Libby’s face turns almost translucent as she exchanges a glance with Mitchell.
“It was me,” Mitchell stutters with embarrassment. “But I woke up at 5:00 a.m., unable to fall back asleep.” He casually shrugs as if this conversation is no big deal. “Didn’t want to keep her awake.”
“I can confirm when Lucas and I came in last night, he wasn’t out there,” Laurinterjects.
Thank fucking God. If Blaine was out there while we were on the beach, I would have lost my shit.
“Okay,” Bren says slowly. “Before this gets any weirder . . . who wants breakfast?”
Chapter seven
Blaine Mitchell
Why did I just lie and cover for Libby that I was the one she hooked up with last night? It makes absolutely no sense. But the second her Bambi eyes and panic-stricken face met mine, the fib easily rolled off my tongue. She was signaling she needed me. But I have no idea why.
My mind races as I scarf down my delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast in silence.At breakfast, Sydney kept attempting to subtly get details out of Libby about last night, but she stormed out of the room without even touching her breakfast. Excusing myself from the table, I put my dishes in the sink to go check on her.
Knock. Knock.
“Lib, it’s me. Can I come in?” I’m not sure why I knocked on the door. We’re sharing a room and it’s not locked, but I have no idea what in the world is happening right now. My stomach turns, waiting for her to respond.
Libby swiftly opens the door and yanks me inside, closing it quickly but quietly.
“Did you tell them?” she asks, her eyes wide as she nervously bites her fingernail.
“Tell them what?”
“Did you tell them that you lied? That we didn’t hook up? That it wasn’t you?”
“No.” My hands are clammy. Why am I so nervous? I’m not lying to Libby. I’m lying to every single person on this trip but her.
“Why not?” Libby questions in a hushed tone.
“Libby, c’mon. What the fuck is going on?” I demand.
“Nothing!”
“Who was it?” I question. It has to be someone she’s embarrassed about, but they would know she lied. It doesn’t make any sense.
“No one here, I swear,” she sheepishly whispers.
“Then why did you telepathically tell me to say it was me? That makes no fucking sense.”
“I know, I know. It’s complicated. Blaine, please. Just keep the secret. I promise I’ll owe you. Everyone thinks it’s you anyways, it’s not a big deal. Right?”
“Libby, I- don’t know.”
Everyone thinking I hooked up with Libby isn’t going to do me any favors. I need to rebuild my reputation. I can’t be seen as the bad boy if I want any chance of making alternate captain before I graduate in two years. I just started becoming part of the inner circle. Lucas doesn’t seem to hate me anymore. Ryder King and I surprisingly get along. Libby’s distressing pleas derail my thoughts.
“Blaine, I’m begging you to keep the truth between us. I know it’s a lot to ask.” Her eyes are as big as saucers, with tears threatening to fall any second. She’s shaking slightly like she might break into pieces.
“Okay.” I stumble over my words. My heart can’t take seeing her, or any woman for that matter, about to fall apart. “Sure, Lib. Just tell me everything is okay. No one hurt you, did they?”
“No, NO! I promise it is nothing like that. Thank you. I owe you.” She throws herself into my arms, squeezing me tightly. I wrap my arms around her, still not understanding the situation but understanding she needs me for some reason.
“Thank you,” she whispers again. “You’re a good friend.”
Tears stream down her face. She pulls away from me and rushes out the door without another word and into the bathroom down the hall.
