Page 41 of Foul Territory

Her face might be hard to read when it’s stuck in a book, but when she’s looking at me? She doesn’t hide a thing. Sometimes I wish she did. She may blush thinking about our kiss but that doesn’t negate how upset she is with me or how much I’ve hurt her. My only hope is somewhere underneath all that pain there’s still a part of her that remembers what we used to be.

My phone buzzes in my hand, lighting up with a notification from theFiction Forum. Keeping one eye on Sydney, I pull open the app. It’s a private message fromFaeAtHeart.

Clicking on the message, my pulse quickens. She’s cropped the image where most of her face is hidden. All I cansee is her chin and a portion of her mouth that is in a full smile. The book is the main focus.

FaeAtHeart

Look what I have. I can finally start reading the series now that the duet is complete.

NotYourAverageJoe19

You bought it. Book ban over I see.

I glance at Sydney as she reads my message. Her eyes catch mine momentarily before going back to her phone. I turn toward the baristas and pretend I’m waiting for our coffees instead of her reply.

FaeAtHeart

Technically my book ban is still intact. A friend bought it for me.

A friend? She’s obviously just saying that. As much as I want it to be true, Sydney Pierce stopped considering me a friend a long time ago. She tolerates my presence at best and puts on a good act in front of everyone to keep the peace.

NotYourAverageJoe19

Nice friend. It’s pretty well known the friends who buy you books are the best ones. A total keeper.

I hit send and put my phone on do not disturb. The last thing I need is my phone going off in front of her after she sends a message to “Joe” and she figures out not only does he live in Alabama but he also goes to the same school.

Oh and fun fact, he’s also the same guy who’s been in love with you since the ninth grade and the guy you can’t stand to spend more than five minutes with.

The barista calls my name and hands over my coffees with a flirty smile. As I walk away, I notice there is a phone number written on one of the cups. That’s bold considering I’m here with Sydney.

Taking the seat beside her instead of across from her like I’m sure she hoped, I slide the cup with the phone number in Sydney’s direction.

“I think this one is yours,” she says, eyeing the number.

“They’re the same drink. You can have that one.”

Sydney lifts her gaze over my shoulder. “She’s staring at you.”

“And? I’m here with you.” I grab her chair and pull her closer to me. “Let her watch.” I run my finger over the barrette she has in her hair. “This is new.”

“I made it the other day.” She grabs my hand and holds it under the table. “This isn’t going to be a thing,” she says, dropping my hand in my lap.

“What isn’t?” I ask, leaning back in my chair and taking a sip of my coffee. She got me hooked on these frappuccino drinks freshman year.

“Us pretending to be a couple to ward off unwanted attention. You can deal with your groupies on your own. I don’t want anything to do with that.”

“You act like I have girls following me around all the time.” Sure there are random groups of girls hanging out at ourgames and practices. I can’t control that. There are also over thirty guys on the team. They aren’t coming just to see me.

“I wouldn’t know. I don’t pay attention to who’s showing up at your games and practices.”

“We have something in common. I don’t pay attention to them either.”I'm too busy paying attention to you.My eyes hold hers for a beat before she looks away.

“Great. Can we get started with this?” She taps around on her phone until a blank note appears. “We should keep the food simple and order pizza. Maybe some chips. A cake of course. Can you get the decorations?” Her eyes meet mine and she rolls them in frustration. “Fine. I’ll get them.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to.” She adds streamers, balloons, and a sign on her list.