Page 64 of The Betrayal You Serve

"So how's things?" she asks, turning into the house.

"Um… why are we here?"

"I just need to wait for a delivery and then we can head out."

"Oh, okay," I say, accepting her words for what they are and placing my purse on the table.

It's not the first time I've been here, but it's the first time I've been this relaxed here. Previously, I was always aware that Kane could show up at any moment, but right now, I know he's busy in Maddison and will be heading out to celebrate his success later.With Clara,an annoying little voice says in my head.

I shake the thought away. I don't need or want images of them dancing together last night in my head when I'm supposed to be relaxing.

"Drink?"

"Sure."

"Make yourself comfortable. I'm sure it won't be too long."

She smiles sweetly at me and I follow orders, more than happy to curl into the corner of the couch and forget about real life for a while.

"So what's the plan?"

"Haven't really got one. Junk food, movies, vodka."

"Sounds perfect. Mom in?"

"No idea. I've barely seen her all week."

She brings over two cans of soda and sits with me. She puts some music on the TV and we turn to look at each other, catching each other up on our weeks and her digging to find out more about Kane.

It's almost two hours later when an engine finally rumbles out front of the house. I was starting to think this was all a big ploy just to get me here.

"Finally," she sighs, leaning forward and placing her can on the coffee table.

"Aren't you going to get it?"

"Of course. He's usually hella slow though."

"Right," I say, narrowing my eyes at her, feeling even more that something isn't right here.

A car door slams shut before another and my heart jumps into my throat.

"Har, what's going on?"

She looks at me and manages to keep her face straight for all of two seconds.

"I've organized a surprise."

My lips part to respond but the front door is pulled open and a very familiar voice fills the space around me causing goose bumps to erupt across my skin.

"This surprise had better include a shit ton of beer," he says a beat before he appears in the doorway looking larger than life.

I gasp the second our eyes lock. My brain screams to get up and run as Harley hops up from the couch looking more than a little excited at her little surprise.

"Harley," I hiss but she's already tucked into Kyle's side and they're heading for the door.

Before I get a chance to move, they're gone and the door slams closed behind Kane leaving us alone.

Lifting his hand, he nervously drags his hair from his brow and I feel somewhat better about the fact he's just been blindsided by this as much as I have.