This Fearless Girl (St. Clary's University #2) - E. M. Moore Page 0,30
skip in Wyatt’s step. He doesn’t actually skip, but he moves more quickly to the sliding glass door as I tuck myself into his side. Lucas opens the door for us, and we head outside to where Stone has already spread the food out.
“My stomach is already grumbling,” Wyatt says.
“I hope one day someone looks at me like you look at food,” I tease.
He scoffs and lowers his voice to a whisper. “Just look at Lucas and Stone when you’re not paying attention to them.”
My face heats, but I help him to his seat across the table, then move back to mine right next to Lucas’. We dig in; there’s ham and steak, both scrambled and cheesy eggs. The meal is delicious, and the cheesy eggs are to die for.
“I guess I know what I’m making next,” Wyatt says as I go for my second helping.
I’m all for that. The doorbell interrupts my response, and I stop with the fork midway to my mouth. Stone sighs, throws his napkin next to his plate, and takes out his cell phone. Wyatt leans toward Stone as he presses a few times on the screen. After a moment, Stone groans. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“What is it?” Lucas asks.
“It’s my dad’s assistant.”
Stone stands from the table to answer the door, and I glance over, spying the tension in his shoulders right away.
“Go with him,” Wyatt tells Lucas. “Just to be safe.”
While they’re gone, I barely pick at my food with the unease knotting my stomach, but it doesn’t take long before they’re striding back out. Stone throws a white trifold paper down on the table, “We’re invited to a late lunch”
“Is Lance even recovered enough to host a dinner?”
“Who knows,” Stone says, sitting. My face falls. I was really looking forward to planning out our hike up into the mountains, but now that’s ruined. Stone shifts in his seat. “You’re invited, too, Dakota.”
“Me?” I choke out. Now my day is really ruined. “Why?”
Stone shrugs. “Your name is on the invitation, and the assistant specifically mentioned you. Maybe he wants to talk treasure.”
“As far as I’m concerned, Lance is no longer in this. He’s done enough.”
“We have to go,” Stone says, “Wyatt, Lucas, and I. I know it’s probably the last place you want to be, but I’d like you there. It’ll put up a united front and show that you’re not scared of him. If you refuse, he’ll think he owns you.”
“I’m the one who shot him,” I counter.
Stone hesitates before locking gazes with me. “I know my father. This is a calculated move, and we’re better off facing it together. Plus, we’re a team, and I really want you there.”
His words tug at my heart. Who knew after all these years that I’d be a joiner? You know, that type in high school who was in every single club. I always scoffed at the notion because no one liked me, but now that the offer of presenting a united front is dangling in front of me, I want it so badly. I want to prove to myself that I belong with these guys, and who better to do that in front of than a Jacobs? Someone who has tried to take a lot from me.
“Fine, but I can’t promise I’ll be nice.”
Wyatt laughs. “You already shot him. What else are you planning to do?”
“Whatever’s necessary.”
I meet the guys’ eyes to show that I’m serious. I’m done letting Lance Jacobs shit all over my family; taking our friends and using them against us. Taking our spotlight.
I’m done with it all.
11
Unbelievably, the house Stone grew up in is even bigger than the one he lives in now. The property is completely surrounded by cast-iron, gothic fencing with an ornate gate that can only be opened via a touchpad and PIN.
Lance’s assistant wanted to drive us, but Stone sent him away. We took the trip to the ritzy community just outside of Phoenix together, the guys dressing in their best polos and khakis, except for Wyatt. He kept his jeans on, and I enjoyed that little act of rebellion when Stone inspected his outfit while we all congregated near the front entrance. He didn’t say anything, but I swear his eye twitched.
Before we left, we locked the canister inside Stone’s high-tech safe in the house. It made my family’s hiding spot look like we wanted it to get found, but at least I can breathe easy that it’s secure for now.