Page 21 of Black Hollow: Awakening

“Hilarious,” Will deadpanned. “I mean, it would be, if I knew enough to tell when you’re being serious and when you’re kidding.”

Liam shrugged.

“I’m rarely serious.”

At that moment, Danny approached their table, looking confused. Liam glanced over his shoulder.

“Well, time for me to go,” he said, then shoved the last piece of his sandwich into his mouth and left.

Danny took his place.

“What was he doing here?”

“He sat down with me.”

“Just like that?”

Will didn’t know what to say. He felt awkward.

“Okay, Will,” Dan said with dead seriousness. “Tell me what’s going on, because I feel like this time, I’m the one who’s missing a few hours from my memory. Or days. Or years.”

Will’s gaze automatically flickered toward Blake, who was probably listening to his every word, wanting to make sure he didn’t spill the beans.

“It’s no big deal,” he said with a forced smile. “I told you I went back to the school yesterday to look for my phone, right? Liam helped me, and we just got to talking.”

Danny didn’t seem to be buying it.

“You and Liam?”

“Yeah.”

“And Blake? And Norma?”

“They were there, too.”

“And you talked so much that Liam now greets you like an old buddy?”

“Don’t exaggerate. Like an acquaintance.”

“Uh-huh,” Dan grunted, unconvinced. “Why are you so nervous?” he asked, and Will caught himself picking at his lip.

“I’m not.”

“Sure. Are they threatening you or something? Harassing you? Is this about that stupid ball?”

“No, really!”

“You sure? Because if something’s up, we’re going straight to the principal’s office. Jokes are one thing, but I won’t let anyone give you a hard time.”

Will smiled warmly. It was nice that Danny cared about him. And it felt awful that he had to lie to him.

“I’m telling you, we bumped into each other at school, they helped me look for my phone, we talked a bit, so we kind of know each other now. That’s all,” he assured him, hoping he sounded more convincing this time.

“Uh-huh.”

Apparently not.

“Seriously, Danny. It’s not a big deal.”