondering what the hell has me feeling jumpy all of a sudden.

I turn towards the table area that’s set up near the food trucks and find the cause. Juliette and Justin are handing drinks to Caleb, Elijah, Alexis, and Ryan.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. What the fuck are they doing with Ryan?” I choke.

Taylor looks just as shocked as I feel, which is not a good sign. “I don’t know. I mean…” He sighs before he continues. “When it comes down to what happened to Micah, they refuse to listen to me. They just don’twantto believe you. I know Ryan has been hanging around a lot and going on runs with some of the Knights, so I haven’t been able to talk to them without an audience. But I didn’t think they’d bring him here.”

“WHAT!” I snap.

He raises his hands in placation. “Easy, Evie. I’m not the one hanging out with him.”

Now I’m the one looking at him with imaginary lasers. “But you knew he was hanging around.” It’s not a question, but he answers me, anyway.

“Yes. I just don’t know what to do about it. Technically, they outrank me, so it’s not like I can force them to listen to me. Besides, keep your enemies closer, right?”

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