"Yeah, I'll play."
But after we start, I'm watching the clock, watching the door, and checking my phone. There's nothing from Nolan, and I still don't see Saige anywhere. I can't get out of my fucking head.
I don't see Elias, either. Not until he approaches me and grabs my arm.
"Dude, where have you been all night?" I ask. "Do you want to take my place?"
"He can't! That's cheating!"
I roll my eyes at the girl on the other side of the table. "Do you or not?"
"No. I want you to trade me costumes."
"What? I'm not doing that. I don't want people to think I dressed up as you. That's weird as hell."
"Then don't wear one—I don't care. Just give me yours. And your phone, too."
"Why?"
"You said you would help me with Saige, right?"
"Yeah…but I don't think she's in the mood to be fucked with right now."
"Too fucking bad," he says. "You said you'd help me, and I want your help. She likes me—she kissed me. You don't love her like I do."
Helovesher? Did he really just say that to me?
It doesn't feel great—it's like a knife to the chest, really. He must be really fucked up, because he can't love her.
I laugh. "Jesus. How fucking wasted are you? I don't even know where Saige went."
"I do. She's crying in her room." Fuckingouch. "Come on, just trade me."
"Earth to fucking Dax—it's your turn," Camryn says, annoyed.
"Fine," I tell him, handing over the mask before pulling the robe over my head. "Don't piss her off too much."
"Phone, too," he says.
I unlock it and hand it to him.
"Thanks, bro."
I watch him walk upstairs, trying again to silence that voice in the back of my head telling me I fucked up. When it doesn't work, I wave Josiah over and tell him I think it's time for us to take those shots.
I'm going to need them. Maybe I can just forget the conversations even happened—I'll black out and try again tomorrow.
As long as Elias doesn't break my favorite toy.
26
trick and treats
Elias
Idon't know what the fuck I'm doing. There's no way in hell this is going to work.
But I want Saige. I know she wants me, too. She just…
