Page 102 of Tell No Lies

Talia spoke as she lay on her duffel bag, trying to zip it. “Bring whatever toiletries you need, sandals, and shoes you can hike in.”

My eyebrows shot up.

“Just in case! Geez, it won’t kill you.”

It might.

Alexis must have agreed with me. “If by hiking you mean walking around the shops, I agree. Aubrey, pack your best shopping shoes.”

On my way through the bathroom, I collected my toothbrush, my toothpaste, and minimal makeup into a toiletries bag. I stood in my closet, debating what shoes to bring, when I spotted my dance bag on the top shelf. I jumped up to grab it and missed. Scowling, I tried again. This time I hit it just enough to knock it down. Success!

I tossed some sandals in with my running shoes, grabbed my smaller travel bag off the bathroom counter, and added it to the duffel bag. The girls were still talking to each other when I came out, folded my clothes, and stuck them in. I don’t know what Talia packed, since my bag was barely halfway full when I was done.

Mckayla was having Talia empty her bag to show us what she packed. I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t believe it.

“Alright, you guys. I’m all packed, and I have some homework to finish. Mckayla, are you driving, or do you want me to?”

The girls turned to their computers. “I’ll drive,” Talia said. “I can pick everyone up so we only leave one car at the marina.”

“Sounds good. Night, girls!”

They each said goodnight, and I ended the call. I closed my laptop and pulled out my notebooks to finish my assignments due the next day.

As I was finishing up, my phone vibrated on the desk. I picked it up and saw a new message from Mike.

Mike “The Babe” Thomas: Are you packed?

Why was he checking up on me?

Aubrey: Yeah, the girls helped so I should be fine.

Mike “The Babe” Thomas: Good.

This conversation, if you could call it that, was strange. I set my phone down and went to change into pajamas. When I came back into my room, I checked my phone and saw three new texts.

Mike “The Babe” Thomas: I’m glad Brandon is letting you come.

Carter Blackwell: I heard you’re going away this weekend.

Mike “The Babe” Thomas: I can’t wait to spend the weekend with you.

A smile slowly grew as warmth spread in my body. Was it because of Carter, or because of Mike?

Aubrey: Me too. It’ll be nice to get away.

Aubrey: Brandon is letting me out.

My phone vibrated almost instantly.

Carter Blackwell: Good. Have fun and be safe. Call me if you need anything.

Aubrey: I will. Goodnight.

Carter Blackwell: Night. X

X? As in hug or kiss? I studied the screen, trying to decipher the meaning. I almost dropped it when it vibrated again, breaking my concentration.

Mike “The Babe” Thomas: It’s going to be perfect. You’ll be with me. Sweet dreams, baby.