A Love Song for Liars (Rivals #1) - Piper Lawson Page 0,13

empty seat. I really wish she were here.

By the time I make it through lunch, then fourth and fifth periods, Carly and her minions have been spreading gossip all day, but it’s Kellan I’m dreading most.

I don’t want to look him in the eye.

I don’t want him to touch me.

Not because I’m afraid, but because he’s a reminder of how stupid I was to think I could win these people over.

Miss Norelli calls us to attention. “Since Mr. Albright doesn’t have lacrosse today, we can run the rowboat scene.”

The one where they nearly kiss. Perfect. I get to beg for Kellan’s attention on stage, too.

Miss Norelli looks around as I drop my bags on the corner of the stage. “Where is Kellan?”

There’s no Kellan in sight.

She checks her watch. “He must be running late. Annie, a word.”

I cross to her, and the rest of the crew goes about their preparations.

“It was kind of you to host the party this week, which makes it hard to say this.”

The hairs on my arms lift. “Say what?”

“I’ve been thinking long and hard, and I’m not ready to put you on stage in the leading role after your inconsistent performance this past week.“

Every muscle in me tightens at once in denial and panic.

No. Shit, no, she can’t take this away from me.

I want to say it’s hard to focus when someone’s threatening to poison you with your own water bottle or point out that Kellan misses more rehearsals than he makes.

But Kellan’s good when he’s here. I hate that it’s true.

“I know I haven’t been consistent recently,” I admit, “but I’ll fix this. I swear. Just give me two weeks.”

“We put a premium on words, but actions speak louder.” Norelli sighs, checking something on her phone. “I can give you ten days, but I’m making sure Carly is well-versed in the lead. If your consistency doesn’t improve, I’m making an executive decision and putting Carly in your place.”

I nod because I can’t find the words to speak.

Before I can, Kellan strides in the door. He makes his way up to the stage, and I drag my feet to meet my prince, who’s taking his sweet time shrugging out of his blazer. When he straightens, my gasp isn’t the only one in the room. His eye’s so swollen it’s almost shut, fresh and pink and angry.

“I trust you’ll be more careful leading up to opening night. We can’t have our prince looking like he was bludgeoned,” Norelli chides.

I swear this day can’t get worse until Kellan’s good eye narrows as he lowers his voice. “You can wave your ass in my face and then fuck someone else, but tell him he doesn’t need to run interference. You’re not worth it.”

I shake my head to clear it. “What…? That’s not from lacrosse,” I realize. “Someone hit you.”

Kellan grimaces. “Don’t pretend you don’t know.”

We put a premium on words, but actions speak louder.

I told Tyler not to tell my dad about Kellan.

It never occurred to me he’d take matters into his own hands.

The boy I’ve never seen lose his temper finally lost it.

I should be sickened or angry, and part of me is.

But there’s a surge of conviction underneath.

Kellan’s expensive cologne makes my stomach turn, but I step closer. “I know what you think happened, but I’m going to do you a favor and tell you the truth.

“I didn't pick Tyler Adams over you.”

Kellan opens his mouth to respond, and I cut him off.

“But I would.”

A gasp comes from the wings. I don’t look to see if it’s Carly or Jenna or the minions.

“He’s twice the man you are,” I press, “because he doesn’t let petty bullshit get in the way of what matters.

“Now, I know you’re no prince, but for the next hour, do us both a favor and pretend.”

5

You ever have a dream that's so real you can't tell it apart from the truth?

That’s the kind I’ve been having.

Dark, seductive shapes.

Whispered promises of things I told myself I never wanted.

I never used to dream, but lately I can’t stop, and every time I dream it’s the same.

Tonight in the headmaster’s office after school is no dream. It’s a nightmare.

“Mr. Jamieson, there’s been an incident.” The headmaster’s imperious tone has an apologetic edge, like he’d rather be getting a colonoscopy than delivering the news.

Most people don’t like pissing off Jax Jamieson. I get it.

“What kind of incident?” My mentor’s voice is whisky on the rocks. The guy could chew you out without losing that smoky depth.

I