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I wasn’t feeling sociable, not after pasting on a smile for the game and dinner.
We filed out of the elevator, the hall a hive of activity as the rest of the team all headed toward their various rooms.
“Let’s go,” Coach Huckley shouted. “We’ve got an early start in the morning.”
Me, Lily, and Ashleigh had an adjoining room with Poppy and Sofia, so it would be easy for us to sneak into their room. But then they would have to sneak down the hall to the guys’ rooms.
We all said goodnight and disappeared into our rooms. Ashleigh immediately began gathering up her things.
“You don’t have to leave right this second,” Lily said, chewing her lip as one of her hands slipped to the braid hanging loosely over her shoulder.
“You’re nervous,” I said, recognizing her tell for what it was.
“My dad will—”
“Relax, your dad and the other adults will be in the bar for at least another couple of hours reminiscing about the good old days. Besides, they probably expect you to sneak Kaiden in here.”
“Peyton’s right,” Ashleigh added. “I mean, the Bennets trusted Ezra to stay at home. They trust us enough to not come up here snooping.”
“I still can’t believe they left Ezra,” Lily said.
Ezra was Sofia and Aaron’s foster brother. Only he didn’t act like it. He’d been with the Bennets for a few years now and I knew as little about him now as I did the day he’d arrived.
“Their neighbor, Mrs. Grakinsy is checking in on him.” Ashleigh was a mask of indifference, but me and Lily both knew she had a soft spot for the elusive boy who lived with the Bennets.
“Ready?” she asked me. I nodded, grabbing my small bag.
“Enjoy your night.” I smirked at Lily, and she ducked her head, failing to hide her bright red cheeks.
“Yeah, Lil. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t.” Ashleigh winked, going to the interconnecting door and opening the one on our side. She knocked on the second door and it swung open.
“Party time,” Poppy grinned.
“Don’t let her go too crazy,” Lily said. “Dad will—”
“Never find out.” Poppy blew her a kiss and pulled us into the room she was sharing with Sofia. I closed the first door, hardly surprised when I heard the lock click into place. Lily knew me and Ashleigh wouldn’t do something like barge into the room to catch her and Kaiden… but she probably wouldn’t put it past Poppy.
Closing the second door, I leaned against it, eyeing the two Queen beds. “I’ll take the fold-out bed,” I said, knowing they planned to go and get drunk with the guys.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” Poppy asked.
“No, I’m tired.” The lie sounded convincing.
“Okay, that was Aaron,” Poppy didn’t lift her eyes from her cell phone. “He said the coast is clear, so if we’re going to go, we should probably go now.”
Sofia leaped up and grabbed her purse, following Poppy to the door.
“You sure you’re okay?” Ashleigh asked, uncertainty shining in her eyes.
“Go. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, but if you need me…”
“I know.”
I watched them sneak out of the room in a fit of muted giggles.
And I didn’t know whether to be relieved I was finally alone or bitterly disappointed.
