Page 122 of Ly to Me

I tracked where he’d gestured, landing on Noah’s crossed arms as he glared at Lyra like he could take her down with a single look. I’d like to see him try to fuck with her. “He was born looking that way. He’ll get the hell over it.”

“Losing a grand doesn’t sound like something he’ll just get over.”

I shrugged. “He shouldn’t have made a bet with me. What’s done is done. Besides, soon enough, we won’t be here to see him turn more sour once I give Ly the ring.”

Jared smoothed his palm down the back of his head. “Yeah, I think if he finds out the money he lost on your bet helped you buy that ring, he might lose his shit.”

I chuckled. “Don’t tempt me with a good time. Maybe I should give it to her early, right before the grad party tonight.”

“You’re still goin’? Thought you were heading out?”

I gave a noncommittal shrug. “I dunno. I’ll ask Lyra. I’m sure she’ll want to see you before we leave.”

Jared beamed. “Well, shit.” He leaned back, spreading his legs, bumping his knee into mine. “This is really happening. You’re really leaving and starting a life. Look at you, man. Who’d have thought you’d be the one to get married fresh out of high school?”

“Engaged,” I corrected.

“Same thing. She’s tying you down.”

“She can do that, too.” Jared burst into laughter and I hit my knee against his to quiet him down.

Jared waved his hands, signaling he was stopping as he lowered his voice. “That joke will keep me going while I’m all alone at bootcamp.” My features fell, guilt rushing back in untilJared pushed his elbow into my ribs. “Kidding, dude. I’m happy for you. Really. Can’t wait to come visit you and Lyra when I get back. Just make sure you don’t get all boring on me. Throw me a party or something.”

“Boring.” I scoffed the word as I leaned back, my entire body humming as Lyra stepped onto the stage. Watching her heels strike the wooden floor confidently, picturing those same heels on her feet the night we were supposed to go to prom together. The night we skipped prom together.

The night I could’ve sworn she was about to tell me she loved me.

The night I almost told her those three words right back.

Her hand reached for the paper and I stood and clapped, almost shocked that Jared followed suit right beside me.

“Thanks, man.”

“No problem.”

Jared stood a moment longer than I had, his eyes scanning the room before he slowly took his seat again. He leaned in close, cupping his hand to my ear as he asked, “Where’s her folks?”

“She doesn’t really have any.”

Jared’s brow arched. “Everyone said she has a dad.” I glared, like looking at him that way would reveal all the names and faces of thoseeveryonehe just mentioned. “Or that’s what I’ve heard…from the halls. You know.”

I dipped my head, giving a single nod. “I know. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” I schooled my features as Lyra walked up the aisle, my wink turning her cheeks a rosy pink shade. God, she was so fucking deserving of a better life. “Act like I’m not about to tell you some shit before she walks by, okay?”

“Got it.”

I flexed my hands over my knees. “Ly doesn’t have a dad. She lives with her mom’s ex.”

“And her mom…”

“She’s gone. Left her about a year ago.”

Jared’s jaw unhinged, then worked side to side. “Fuck.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “It’s all fucked.”

“The rumors?”

“All lies. She does jobs here and there—cleans houses and babysits. She’s just tryin’ to have a better life.”