Blurred Lines
A Rixon High Prequel
L A Cotton
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Playlist
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Published by Delesty Books
BLURRED LINES
Copyright © L A Cotton 2021
All rights reserved.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes only.
Edited by Andrea M Long
Proofread by Sisters Get Lit(erary) Author Services
Cover Designed by Lianne Cotton
Image: CJC Photography
Chapter One
Avery
“Avery, let’s go. You’re going to be late,” Dad yelled.
“I’ll be right down.” He didn’t need to know I was still only half-dressed.
It was the first day of senior year and I was late.
Fuck my life.
My door swung open and my sister Ashleigh grinned. “Hey, liar.”
“Get out, brat.”
“Dad’s going to kill you when he realizes you’re not even dressed.” She flashed me a saccharine smile.
“We can’t all be like you, Leigh.”
Little Miss Perfect poked her tongue out at me. “You’re a jackass.”
“And you’re annoying as fuck. Now go, get out of here. If you loved me, you’d go downstairs and buy me five minutes with Dad.”
“Yeah, whatever.” She pulled the door shut and I let out a sigh of relief.
It was her first day of ninth grade which meant she was starting Rixon High School.
Mom and Dad wanted us to eat breakfast together and then take photos. It was totally embarrassing. But in the Chase family, you didn’t get to be embarrassed. Uncle Xander was probably downstairs too, here to watch the show.
“Avery, don’t make me come up there,” Dad yelled.
“Fuck,” I muttered, shoving some gel through my dark blond hair.
It was senior year; I had a lot riding on the next few weeks.
Grabbing my backpack and gym bag, I finally left my bedroom and made my way downstairs. Sure enough, Uncle Xander was already seated at the table, wolfing down a stack of pancakes.
“Here he is, the man of the hour,” he teased, and I flipped him off. “Big year ahead.”
“Sit.” Mom grabbed my shoulders and kissed my cheek. “Eat.”
“I’m not—”
“I said eat.”
“Do what your mother said, Son. It’s one morning. That’s all we ask.”
“Yeah, whatever.” I dropped into the chair opposite Ashleigh and she smirked.
“Brat,” I mouthed.
“Asshole.”
Laughter rumbled in Xander’s chest. He was my uncle, sure, but I’d grown up with him. He’d finally moved out a couple of years ago, and the house just wasn’t the same. He still came over all the time though. Mostly to eat or if he needed some money.
“A senior.” Mom placed down some pancakes. “I can’t believe it. It doesn’t seem five seconds since your dad and I were seniors.” She gazed longingly at him and he stopped what he was doing and stalked toward her.
Ashleigh sighed dreamily, a huge fan of their public displays of affection. I, on the other hand, fake barfed all over my breakfast.
“Hey, knock it off.” Dad pinned me with a dark look. “One day a special girl will knock you off your feet, Son, and then—”
“Yeah, yeah, save me the speech, Dad.” I’d heard it all before. “It’s senior year. I don’t have time for girls.”
The truth was, there was only one girl I’d ever wanted, and I’d spent the last few months avoiding her like the plague.
“Hear fucking hear,” Xander said around a mouthful of pancakes. Dad didn’t even bother reprimanding him for cussing anymore. Xander had issues. A whole heap of them. But he was family.
And as my parents liked to remind me all the time, there was nothing more important.
“It’s good to have focus, baby.” Mom brought me a glass of juice. “But remember to have a little fun too. It’s senior year. After this, everything changes.”
She didn’t need to remind me. The huge pit in my stomach was reminder enough. It had grown over the last couple of weeks, shifting and stretching until I felt hollow.
It was senior year, my time to shine. My time to show every scout, every coach and team, every fan why I was the captain of the Rixon Raiders.
“You okay, Son?” Dad’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“Uh, yeah.” I got up and took my plate to the sink.
“Everything you’ve worked for over the past few years all boils down to this moment.”
“I know, Dad.” My eyes lifted to his, and the pride shining there weighed heavily on my chest. I wasn’t just carrying my hopes for the future, I was carrying his.
“You’re going to go all the way, Avery. I feel it in my bones.”
“Cam.” Mom gave him a stern look and he backed away, but not before winking at me and mouthing, “You got this.”
“Come here, baby.” She pulled me in, holding me at arm’s length. “Let me get a look at you. God, I remember when you were born. So tiny and wriggly. And you made this little bleating sound.” Tears filled the corners of her eyes. “I’m proud of you, Avery.” She pulled me in and hugged me tight. “Whatever you decide to do, I’m proud of you.”
“Jeez, give the kid some room.” Xander huffed. “He’s starting senior year, not going off to war.”
“Very helpful, thanks, Xan.” Dad scolded him. The two of them fought like cats and dogs these days, but I knew it was only because Dad was worried.
We all were.
“Ashleigh, get over here with your brother. I want to take a photo.”
“Mom, do we have to?” I protested.
“Humor me. This is your last ‘first day of high school,’ baby.”
When she put it like that…
Hooking my arm around my sister, I yanked her in and ruffled her hair. “Smile for the camera, brat.”
“Go duck yourself, jackass.”
“Hey hey,” Dad said. “Enough already. Now get out of here or you’re
