Free Captured Love by Juliana Haygert Page B

and half months.”
    A knot pressed down on my eyebrows.
    “Two and half months?”
    “Yeah, she’s staying for the entire summer.” Jason stared at him. “Why, did you think she was moving back?”
    I didn’t answer. I didn’t know what I thought.
    My life hadn’t been easy these past four years, but things had gotten a whole lot more complicated.
    “I think she has a boyfriend up there,” Jason said. A bucket of ice water poured over my head. That was how that sentence hit me.

    143/504
    I was shocked. Not that Jessica wouldn’t have a boyfriend. She was too pretty to be single, but by the jealousy and anger that rose within me. “She got flowers and a heart-shaped card today.”
    “Good for her,” I said through gritted teeth.
    Jason pointed to the clock on the dashboard. “What about your curfew?”
    “I drove by Mike’s house. His car was in the driveway and all the lights were off. I guess I won’t be caught tonight.” Jason shook his head. “You’re playing with the law, man. Don’t do that.” Jason got out of the car and leaned over the door. “Just go home before he decides it’s time to check on you.”
    “I’m tired of this shit,” I muttered, gripping the wheel with too much force.
    “I know, man, I know. But it’s only four more months. Only four. That’s nothing 144/504
    compared to what you went through already.”
    I had been through hell and back, and even though Jason, Luke, and Ethan knew all about it, they hadn’t lived it. They would never understand.
    “You’re right,” I said, just so the conversation would end. I was tired of arguing. I glanced at the house behind us. “I hope she doesn’t give you shit for meeting me here.”
    “Oh, don’t worry.” Jason smiled, but it wasn’t his truest grin. “She was giving me the silent treatment until a few minutes ago. A little shit here and there won’t make a difference.”
    “That sounds like her.” This time, I smiled as a few fond memories flooded my mind. She had irritated me senseless, but she had also been the best thing that ever happened to me. And I blew it.
    “Ryan, hm.” Jason ran a hand over Luna’s shiny coat. “I know you don’t want to 145/504
    hear this now, but be careful. I know I keep saying this town is too small, but if you can, stay away from her. She is my sister and I love her, but look how she affects you.” He gestured to me. “Look at the mess you got yourself into because of her. You don’t want that to happen again.”
    I nodded, taking in the weight of his words. He was right. I had to stay far away from her for my sake. “I know.” I sighed.
    “Goodnight.”
    Jason frowned and retreated from the car, pulling Luna with him. “Night,” he said, closing the door.
    Without waiting for my friend to run back to his house, I sped off and away from that cursed house.

    Chapter Eight
    Jessica
    In my house’s driveway, Sophie leaned against Rachel’s Mazda and pressed her hands together. “Please, Jess, come with us.” I fought a smile at her begging figure and shook my head. “No, and you shouldn’t be asking. You know why I won’t go.” Rachel peeked out the window. “If you’re worried about a certain someone being there, don’t worry. He won’t be there.” I frowned. They were talking about a bike event. Jason, Luke, and Ethan would be there even if they had to cross the ocean with their bikes. How did they know Ryan wouldn’t be there?
    I leaned against the porch. “Why not?” Rachel and Sophie exchanged a weird look. “He just won’t be, okay?” Sophie said.
    “We guarantee.”

    147/504
    “Please come,” Rachel insisted.
    Even if he weren’t there, the memories would be too strong. Many, many things happened around those tracks.
    Back then, on Saturday and Sunday, Ryan, Jason, Luke, and Ethan spent their afternoons at the tracks. Ryan and Luke were serious about it, wanting to follow what they said was their calling. Jason and Ethan loved it, but they