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“Go easy, Maddie. This is a big hill and given your lack of skills on the slopes, you’ll want a clear head,” Crew says, knowing she’s not an experienced boarder.
“You hush. Scar took me down Black Falls last year and I didn’t even break a bone.”
We all laugh. “In that case, toke it up,” Finn says.
“Not breaking a bone is not something to be proud of, Mads. You did good, though. I was impressed you only wiped out three times. That’s something to be proud of.”
Maddie draws in a puff, holding it in for a second before blowing out. “Tell that to my brother. He thinks I should’ve just stayed home.”
“Neo always thinks you should just stay home,” I tell her, though she already knows. “Fuck him. You’re allowed to get out and have some fun. One day he’s just gonna have to get over the fact that you’ve got a life that doesn’t revolve around him.”
“He just worries about me. His intentions are good.”
“Yeah, right,” I mumble, taking the joint that she passes my way. “He wants you under his thumb. Neo’s had a stick up his ass ever since our first playdate when we were toddlers. He used to take my toys and give them to you. Push me down to get me away from you. He was so scared I was gonna steal you away from him.”
“Well, you sorta did, but it's because I like hanging out with you more. Neo never lets me do anything.”Maddie rolls onto her side to face me. The guys are carrying on with their own conversation about football, so we pass the joint back and forth to each other, burning it down without them even noticing.
“If anyone stole you from him, it’s Crew. You and I barely even hang out since you two started dating.”
“For what it’s worth, I don’t see Crew much either. Between school and dance, my free time is scarce.”
A sorrowful look sweeps over her, and I push myself up on my elbows. “What’s wrong?”
Maddie looks over her shoulder at Crew, then back at me. “I don’t think Crew wants to be with me anymore.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He just doesn’t seem interested anymore. Do you think he’s into someone else?”
My heart splinters in my chest. I know Crew is interested in someone else. I also know that someone else is me. But I don’t tell Maddie that. No matter how Crew and I feel about each other, we will never be together. Maddie’s happiness is far more important than my own.
“No way, babe. Crew’s very much into you.”
Maddie smiles. “Yeah, I’m probably just overthinking things.”
“Are you gonna hit that or just stare at it all night?”
I blink my eyes, warding off the memories. “Yeah, sorry.” I press the joint to my lips and suck in, feeling the hit go straight to my lungs. I hold it for a few seconds then blow out before passing it back to Jagger.
“Nah, go ahead. I’ve had enough.”
I take a few more hints, my eyes dancing around at the breathtaking view. It really is a sight from up here. The mountains in the distance look touchable, even though they’re hundreds of feet away.
“Hey,” I say, grabbing Jagger’s attention, “can I ask you something?”
“You just did.”
“I’m being serious. This is important.”
“I can tell. You’re puffing on a roach that’s burning your fingers.”
My arm sweeps out, and I drop the joint over the side of the car.“Did you take pictures of me a couple nights ago?”
“Pictures?” His forehead crinkles. “No. Why would I take pictures of you?”
“Let me rephrase that.” I’ve come to realize I have to be detailed with my questions or I never get honest answers. “Do you know who took pictures of me a couple of nights ago?”
“Not a damn clue. But what makes you think someone was taking pictures at all?”
