Page 38 of A Real Good Lie

“There’s something we didn’t discuss,” he said once the restaurant came into sight. He pulled Jace to a stop and they turned to face each other.

“What’s that?”

“Are we in love?”

Jace’s nostrils flared. “What?”

“We’ve been together a year. Are we in love?”

“Do you think you could fall in love with me in three hundred and sixty five days?” Jace asked, his kiss-swollen lips pink and shiny under the lobby lights.

“I think I could manage it.”

Jace’s mouth worked and one of his cheeks hollowed like he was biting on it. Then he nodded and looked down, giving Callahan a tight smile.“Then I guess we’re in love.”

They walked into the restaurant, finding a large back room blocked off specifically for the alumni event. There were two long tables and little white placards that looked to carry the school crest above calligraphy names.

“He had a heart attack,” Callahan said under his breath, realizing they’d left out some serious talking points in their getting to know you.

“What?”

“My dad had a heart attack.”

“And your mom?” Jace asked.

“She drank herself to death years ago.” Callahan grimaced, then smiled like he was a politician at someone over Jace’s shoulder. “Professor Anderson. It’s been years.”

Jace turned and slid his arm around Callahan’s waist, keeping their bodies pressed together as much as the position allowed.

“Good to see you again, Mr. McMillian.” The man, Professor Anderson extended a hand, and Callahan shook it. “And who is your guest?”

“This is Jace.”

“Jace Dare,” he said. “Nice to meet you.”

“I’m not familiar with your family,” Professor Anderson said, his brow knit together in thought.

“I didn’t imagine you would be.” Jace’s smile looked pained.

“Jace is from Chicago,” Callahan explained, drawing the attention back to him. He was better suited to play these conversational games, like he’d told Sebastian weeks ago.

“Oh.” Professor Anderson squinted, then focused on Callahan. “I’m sorry, by the way, to hear about your father.”

“I must have missed your card,” Callahan said. “It was a year ago.”

The professor’s face darkened and he sputtered something, offering a smile before turning his back.

“That was harsh,” Jace whispered.

“You can’t let them bully you.”

“Callahan.” A soft feminine voice from behind him stopped him in his tracks. He tensed, and Jace’s arm tightened around his waist, somehow able to sense his discomfort.

He took a moment to brace himself, steadying his breaths before pulling Jace’s hand into his and turning them both around.

“Daniella,” he greeted, his eyes sliding to the woman beside her. She was young and wore a preposterously large diamond on her ring finger. “And this must be Ashley.”

He hated, really, truly hated that his best friend’s wife was so close with Rhys’s fiancé, but they were family, and it was another thing that was expected. Even with Ashley living in Mallardsville and Daniella back home in Myers Bluff, Sebastian and Rhys never let their family obligations slide, bringing the women together frequently, no doubt.