Page 90 of On the Breakaway

Chaos: I knew it was only a matter of time before you’d act like yourself and ruin everything.

I huff out another laugh, rubbing my hand across my jaw.

Whatever this thing between Avery and me is, it’s insane how easily we slip back into it. Three weeks of silence, and within five texts, we’re already poking at each other as if nothing happened.

I look up to find Liam and Sloane screaming at each other over the game, while Wyatt throws popcorn at them from the recliner.

Nobody’s paying attention to me anymore.

Me: Why are you avoiding me?

Her response takes longer this time, and I already know she’s trying to figure out how to dodge my question before she responds.

Chaos: Don’t flatter yourself.

Me: Why didn’t you come to Blue Line or Liam’s party then?

Chaos: I had practice.

Me: Interesting. Your entire team went to both.

Chaos: Well, you know me, really into solo practice time.

That one makes me grin because it’s such an obviously bad lie that I almost respect the commitment to it. I can picture her typing it, wearing a serious expression while saying the dumbest possible thing.

Me: You’re avoiding me.

Chaos: I think you are giving yourself too much importance in my life.

Normally, this is where I’d let it go. But I’m getting tired of pretending with her. And I’m past tired of watching her panic every time something real slips out.

Me: So, you said some shit that you would’ve preferred keeping to yourself. We’ve all been there. It’s not like I told anyone.

Five minutes pass. Then, ten. I start to think that I was too honest, and she won’t respond at all. Then finally:

Chaos: You really didn’t tell anyone?

I pinch the bridge of my nose as frustration flares because I’ve never given her a reason to think I’d use her issues against her.

Me: No, I didn’t. And I would never do that. Okay?

Chaos: Okay.

I exhale, wondering if she actually believes me.

Me: Does that mean you’ll stop with the disappearing act?

Chaos: Maybe.

Me: Just maybe?

Chaos: Yeah, maybe I need you to say something embarrassing so that we’re even.

My eyebrows lift.

Me: Like emotional blackmail?

Chaos: No, like mutually assured emotional destruction.