Page 39 of Taking Sides

“Nothing,” I say, and read the text a second time.

Whitney

I guess I should say congrats on the game.

My mouth pulls into a smile that’s mixed with relief and worry. If she knows we won tonight, then she probably also knows Victor and I fought.

Me

In that case, I guess I should say thanks.

Whitney

Headed back to Moonshot?

Me

Yeah. We get in late tonight.

“Your turn, Shep,” Nick says.

I glance up and now everyone is looking at me.

“Sorry.” I set my phone down and take my turn. When my phone vibrates again a minute later, anticipation hums in my veins. It takes all my willpower to make it through the game before I check her text.

Whitney

You didn’t text this week.

Me

I wasn’t sure if you wanted to hear from me.

Whitney

I wasn’t sure if I did either. Then I saw you on TV throwing punches with my brother. Does he know?

Oh fuck. She probably thinks the fight was about her. Technically it was but not for the reason she thinks.

Me

No. I didn’t say anything. I wouldn’t. I haven’t told anyone.

Whitney

You just so happened to fight my brother days after we hooked up? That feels a little too coincidental.

I have no idea how to reply to that. Luckily, she keeps the conversation going without my answer.

Whitney

How’s your face?

Me

Busted lip. No big deal.

I want to talk about anything but her brother. I didn’t text after the night at her house, but it isn’t because I didn’t want to talk to her. I just wasn’t sure how to wrap my brain around her being Victor’s sister. I wondered if I could deal with it. I think I know the answer now.