The Lying Game Complete Collection - Sara Shepard Page 0,543

to dinner. Tonight.”

Charlotte froze. Her eyes blinked once, then twice, then three times. “Did you say yes?”

“I told him I wanted to make sure it was cool with you,” I lied.

Charlotte coughed. “I, uh . . . of course, it’s cool.” But her voice was shaky. “I appreciate, you know, that you checked with me.”

A flicker of guilt pricked at me. What she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.

But then Charlotte rose from her seat and gathered her books. “I should go,” she mumbled. “I just remembered I had this English thing.”

To make matters even more awkward, as I watched her go, a presence came up behind me. It was Laurel.

“What?” I snapped, still annoyed that she was suddenly buddy-buddy with my best friends.

Laurel sank into one hip. “Just because Charlotte says she’s okay with you dating her ex, doesn’t mean that she is.”

My eyes widened. “Well, I guess you would know since you’re so tight with my friends these days, right?” I leapt up. “Quit eavesdropping.”

But now, I try just to focus on Garrett. He’s got that clean-cut, preppy look down to a T. The burgundy of his starched oxford shirt perfectly brings out his all-American complexion and makes his blue eyes sparkle. I’d actually never noticed how blue his eyes were until tonight. I’m not sure I even noticed his eyes were blue at all.

“What are you doing this summer?” I prompt, brushing my hair off my shoulders.

“My parents really want me to find some kind of internship,” he says, rolling his eyes. “My mom’s suddenly totally psycho about beefing up my college transcript.” A stray curl falls lightly over his forehead in a way that makes me want to reach out and sweep it back.

“I know the feeling,” I sigh. “My parents are pressuring me to step up my grades, too. The other day, my mom sat me down and gave me this really long talking-to about priorities.” Laurel didn’t get a lecture, naturally. Because she’s already perfect.

Garrett snickers. “Maybe we should set them up on a Mom-date or something. If they hit it off, maybe they’ll leave us alone.”

I laugh. “Best idea ever. But no double dates with them or anything,” I add.

“God, no.” Garrett widens his eyes in mock-horror and I giggle again.

Then Garrett begins describing a Boys & Girls Clubs program he’s interested in.

I smile. “I wouldn’t think someone like you would be into helping little kids.”

Garrett looks abashed. “Why not? Because I’m too much of a jock?”

“Well, sort of,” I admit.

“I’m more than just a jock,” Garrett says softly. “I have a lot going on. Some good . . . some bad.”

I’m intrigued. “Do you want to talk about any of it?”

Garrett’s throat bobs. He looks away, staring hard at the wind chimes hanging from the porch. “I’m guessing you heard about Louisa.”

I study him for a long beat, waiting to see if he says anything else. “I heard a little bit. How is she now?” I say carefully. I remember Charlotte speaking about Louisa in hushed tones, saying how fragile and delicate she seemed.

“She’s . . .” Garrett closes his eyes, laces his fingers together. “She has her good days and her bad days. I feel like I’m the only one really looking out for her, you know? My dad’s remarried, and my mom has her own problems right now.”

I shut my eyes. No wonder Char said Garrett was a basket case. “That’s got to be so hard.”

“It is.” Garrett nods. Then a wobbly expression comes over his face. He takes his napkin, shakes it out, and smoothes it across his lap. “Let’s talk about something else, okay?”

“Absolutely,” I say. “But if you ever want to talk, I’m here.”

Garrett gives me a curious look. “You’re different than I thought you’d be, too, Sutton.”

“Different, how?”

He thinks for a moment, finger to mouth. “Softer, maybe. Easier.”

I give him a saucy look but then decide to take it as a compliment. It’s always nice to surprise people. And really, I don’t want everyone to think I’m a super-bitch.

I settle back into my seat, feeling like something between us has suddenly changed. Garrett really is more than just a jock. He’s sensitive. He cares. He sticks by his family. And he’s told me more about himself than Thayer has lately—which says a lot.

I can learn to like him, I think. And you know what? I don’t even think it will be hard.

The night is breezy and mild as we leave the restaurant. Garrett rolls down the windows