Page 74 of Risk
“Gage, come get your boy.” Mason looks over his shoulder. “Wait. Where’s Gage?”
“Over there,” Landon points.
Gage is against the wall with his shirt unbuttoned and back against the brick wall. His head is tipped up to the night sky and his eyes are closed. He looks like he’s about to pass out.
“Awww, he can’t hang like he used to.” Landon pushes out his bottom lip. “Don’t worry, I’m driving them both home.”
Mason’s eyes narrow. “How much have you had to drink?”
“Nothing. I stuck with club soda all night.” Landon puts his hands up. “Shocker, I know.” He looks at me next and shoots finger guns. “I can’t wait to hang with you again, Leah.”
“Leah?”
I freeze at the sound of that voice. Turning slowly, I swear I’m hallucinating. “Aly? Oh my god! What are you doing here!?”
“Uhhh shouldn’t I be asking you that?” My sister rushes towards me with her arms out wide. We hug and squeal, rocking back and forth.
“Fuck me, there’s two of them?” Landon runs a hand down his face.
Aly looks him up and down. “Damn, sis. Who are all these pretty boys?”
Landon nudges Mason. “She thinks we’re pretty.”
“Those two over there are Kerrington and Gage. The blondie here is Landon. And this…” Pride swells in my chest for no good reason as I drag my man over to her. “Is my boyfriend, Mason.”
“Boyfriend?” Aly snorts a laugh.
“Yeah. Boyfriend.” I want to choke her now. Of course, Aly would find it hilarious that I have a boyfriend. I’ve never had one of those before.
She stops laughing immediately. “Well shit. I… damn.” Turning to Mason, she shakes his hand. “Hi, I’m Aly.”
“The DJ.” Mason’s friendly attitude eases the tension that just crept into our circle. “Leah’s told me all about you. She didn’t mention you were in town, though.”
“I’m only here for the weekend to work at this club.”
“That was you up there?” I can’t believe I was dancing to my sister’s beats this whole time. She’s really grown in her craft. And in looks. Her hair is bright blue with streaks of black in it now. “I didn’t know you’ve gone incognito.” How long has it been since I’ve spoken with Aly and checked in on her? Now I feel like a shitty sister.
Aly stuffs her hands in the back pockets of her ripped jeans. “It’s easier this way. Wearing a mask makes me more intriguing. You know how hard it is making a name for yourself in any business. If you don’t stand out, you don’t matter.”
A bouncer holds the door open and looks directly at Aly. “We need you back inside.”
“So much for cooling off. Gotta go.” She gives me another hug and whispers. “I’m really proud of you, sis.”
Guilt and shame run through me, making tears prick my eyes.
We squeeze each other tightly, and when Aly lets go, I shove my emotions down and wave goodbye to her.
The ride back to the hotel is a bit of a blur. I have a lot running through my head.
Mason tosses his wallet and keys on the table. “You’ve got that extra crinkle again.”
Ugh. Can he not be so perceptive for once?
“I think I’m going to take a hot bath.”
Mason doesn’t join me, and I don’t know if I’m relieved or disappointed.
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