Page 131 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

“And what's that?”

I smile despite myself. “Her.”

Lucas groans. “Jesus L.”

“No, seriously.” I look back at Alex. “She's something special. I knew that before any of this. The more time I spend with her, the more I know it.”

Alex nods once. “And the college thing?”

“Still happening.”

“The football thing?” he asks.

“Still happening.”

“And Jade?” he asks.

I glance toward the fire again. “Still her.”

Alex studies me for another few seconds, then he nods. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I ask, confirming that’s a go.

“Okay.”

Lucas looks between us. “That was surprisingly painless.”

Alex points at him. “I'm still watching you.”

***

I wake up in the middle of the night because I have to piss, like really have to piss.

I crawl out of the tent as quietly as I can, careful not to wake Lucas or Alex, and head to the tree line.

I'm standing here, half asleep, minding my own business, pissing up a storm and yawning when two fingers suddenly jab me in both sides at the same time; I nearly fucking jump out of my skin.

“JESUS!” I jerk so hard I almost piss all over myself.

And when I whip around expecting… I don’t know what, but I damn near piss all over Jade, yeah, my pretty girl who is standing here with both hands over her mouth, trying desperately not to laugh.

“What the fuck? Jade?”

As I tuck myself back in my boxers, hoping it doesn’t make its way out, she loses it. Silent laughter, shoulders shaking, tears already forming in her eyes.

I stare at her. “How the hell did you sneak up on me?”

She can't even answer.

She's doubled over, trying not to make a sound.

“You could've gotten pissed on.”

That only makes her laugh harder.

I point at her trying not to laugh myself. “You are so lucky everyone is asleep.”

She straightens, still grinning. “I couldn't resist.”