“I think we should play whatever Liv and Xander want to play,” I said. “This is their game night.”
“Yeah. I agree,” Chett said and jumped up. “Sorry, guys, but I just realized that there’s a NASCAR race on. I’m going to check it out. I think Mom and Dad have gone to bed, so I can change the channel.”
“Chett!” Liv said and laughed. “Fine, go and watch your car racing.”
“Hey, at least I came.” He grinned. “Gabby didn’t even show up.”
“That’s not a shock.” Liv laughed and Xander wiped his forehead.
“I can’t say I’m complaining.” He made a face. “I’ve had enough awkward with Gabby to last the rest of my life.”
“I know!” Liv clapped her hands. “Let’s play truth or dare.”
“Okay.” Aiden nodded and sat back. “Is everyone in?”
“Yes,” Liv, Xander, Scott, Henry, Elizabeth and I all said in chorus.
“Okay,” Liv said. “Let’s go in a circle. I’ll start the questions and Elizabeth will be first up, then we’ll just go round, okay?”
“Okay.” We all nodded.
“Okay, truth or dare?” she asked Elizabeth.
“Truth,” she said with a smile and made a face. “I hope I don’t regret this.”
“Why did you take the fake-girlfriend job?” Liv asked and I was surprised by her question, though I had wondered myself.
“Because I needed the money.” Elizabeth looked at me. “I’d lost my job, and this was the first offer I’d got and I needed to pay rent. Plus, Aiden didn’t seem sleazy, and when he explained to me that he was trying to see if the girl he loved really cared about him or was just playing games, I kinda felt for him. And then I met Alice, and I knew that they were perfect for each other.” She smiled at me. “I have to admit I felt bad, especially when I had those cuff marks on my wrists. I thought it was going too far, but I think Aiden got a bit carried away.”
“I did.” He nodded and kissed me on the cheek. “I wanted to see how far I could push you. I’m sorry. I just wanted to see what you’d do. I kinda liked seeing you jealous.”
“Aiden!” I hit him in the shoulder. “You’re awful.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Guys.” Liv grinned at us. “This is Elizabeth’s time. You guys will have your chance later.”
“Sorry.” I grinned back at her.
“So do you have a job now?” Liv asked Elizabeth and she shook her head.
“Not yet.” She sighed. “I’m still looking.”
“Maybe I can help,” Scott interjected. “I’m looking for some help.”
“Oh, really?” Elizabeth looked at him, her expression unsure.
“Yeah, we’ll talk later.” He nodded.
“Okay,” she said, and Liv looked at me with a huge grin. The game continued on for a few rounds and almost all of us chose dares instead of truth. It was crazy when Xander dared Henry to kiss Elizabeth. I wasn’t sure what he was playing at, but if looks could kill, Scott would have killed both Xander and Henry.
“Okay, you’re up, Aiden,” Liv said. “Truth or dare.”
“Truth,” he said simply, and Liv looked thoughtful for a while before speaking.
“When did you realize you had a thing for Alice?” she asked softly, and my heart thudded as I stared at him. This was something I’d been wondering as well and I loved her for knowing to ask him.
“Aww.” He grinned and looked at me. “I should have known this was coming.”
