Lucas: It’s not a secret.
I frown, his words making me shift uncomfortably.
Lucas: I don’t have an alcohol problem. Stop worrying.
My frown deepens for a different reason now, one thatmakes my brain short-circuit. How in the hell did Lucas know I was worrying and not taking this all as a big joke?
Me: I wasn’t.
Lucas: Okay.
Me: I’m serious.
Lucas: Should we stay up all night again?
I roll onto my side, holding the phone in front of me. I have no business staying up all night. I should be trying to sleep. Coach is always on our asses about getting the proper amount of rest—Ellis and Coach Blake would be too.
Me: Aren’t you going to tell me I should get some rest?
Lucas: Do you want me to tell you that? Oooh, is that your thing? Do you secretly like being told what to do? I never would have seen you as subby.
Jesus Christ, what is wrong with this man?
Me: What? No.
Lucas: I’m joking. If you want to get some sleep, you should. I guess I just figure you’re an adult who can make his own decisions.
His words shouldn’t make me feel some kinda way, but they do. Iaman adult. I’ve been taking care of myself most of my life. Not that I didn’t always have my mom, but we lived the kind of life where I had to learn to be responsible for myself at a young age.
Me: I really should try and get some shut-eye.
Otherwise, I’ll feel like shit tomorrow, and if Coach doesn’t notice and pull me aside during the team meeting, Oakley will. Plus, why would I stay up texting with Lucas? It’s weird and not something we should continue.
Lucas: Fine. I guess I’ll try too. Sweet dreams, Hunter King.
I look at the message for a moment as though some hidden meaning will reveal itself, which makes no fucking sense.
Me: Sweet dreams, Lucas.
I leave off his last name, as if that changes who he is.
Me: Thank you for not bringing up the game.
Because somehow, I know he did that on purpose.
The only response I get is the photo of the sunset. It looks like it was taken from Runyon Canyon, with a panoramic view of the city. The sun looks huge as it dips behind the horizon, the sky painted orange and yellow.
He’s right. It really is beautiful.
I heart the photo, then save it to my camera roll, set my phone on the nightstand, and try to sleep.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Lucas
Idon’t knowwhy Hunter has to go everywhere with us. Actually, I do know why. He’s the son my father wishes he had, and Ellis Blake always gets what he wants one way or another.
Both Ellis Blakes, I guess.
