Page 184

Jacob put his arm on the back of the couch to see me. He glanced at my hands stuffed in my pocket and then back up to my face. “Congrats,” he whispered. “I’m really happy for you guys.”

“Sorry,” Axel whispered. “I had to tell him.”

“I’m glad you did. Thanks, Jacob.”

Jacob nodded. He had a smile on his face. But it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

I had to believe Uncle Matt. That Jacob had his mom’s heart. And that it was big enough to love someone new. Hopefully soon. My chest ached knowing that I’d hurt him.

“I’m so sorry...” I started.

“Don’t,” Jacob said. “If you’re happy. I’m happy.”

I glanced at Axel and smiled. I was so freaking happy.

“But your dad is going to flip,” Jacob whispered.

I laughed. “I know. Which is why we need a game plan.”

“I’m gonna leave that one to the team captain,” Jacob said.

Axel laughed and walked around the couch. “I think we should just tell him. He’s going to try to kill me either way. And he’s all the way across the room right now. It’ll give me a head start when I have to run.”

I laughed. “He’s not going to kill you.”

“I know, but he’s going to try.”

I shook my head. “Last night my mom said it would be better if we told her first. So she could kind of tell him privately ahead of our actual reveal.”

“What actual reveal?” RJ asked.

“Yes, what’s the reveal?” Parker looked up at me.

“Go away, twerp,” RJ said. “The adults are talking.”

“Then you better step to the side, idiot.”

RJ glared at her.

Sophie walked over. She took one look at my hands shoved in my hoodie and squealed. She grabbed my left hand and pulled it out. “Scar. Axel.” She threw her arms around both of us. “I’m so happy for both of you.”

She pulled back and there were tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Soph.” I knew she was happy for us. But I was worried if maybe she felt a bit broken too. Because of Mr. Halifax.

“Scar,” she said with a laugh and quickly wiped her eyes.

“Oh, fuck,” RJ said when he saw my ring. “You guys are seriously getting married in high school? That’s wild.”

“RJ, lower your voice...”

“Huzzah!” he yelled and turned around. “Axel and Scar are engaged!”

Oh no.

Liam spit out whatever he was drinking and he turned to look at us.

But I didn’t get to see his expression because the glass in my dad’s hand cracked in half and my mom screamed.