Fate(39)

I assumed the worst. Like Milo had gone on a rampage or Mae had developed vampire cancer or something.

What’s wrong? Is everything okay? I texted Jack.

Nothing. Everything’s great. I just wanted to get you here as soon as possible. Jack replied almost instantly.

Why? Did something happen? I texted back and sat up in bed.

The sun hadn’t fully set yet, and reddish light streamed in through a gap in my curtains. He was up early, at least for him. Something had to have woken him, and he wanted me over there. My mind raced, trying to figure out what it could be.

Peter. That had to be it. Peter had come back.

Jack still hadn’t replied, so I got out of bed and searched through my room for something to wear. I wanted to look good if Peter came back. Technically, he was my intended. Kinda. I think.

I really, really don’t understand vampire biology, and I didn’t really understand Peter either.

I had discarded three shirts on my floor when my phone started to ring. Not like text message but actual incoming call ringing, and my heart skipped a beat.

“Jack? What’s going on?” I demanded breathlessly when I picked up the phone.

“You’re totally freaking out right now,” he laughed. I was mid-heart attack by then, and he laughed.

“Why is that funny?” I asked, but hearing him laugh made my nerves settle down.

“You’re so paranoid!” Jack continued laughing. “Milo told me you would freak out if I just told you to text me without an explanation.” I heard Milo say something in the background, and Jack laughed harder. “Yeah, she is. I think she’s getting pissed now, though.”

“Good call,” I said.

“Sorry.” He suppressed his laughter. “We just had a big night of fun planned, and I wanted you to get over here so you can get ready.”

“A big night?”

“Yeah. We’re going out,” he said mischievously.

“Out?” I echoed.

The last time Jack and I had actually gone out anywhere, it was like a month ago. We went to Valley Fair, this amusement park in Shakopee. Even though we didn’t get there until almost ten, the park was pretty packed.

We hardly waited in line for anything. Everyone offered to let Jack go in front of them, and by association, me too.

That sounds awesome, but after this chick wearing only a bikini top and Daisy Dukes shorts tried to steal my seat next to him on the Wild Thing, I kind of freaked out and said I was never going in public with him again.

“Don’t sound so nervous. It’s not gonna be like Valley Fair. I promise,” he said.

“Okay?” I said, because that was the only thing I could really do.

“Awesome. So I’ll pick you up in like ten minutes.”

“No, wait! I’m still in my pajamas and everything!” I was just wearing girl boxers and a wife beater. I couldn’t imagine anywhere this would be a good look.

“Mae has some clothes for you. You’re getting ready here. Trust me,” Jack insisted wickedly. “It’s better this way.”

“What is going on?” I asked, baffled.

“Just be outside in ten minutes.”

“Jack!” I shouted, but he’d hung up. And if I wasn’t downstairs in eleven minutes, he’d probably come up and get me.

I ran a brush through my hair but it was still a ridiculous mess, so I pulled it back in a messy bun. I slipped on my flip-flops and ran downstairs, just in time to see Jack pulling up out front.