I don’t know if the guys would want to be responsible for Penny when we know something is planned for us.
“Yeah, I just don’t want to be alone with the guy, even if it’s in a car on the way to the dance and home. I don’t trust him.”
“We’ll work something out.” We don’t really trust either of them anyway, so best to keep an eye on them. She’s been helpful, but she also used me to get closer to Luke. I can’t forget that. I may understand it, but part of her reason to reach out to me was to get closer to him.
“Has Luke said anything about me?” Her voice grows small as she plays with her cup.
“We’ve had a lot on our plate.” It’s an excuse, but it’s true. “I haven’t had a lot of alone time with Luke since you moved in.”
She nods. “I’m glad he’s there. The house is large and creepy. I don’t really know my father that well, so it’s like living with a stranger.”
“That makes sense.” I swallow back how her father is a vile evil man who abuses his only son. Luke doesn’t want her to know. I don’t think he wants anyone to know.
“They announce Homecoming court tomorrow.” Penny shifts in her chair and meets my gaze. “What are you going to do if your guys are on it and you’re not?”
I shake my head. “I’m not worried about that for today.”
Besides, pretty sure my name is going to end up in that box if Ashley was telling the truth. If not, Eli will call off whatever arrangements he’s made for her.
I really don’t want to be part of the court and everything that goes with it. That seems like an even bigger nightmare than theguys noticing me and claiming me. But I won’t have a choice if it’s already a done deal.
Luke
The locker room is steamy and noisy after practice. Jack mentioned needing fool’s errands to stop the others from getting suspicious. One more thing we have to come up with.
“Why don’t we pick up Harper for dinner?” Jack smiles as he looks at his phone. “She got Penny to say yes.”
I grunt, because if Penny refused, I would have had to bully her into it. Mysisterdoesn’t interest me. The fact we’re related means absolutely nothing to me. I’d always been glad to be an only child. Having a sibling would have meant my father would have more control over me or them. He could have pitted us against each other.
“We could get sandwiches and drive to the point.” Nico rubs a towel over his black hair.
“Too many witnesses.” Caden grumbles. He’s been in a bad mood since his sister and parents arrived in town. “I’d rather find somewhere private to play with her.”
Our usual hangouts are his basement or mine and mostly because our parents are absent. Now with my dad and Caden’s folks in town, we don’t have anywhere to go to be alone. This weekend is going to be a concern if we don’t figure shit out.
Eli sits on the bench, tying his shoe. “What about my family’s place? It’s only an hour away. Maybe not tonight, but this weekend.”
“Doesn’t your father use that most of the time?” Jack leans against the lockers and looks down toward the other players still getting their shit together.
Eli shrugs. “My parents are back on a coexist but ignore each other kick. Dad’s got work this weekend. He let me know he plans on coming to my game and wants to see if we can talk.”
“Fucking parents.” Caden drops his bag with a thud. “Why haven’t mine left yet? That’s what they fucking do. They leave.”
“Maybe they’re worried about Ava?” Nico tugs on his shirt.
“Or maybe they’re worried about the same shit your dad and Luke’s are.” Caden growls.
It’s not unreasonable. At the time of Sean Davidson’s disappearance, our fathers worked together. Caden’s, mine, and Nico’s. The others aren’t as entangled with the businesses. Jack’s dad stays at home and Eli’s dad keeps to himself. He works but doesn’t bring it home. Whatever he does, he keeps it quiet.
“You guys ready for tomorrow’s game?” Assistant Coach Turner stands at the end of the lockers. “You all look like you need a good night’s sleep. You were dragging ass out there today.”
“We’ll be fine.” I bite out.
He raises an eyebrow at my tone, but lets it go. “You good for tag football on Saturday morning, Jack?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll be there too.” Caden’s eyes narrow on the coach.
