It works, no one so much as looks in his direction. My stomach knots with jealousy. I wish I could sit in the corner and get away with it.
“Everyone sit in a circle,” Michelle barks. I look back to see her brandishing an empty bottle and a jar.
“Aren’t we a bit old to be playing spin the bottle?” I ask with a brow raised. Katia stifles a giggle and grins over at me. I take it back. Maybe some of us aren’t too mature for spin the bottle. Holly cosies up to Cameron and playfully strokes his back. He just scrolls through his phone, as if oblivious to the attention.
“We’re not playing spin the bottle,” Michelle says with a chuckle. As if I’ve just suggested we take a trip to the moon. That’s right, silly Debbie with her wild ideas.
“Come on gorgeous, you can sit next to me.” Mark pats the empty floor beside him and flashes me a smile. His heavy brows pinch together and he’s smoldering. It’s a look that would melt a thousand hearts. I imagine he’s spent his entire life practicing in front of the mirror.
I give an exaggerated sigh and sit with my legs crossed. Katia’s eyes shoot to Mark and return to my gaze as she gives me a knowing look. I keep eye contact and purse my lips. Yes, twin telepathy is totally a thing. I know that she’s teasing me about Mark being my lover boy, or something. And I know she can read my warning.
Don’t you dare say anything.
There are three people in this room that know a secret. But if Katia opens her mouth and lets the cat out of the bag, then I’m going to need to move state and change my name. It’s embarrassing enough I have to face him again. But if Michelle, or Holly, or the guys knew about what happened at the lake last summer… I’d straight up die.
“So, what’s the game?” I ask, breaking eye contact and looking at Michelle. She clears her throat and casts her eyes about us like we’re a group of teenagers.
“Truth or Dare,” she announces with a glint in her eyes.
Katia and I share a look. I guess Michelle thinks we are a group of teenagers. I can’t even remember the last time I played Truth or Dare.
There’s a grumble among the rest of the people sitting on the floor. To my surprise, Ryder settles next to Michelle and finally appears to show some interest. I never knew him to be the type to play childish games. Yet, neither am I, and look where we are.
“We spin the bottle to find out who goes first. These dares are designed to change your life.”
“Why am I getting horror vibes from this? Nothing good ever came from a Truth or Dare game you know,” Mark says. For the first time, I agree with his statement.
What if I have to tell everyone what happened between us last summer? I make a mental note to pick a dare. Nothing can be worse than sharing that.
“Hey, I just got my bachelor’s in psychology. Trust me,” Michelle says with her hands on her hips. It takes all of my resolve not to roll my eyes. “I’ve put a lot of thought into these challenges. And I promise, you’re going to love them.”
I glance at the sea of unimpressed looks in the room and my duty to support my bestie rises within me.
“Come on guys, it’s Michelle’s birthday. Let’s just give it a go, shall we?” I offer, trying my best to impersonate a cheerleader and failing miserably. I worry my pitiful attempts to pump my arms and put on a smile makes me come across as sarcastic.
Despite my worries, everyone agrees.
“Great. Let’s see who goes first,” Michelle places the bottle on the carpet and sets it into a spin.
My stomach knots each time it faces me, and I chew my lip while keeping my eyes on the bottle.
Please don’t land on me. Please don’t land on me.
The bottle slows right near my knee and my heartrate quickens. Then, it stops.
“Mark, that’s you,” Michelle says brightly.
Cameron nudges Mark, who smirks.
“So Mark, truth or dare?” Michelle asks.
“Easy one. Dare,” he says with confidence. I exhale, relieved he didn’t pick truth. At least my secret is safe, for now. I wonder what dare could be so life-changing for Mark. Maybe he’ll have to play chess against Ryder. And lose. Then he’ll have to admit he’s not all that.
The guy’s ego is so inflated, it’s a wonder how he can walk through doorways with such a big head.
“You need a partner to join this dare,” Michelle says, looking at the piece of paper she picked out from the jar.
Mark’s eyes shoot to mine and I want to kick him in the shin for even considering it.
Don’t you dare.
“I’ll choose Debbie,” he says, his voice dripping with total satisfaction. My mouth hangs open. I stare at him wide-eyed, as the room erupts into laughter, then I shoot Michelle a look. Her eyes wrinkle at the corners as her face breaks into the evilest grin.
“Perfect,” she said.
Mark
Debbie is the ultimate tease. She’s sitting right next to me, and the warmth of her bare leg pressing against my jeans makes my heart race. The way her bottom lip puckers as she pouts encourages me to wind her up even more.
Sure, she can play the act and pretend she hates being in the same room as me, but we both know that’s not true. Not after last summer.
I don’t think I’ve had a restful night since.
Debbie had her hair up in a loose bun, flyaway hairs framed her gorgeous face and rested on her round cheekbones. Everyone was out celebrating. With graduation behind us, and a whole host of possibilities ahead, we all felt like there was nothing we couldn’t achieve.
Debbie has been pretending to
