man. What the fuck?”
“I would have never gone through with it. You fucking know that.”
“Somehow, I don’t believe it would have been up to you.” His shrewd gaze narrowed even more. “What the hell is your father into?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“You told Ever.” The look he gave me warned me not to lie to him when I tried to deny it. “You already lied to me. Don’t insult my intelligence, too.”
“You were gone—an entire fucking ocean away while I got to watch my best friend and your cousin destroy himself over his mother walking out. I didn’t have a goddamn choice.” Ever hadn’t merely accepted the information I offered. He refused to even make a move without knowing exactly how I knew and how long.
“You told him where to find Aunt Evelyn.”
Feeling that lump in my throat growing bigger, I nodded. Had I known that Ever would join up with my father’s rival to free his mom, I would have kept my mouth shut. I would have felt shitty about it, but not more than if Ever had gotten himself killed.
“I would lecture you right now, but that’s not my style.”
“I was there in your uncle’s office two weeks ago, Buchanan. You would have done the same goddamn thing, and it would have been a lot messier because that’s your style.”
Jamie scratched his chin as he pondered my point. “True.”
He was about to say more when he caught sight of Bee heading our way. She was leading the pack with Wren, Lou, Four, and Ever behind her. I scanned the area looking for Tyra, but I didn’t see her or Anne Boleyn. Technically, Selena was the older sister, but if the shoe fit…
“When does the party start?” Jamie shouted as soon as they were within hearing distance.
“Twenty minutes,” Four answered as she tossed him her helmet to hold. She then caught the bottled water Jamie had dug from the cooler next to him. Uncapping it, she took a sip as I admired her in the black and yellow gear she wore. She looked so fucking badass in her jersey and mesh armor. I snickered, despite the state I’d been in minutes ago, when I caught my best friend staring at her ass. I was sure that whatever thoughts running wild in Ever’s mind right now couldn’t become a reality with less than twenty minutes to spare. It would take them that long alone to find somewhere secluded in this crowded, outdoor arena.
“Have you guys seen Tyra?” she asked, making me tense up and frown when her big, brown eyes flitted between Jamie and me.
“I thought she was with you.”
“She was, but then Selena had to use the bathroom, so Tyra went with her. Haven’t seen them since.” Four frowned, but just as quickly, her expression cleared. Something was definitely bothering her, but she was determined not to let it show.
“I told you already,” Lou spat. She was the complete opposite of Four, having no problem letting her true feelings show. “Selena is somewhere sacrificing our friend to whatever demon created her.”
“Lou, you’ve known her for two seconds,” Bee argued. “You haven’t even given her a chance.” I tensed even more as I listened because this was starting to sound like an argument they’ve had before.
“So? I know a snake in the grass when I see one. Besides, everyone told me that you were a bitch, but I saw straight through you. Now was I right, or was I wrong?” Refusing to respond, Bee crossed her arms and looked away. “Exactly. Besides, even her phone number is snitching on her,” Lou maintained. “Come on…six-six-six-six-nine-six-nine? Do you know what that means?”
“No, but I’m sure you’re going to tell us,” Bee responded with her lips pursed.
“It means she’s Satan’s mistress. A devil whore.” Lou sounded like the Bible thumpers she claimed she hated.
“You’re being ridiculous,” Four chimed in, making it two against one.
Lou didn’t seem bothered by those odds as she rolled her eyes.
“News flash, Four. Tyra’s not just your best friend anymore. She’s mine, too.”
Four smirked at that. “I thought Jamie was your best friend?”
“I’m her fucking best friend!” Wren shouted from inside the Sprinter. He’d wisely climbed inside once the arguing between the girls started.
“You get to see me naked,” Lou reminded him. Silence from the van followed. I guess Wren had been placated. “Anyway, I don’t trust her. Doesn’t anyone find it strange that she just shows up out of the blue, claiming to be Tyra’s sister?” Lou had put