Page 49 of The Enemy Plot

The Hunt

Deacon

She said yes. That’s my reward for quitting my cowardly act and choosing not to let fear drive me. A date with Alice Beaumont. That’s a pretty sweet reward.

When I wake up the next day, Lola is immediately on my case about my—and I quote—“weird happy face.”

My lips pull down in a frown. “I don’t have a weird happy face.”

“Um, yes you do.” She nods, narrowing her deep-green eyes. “What happened?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re such a bad liar, it’s embarrassing.”

“And proud of it.” I salute, and she laughs.

She gives me a pointed look. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. You never do things like that.”

“Fine.” I sit down. “I’m going on a date with Alice tonight.”

She flies from her chair, hands banging on the table. “Oh my gosh! Yes! I knew it.”

I roll my eyes, even though she pretty much just summed up my own emotions right now. “Calm down.”

“That’s so great,” she gushes, her eyes sparkling. “What are you planning? Where are you taking her? It has to be perfect.”

“Way to put pressure on a man,” I say, shaking my head. “But don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”

“Really? Tell me.”

“Nope. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. Maybe,” I tease, thrilled to have such a trivial exchange with Lola.

She blows out a long sigh. “Now Iknowyou don’t have a plan.”

“Hey!” I poke her arm. “I totally do, and it’s going to be epic.”

I’m not lying. This will be the best date of Alice’s life. I know it’ll be mine. I just have to do a bit moreresearch this afternoon, but from what I gathered online last night, it’ll be a hit.

“Okay, let’s get going. We’re going to be late for Dr. Stewart.”

During the walk over to his practice, Lola and I casually chat about school, and it’s so effortless, I don’t even know how we got there.

As always, she has her session first, then waits for me while I have mine.

“So,” Dr. Stewart, says with a warm smile, opening his notebook. “How are you doing? As I understand it, you had quite an interesting week.”

“Is that what Lola told you?”

He nods. “She says she had a great time with you and Alice at Sycamore Springs. Do you agree?”

I smile, looking away. “I do. I missed my hometown and being in nature. We hiked, camped, went fishing—everything I love.”

“What about the company you had? Lola says she feels closer to you. Do you agree?”

My heart leaps in my chest. “I do.”

“She also said you grew a lot closer to Alice.”