I glance over at his laptop and see Sidney’s room, but Sidney and Penny are in it. Jack also looks and then turns to Eli. “Turn the TV on.”
“Did you know about Penny going to Sidney’s?” I ask Eli.
He shakes his head and sits back down. “They’re supposed to get in good with the cheerleaders. This should be part of it.”
Everyone else straightens to pay attention while Nico takes a moment to set up the casting before hittingplay.
Sidney walks into her room, followed by Penny. Penny looks a little nervous as she scans the room.
“Shut the door.” Sidney sits on the couch and pats it to indicate Penny should join her.
“When was this?” I ask.
“Last night.” Nico doesn’t pause the clip as Penny walks over and sits on the couch. Her smile looks a little forced.
Sidney leans back in the corner and crosses her legs, but her arms go to the back and the arm of the couch. She appears casual, open.
“So, you’re Luke’s sister. That must have been a shock.” Sidney smiles.
Penny returns her smile. “There’s a reason I avoided the horsemen for so long. Do you know how awkward that would have been if he’d claimed me?”
She shudders in the video. Sidney’s smile tightens. Sidney doesn’t like that thought.
“Yes, very awkward.” Sidney picks some lint off her short skirt. “Has Luke said anything about me?”
“We don’t actually talk.” Penny shrugs. “Our father asks us questions, but that’s it.”
“Is he sleeping there?” Her eyes are cool and calculating when she looks at Penny. What is she planning?
“He has been,” Penny hedges.
I glance at Luke and his lips tighten.
“You know we—Luke and I—used to be hot and heavy. I’m surprised he’s lasted this long with the virgin.” Sidney smiles almost sadly. “I bet if I paid him a visit, he’d remember why I’m his equal and she’s nothing more than a passing phase. Something new.”
Penny’s smile doesn’t falter. “I don’t know. He seems really into her.”
“That will all change soon.” Sidney brushes it off, but her words send chills down my spine. What does she know? Doesshe really think humiliating me at Homecoming will make the guys not want me? “I really think we could be good friends.”
“I’d like that.” Penny’s smile grows.
“Do you know whose house they’re going to this weekend?” Sidney checks her fingernails like the answer doesn’t matter. “I doubt your father will let them stay there.”
“Luke said he was going to check on Nico after the game.” Penny shakes her head. “But he doesn’t tell me much. So I’m not sure where they’re staying.”
“I was hoping he’d come to the party tonight.” Sidney lifts her cup off the table and takes a sip. “He and I really need some time alone.”
Fuck, could she hint any harder? Even I can tell she’s trying to get Penny to offer to help her get time alone with Luke. Luke curls his hand around my ankle and I turn to look at him, but he’s still watching the screen with discerning eyes.
I draw in a breath. She can’t get to him. He was never hers. He’s mine.
Penny hesitates a little before offering, “What do you need me to do?”
Sidney smiles like the cat that caught the mouse. “Maybe this week I could come over to hang out with you.”
There it is.
“I’ll have to ask my dad.” Penny twists a lock of her hair around her finger. “He hasn’t said I couldn’t have company, but he’s usually busy.”
