Page 23 of The Tenth Circle

“Yo, Hen!” he shouts with a wave, even though we’re barely ten feet away.

There is no escaping the students of Riverside.

But at least I like this one.

Archer’s climbing over the partition as if there aren't two tables filled with people in front of it, and before I know it he’s sliding into the chair next to me.

“Hey, Miss Montgomery.” He offers another wave before his eyes widen on auntie. “And the other Miss Montgomery.”

Auntie snickers low. “Nice to meet you Archer, we’ve heard so much about you.”

Lies.

“I hope only good things.” Archer nudges my shoulder, and I manage a playful eye roll.

“Like sixty-forty.”

“Stop it, Hendrix,” Mom scolds before calling over the waitress. “Archer, you must join us for lunch.”

As if he didn’t just make himself comfortable and guzzle half my water.

“Quit it.” I slap his arm, making water spill down his chin. “I don’t need your germs.”

He places the glass in front of me, wiping his chin with the back of his hand. “I’m healthy as an ox, milady. Don’t you worry.”

I drag out a breath just as Ryan reappears.

Archer mouths off his request, which is similar to mine except he opted for the pizza burger, then leans back in his chair.

“Well, shit, Miss M’s, you guys look almost identical.”

“Theyareidentical, you dumbass.”

“Yet somehow I’m still better looking,” Auntie Pop quips, and Mom waves off her sister’s antics to strike up conversation.

“So I heard you guys had a pool party yesterday.” She takes a sip of water. “How was it?”

Archer stretches an arm around my shoulders, squeezing me into his side. “We had a great time.”

His poker face is a million times better than mine, so I’ll leave the bullshitting to him. We both know damn well it was anythingbuta great time.

“Were you guys responsible with drinking?” Auntie chimes in, stern.

Mom looks at her, appalled. “Seriously, Poppy?”

“What? Don’t be in denial, June. We both know what happens at teenage parties and it’s better to be open about it than leave them to their own devices.”

She’s not wrong, but Mom still looks as though she’d rather not get any images. “I hope you both were responsible with all the things.”

“Totally responsible, Miss M.” Another squeeze from Archer. “I’ll always take care of your girl.”

Mom’s eyes turn into stars with that comment.

As they should, because I have no doubt he truly means it.

“You are a wonderful young man, Archer.”

“Eh, I try.”