“Alex came and picked up Brin, Ember, and Declan like five minutes ago. They were heading to Greystone to see Maia and get some alcohol-absorbing food. Cam snuck out after about thirty minutes, and Tate disappeared nearly an hour ago. The girls were texting her but got no response, so they headed out, and I said I’d stick around and wait for her.”
“That doesn’t seem like Tate.”
Tate would never disappear, especially not without telling the girls where she’s going.
Jere just shrugs. “I don’t know what to tell you, man.”
“Becca!” Marcus yells as he jumps over the back of the couch with another beer. “I never thought I’d see you at afootballparty.”
“What can I say, Marcus? I just love seeing your face.” She winks, and he laughs.
“I knew there was a reason I liked you. Sit.” He moves over just enough to create space for her on the couch. “Want a drink?”
“Sure do.” She fills in the empty space on the couch, grabs the beer out of Marcus’s hand, and takes a drink. “Thanks.”
“I like her.” Jaxon grins, shifting over to create space for me on the couch.
“Yeah, Becca is pretty cool,” I reply. “Becca, this is Jax and Jeremy. We play hockey together and have known each other—”
“Too long.” Jeremy jokes, leaning forward and extending his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Becca. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
She shakes his hand. “All good things, I hope?”
“Of course.”
“When did Zeke leave?” Marcus looks around the party. “He was here when I went to grab a beer, and now he’s gone.”
“I don’t know; he’s been a phantom lately. One second, he’s here, and the next, he’s gone.” Jax pats Jeremy on the back. “I need another drink. Anyone else want anything?”
There’s a unanimous shake of heads before Jax disappears into the kitchen.
“Wanna take a walk?” I suggest, and Becca jumps up.
“Yes, please.”
“It was nice to meet you, Becca.” Jeremy waves.
“See you later, Becks.” Marcus winks.
“Your friends seem fun.”
“I don’t know if I like the way you said that.” I tease. “It seemed—”
“It’s genuine.” She raises her arms in defense. “I don’t know if they like me, though.”
“Why would you think that?”
“The Tate thing,” she whispers. “I assume they probably know all about that.”
“I think they were more upset with my actions that night than they were with the fact that it was with you.”
“That’s fair. I still can’t believe you abandoned your best friend,” she leans closer to me, “and the girl you’re totally in love with, to chat with a complete stranger.”
“Hey, I did it for Marcus.”
“Yeah, he was wrong for tha—”
Her eyes widen, and she comesto a complete stop.
