Page 19 of Shots Fired

Kendra: Or Felicity and Jon. I know what they got you, and it isn’t that.

Puzzled, I rack my brain for a possible sender.

Jenna: Don’t shoot the messenger here, but do you think it could be from Liam? Maybe he wants you back, and this is his way of trying.

I genuinely snort at the ridiculous notion of my shitty ex even thinking about me, never mind trying to win me back with a gesture like this.

Me: I think I have more of a chance of it being from that hottie at the bar the other night.

Jenna: The one who disappeared out of sight when we got back from the restroom?

Collins: You never did tell us what Archer was doing there.

By the time they returned from their escape to the toilet, Archer had left, claiming he was heading back home alone since the guys weren’t up for a house party. The rest of the nightpassed in a blur as I chewed over our conversation. I can still feel the way he looked at me now.

I brush off the butterflies and get back to the text chat.

Me: Like I told you, he saw us on his way home and stopped by to say hi.

Jenna: That boy is weird. Hot as hell, but weird.

Collins: I just think he’s misunderstood.

Jenna: Really? I think he likes to get it on with anything that moves and thinks a lot of himself.

Collins: Jenna, are you trying to tell us you want a piece of the goalie?

Something about that last message from Collins doesn’t sit well with me.

Kendra: Anyway, back to the bag. I agree with Darcy. I don’t think it’s from Liam.

Me: Then who the hell is it from?! How can I thank an anonymous sender?

Jenna: Maybe they don’t want to be thanked.

Collins: Are you sure there’s nothing else in the box? Like an invoice or receipt or something?

Me: Positive.

Collins: I’m clueless then. We might have to put a pin in our investigation until the party this weekend. We can ask around then.

The birthday party Jack and Kendra are throwing for me at their place. The one I have no clue what to wear to. I guess at least my bag is sorted.

Me: Okay, well, I’d better get back to work.

Collins: Happy birthday, babe. I’ll bring your gift with me on Saturday night! Ezra picked it out, so you can be sure it’s cool as fuck.

I smile at Collins’s text. That girl and her future stepson are inseparable, and it’s truly heartwarming, especially after he lost his mum at such a young age.

Jenna: Me too! Have a fun one. I wish we could go out tonight, but the season is kicking our asses right now. Promise we’ll make it up to you.

I close out the thread, only for another message to appear. This one directly from Kendra.

Kendra: I think I might know who that bag is from.

I sit up straighter in my chair.

Me: You do?