Ryker lets out a low laugh. ‘Why not?’
‘I just caught you guys doing fuck knows what in the damn storeroom!’ Jace eyes us both sternly. ‘Did you not hear anything I said at practice?’
Heat floods to my cheeks.What did he say?
I fiddle around in my bag, not knowing what else to do. My fingertips graze a packet of Razzles.Thank god, a distraction.
‘C’mon bro. You know you don’t have enough time to get the truck and take it home. Besides, how would you get back here?’ Ryker ignores Jace’s threat and combats it with an innocent smile. ‘Gia and I will walk to Renny’s, pick up the Camino and meet you back at yours.’
‘No,’ Jace says firmly. ‘Gia is going to go wait at the garage for me, and after tryoutsI’lltake her home.’
I pull a face. ‘Why do I need to wait for you?’
Jace’s eyes flash at me with lack of patience. ‘Because you don’t have a licence. You still need a supervising driver.’
Ryker cuts in. ‘You want her to walk to the garage alone?’
I frown. ‘Hey! I’m not a kid. The garage is right across the fountain.’
Ryker’s lips tilt up in sympathy, but he’s not really sorry for anything because he continues. ‘This week, of all weeks, when the rivalry is this tense? ECU are demolishing anything and everything in Booker Bay.’
Jace battles with his decision for a second before he sighs and agrees. I don’t push the whole ‘alone’ thing because I’m just grateful we’re turning around to leave and forget this whole awkward moment. We’re almost at the doors when I hear someone shouting.
‘Hey!’ Monique hollers, approaching from down the corridor.
From her large tote bag that says2 sexy for the bare minimum, she pulls out a black hoodie and tosses it at Jace. I realise it’s the same outfit Ryker has on.
‘There’s two more in here for Renny and Ty. It’s the best I could do on such late notice, lucky the textiles lab had enough fabric. I guessed the sizes too but,’ she makes a frame with her thumbs and forefingers and places each of the boys in shot, ‘I did pretty well.’
‘We’re not going to your little carnival tonight, and we’re sure as shit not dressing up.’ Jace shoves the hoodie back into her bag, only for Monique to take it back out and slap it onto his chest.
‘Well, Jace Brooks, that’s where you’re wrong. Youarecoming to the little carnival. All four of you. And you’ll be wearing these outfits,’ Monique says with all the sweetness of acid. ‘Gia spent three hours today with a hairdryer on those masks getting the resin to dry.’
‘Masks?’ Jace retorts.
‘Masks.’ She stares at Jace and he stares back, neither of them backing down from the challenge.
‘They’re fucking cool, bro.’ Ryker interrupts their standoff, placing the mask over his face once more. He then leads the way back to the table and Jace frowns down at the remaining masks before picking up the silver one. He examines it before an unimpressed look crosses his face. I know that look; and mixed with his already prickly demeanour, I know he’s about to hand us our asses. But then he pauses and something that looks a lot like a ‘lightbulb moment’ flashes in his gaze.
‘Yeah, alright.’ He nods. ‘We can use these.’
‘Great! You’re happy, Gia’s happy and, most importantly,I’mhappy,’ Monique cheers. She gives me a quick hug before picking up the remaining masks. ‘I’ll get these to Ty and Renny. Then I’ll finishourcostumes, Gia. Ciao.’ With that, she leaves the room.
Ryker looks down at me with a breathtaking grin. ‘Let’s go get the Camino.’
I nod, eager to get out of here.
We turn then freeze as Jace grips Ryker’s arm. ‘You’re right. There are Empire City fuckers all over town. Look after my baby sister, but keep your hands in your pockets.’
‘I got her, bro.’ Grinning, he presses a hand to his chest. ‘Scout’s honour.’
‘You were never a fucking scout.’ Jace playfully pushes him.
Outside, I grip at the straps of my backpack and welcome air into my lungs. Ryker steps in line with me, and we wave at Jace as he heads to the gym. I pick out a few yellow Razzles from the packet while Ryker pointedly stuffs his hands into his pockets, making me giggle.
‘Tonight will be fun,’ he says, removing his hoodie and shoving it into his bag, then carefully placing his black maskon top. ‘And hey,’ he adds, ‘we’ve got some kickass costumes now too!’
We fall into easy conversation as we cut through the town centre. We’re passing the fountain when Ryker curses under his breath.
