Page 98 of Next to Everything We Wanted

Eyes on the road!

Gavin

Lmao chill

I’m at a gas station preparing to enter the middle of nowhere

Sienna

Phew!

If you’re not too tired from your drive, wanna come to our 4th of July party this afternoon at Hayden’s? It’s his birthday and all our families will be there

If you’re a hot dog guy, Mr. Tidwell’s hot dogs are to die for

You can bring friends

(But please don’t bring Everett)

Gavin

Lmao I won’t

Will everyone be okay with that?

Sienna

Are you kidding?

You’re Gavin Hicks

Or whatever your real last name is

My heart stopped. She slipped it into the conversation like it wasn’t a big deal, but it held the power to change everything between us in just a few seconds.

She didn’t know my real last name.

And maybe she wanted to.

Sienna

You still there?

Sweat ran down my back, my heart thundering in my chest. The smell of gasoline sent a wave of nausea through my system, and I kneeled down, afraid I’d throw up. Once the feeling subsided, I sent a response.

Gavin

Sorry, was filling up my tank

Send me the address and I’ll be there

Sienna

Perfect!

Can’t wait to see you there

She sent a few love emojis, and I sent some back like she hadn’t just given me a jump scare.