“So you outed yourself for a friend?”
“Yeah, I guess so. It just all happened so fast. In retrospect, I should have confessed to having an affair with you or something like that. We could have dealt with it a whole lot easier. I mean, big deal if you got fired and I got expelled. I didn’t tell you this, but I was going to tell Aiden the entire truth tonight as soon as we left the dance. I guess it was what was on my mind. And you don’t need to come to the hotel. I’ll be fine there. Just meet me at my loft on Monday morning, as planned.”
“Look, I know you want to call the shots. I get it. I like your bravery and your boldness, but you need to listen to me and do what I say.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Let me guard you 24/7. I believe it’s in your best interest. At least until we know if this is contained.”
“You’re probably right.”
His eyes get big and he laughs. “Did you really just agree with me?”
“Yeah, I did. I don’t think I’ll be in danger at the hotel. Even if it gets out, Vincent won’t know where I am. Everyone else is staying at another hotel near here. It’s where all the parties are. Riley and Aiden wanted us to be somewhere . . . nicer . . .” I sigh, thinking about the amazingly romantic night I was supposed to have.
“What’s your room number?” Cooper asks, getting out his phone.
“1214.”
He calls the hotel and makes himself a reservation, securing an adjacent room. “Don’t leave the hotel room without me.”
“Aiden walked out when he heard the truth. If he’s gone when I get to the hotel, I’ll want to go home. To my loft.”
“Sounds reasonable. I need to tie up a few loose ends with the dean and break the news to Garrett.”
“Do you have to?”
“He has computer experts who can monitor social media sites. They’re skilled hackers, which may come in handy. We need to be sure you aren’t compromised.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Don’t let him yell at you. It’s not your fault.”
As I leave, I can’t help but glance back at the students dancing to a slow song and wish Aiden and I were still out there.
Epic, weed-induced dream.
Midnight
Riley hands me a flask the minute I get into their limo.
I shake my head. “I’m okay.”
“How did you speak so calmly about almost being kidnapped, the stalker, and possibly dying?” Ariela asks.
“It’s been four months since it happened. I suppose I’m just used to the facts. I hope I didn’t ruin your night.”
Riley grins at me. “Some of the events were a bit unexpected but, you gotta admit, it’s been an interesting evening.”
Ariela nods in agreement. “Was it hard for you to lie?”
“At first, it was easy. All I was really lying about was my parents. But the more I got to know people, became friends with them, the harder it got. That was another reason why I almost didn’t come back to Eastbrooke after Thanksgiving break. I felt like I was being eaten from the inside out. I love you guys. It was killing me.”
She pulls me into a hug. “I’m glad we know the truth.”
My phone starts buzzing. I look down at it, hoping it’s Aiden. Instead, I see the name of someone I don’t want to deal with.
“Shit, I better take this,” I say. “Hey, Garrett.”
“What the hell were you thinking?!”
I hold the phone out as Garrett continues to yell at me. About Vincent finding me. About how stupid what I did was. How he’s going to come get me himself.
Riley and Ariela start making funny faces at me.
It feels so good to have them on my side. To not have to hide all this.
I start to laugh.
Loudly.
Like I’m high.
I used to wish I were dreaming. That this whole thing was just some epic, weed-induced dream. But I’m glad it’s not. Because I would have missed out on making some amazing friends.
“What the hell are you laughing about?!” I hear.
I put the phone back up to my ear. “Nothing. I’m with some friends.”
“Did you hear anything I said?”
“Kinda hard not to. Are you done?”
“Excuse me?!”
“I don't need to be yelled at, Garrett,” I say calmly. “I know what I did was not good for me, but it is what it is. I can’t change it. Why don't you take some of that passion and use it to motivate your computer wizards. The dean threatened students with expulsion if they didn't comply, but I need keywords relating to my family and all the students’ social media monitored. If anyone posts anything, it needs to be deleted somehow. I need major damage control. Vincent cannot find out about Eastbrooke.”
“You know you’re not going to be able to go back there now.”
“I know I can’t. Um, I have to go. I’ll text you,” I tell him because I don’t want Riley and Ariela to hear what I need to say.
Me: Just because I can’t go back doesn’t mean I don’t want to protect the school. Please monitor it. Please, do whatever computer magic you can to keep it and my friends safe.