Whatever It Takes (Bad Reputation Duet #1)(57)

The security team talks with the park staff, and within minutes the verdict comes in.

Ryke is being banned from the entire park. Not just the scare zones and mazes. It’s actually kind of hilarious.

A minute later, the clowns disperse, and Loren sets Lily on her feet. We all huddle together. I pull the strings on my hoodie.

Ryke removes his flower crown, just to run a hand through his hair. “I’ll go wait in the fucking car. You all just go on without me.” He sets his flower crown back.

It’s tilted to the side. Off-center like it might fall.

Connor, standing closest to Ryke, is the one who straightens the crown for him. It’s weird. Sometimes it seems like those two despise each other, and then there are moments like this. It confuses the hell out of me.

“No,” Loren tells his brother. “You’re not waiting in the car like you were cast out.”

“It’s fine, Lo.”

“The park did technically banish him,” Connor cuts in.

“Then the park banished all of us.” Loren touches his chest theatrically. “I’m not leaving Ryke behind.” Ryke opens his mouth to protest, but Loren says strongly, “It’s Halloween. I call the shots, and I say we go to Queen Rose’s place and watch Poltergeist on surround sound.”

“Can we order pizza?” I ask suddenly, catching myself by surprise. I want this. To spend time with these people. They make me feel good.

“And there’ll be pizza,” Loren says certainly, his gaze latching onto Ryke, trying harder to convince him. Guilt crests Ryke’s eyes, not wanting to crash Loren’s birthday.

“And ding-dongs,” Lily adds.

Lo tries not to smile. “And ding-dongs. And surly-faced brothers named Ryke Meadows. Yeah?”

Ryke hesitates. We’ve only been through one maze, but it was fun while it lasted, and the clown-fight might go down in history. I can’t wait to show Willow the video. Hopefully, it won’t make her miss home even more. But maybe she’ll be glad I’m here to record it for her.

I hold onto that.

With a nod, Ryke concedes. “Okay.”

I’m going to spend a night watching Poltergeist and eating pizza with Willow’s family, and I’m finally starting not to feel guilty about it. Maybe it’s because I want to be happy, even if I don’t deserve it. Just enjoy it. I think I will.

Just today.





17 BACK THEN – September


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





WILLOW MOORE

Age 17





I tuck my white blouse into my navy-blue skirt, the Dalton Academy uniform as uncomfortable as I feel. I check the clock on my wooden desk. 7:23 a.m.

Garrison said he’d be outside my apartment complex at 7:30, and since we didn’t exchange numbers, I should probably just go now and wait for him.

I grab my tattered backpack, wondering if this will be violation of some dress code. I’ve never attended private school before, and I would’ve gone to public school but Lo refused.

He said, I’ll pay for it. Don’t worry about it. It’s one of the best schools in the city.

I told Loren that I’d pay him back. Every cent, and that was that.

In the elevator, I update ryumastersxx’s blog, restraining a smile at his username. Ken Masters is one of the most popular Street Fighter characters, and his rival and best friend is named Ryu. Every time I’ve refreshed his page, gifs and edits are the only new content.

This time though…it’s different.

Rules: Complete the form by answering each section truthfully. Once you’ve finished, tag other users to complete the task. Begin by sourcing the person who tagged you.





He did it. “Oh my God,” I whisper, so caught off-guard that I forget to push the lobby button. I do and then eagerly and yet tentatively read his answers.

What was your…





Last drink: lightning bolt! + vodka





I’m suddenly scared to read the rest, but like a fiend or junkie, I just can’t stop. I have to know more.

Last phone call: can’t remember. Everyone just texts now





Last text message: “Fuck you.” – sent to my middle brother. He’s a dick.





Have you ever…





Been cheated on: not yet. Give it time and I’m sure it’ll happen



Kissed someone and regretted it: I don’t regret kissing



Drank hard liquor: no sarcasm



Been drunk and thrown up: only when drinking hunch punch that has too much fucking punch



Met someone who changed you: I guess one person. He’s famous—so very few people would believe me if I said his name. He kind of gave me a hand when no one else did



Fallen out of love: I’ve fallen out of love with dill pickles. Fucking gross.



Found out who your true friends are: I think I just did



Lost glasses: don’t wear them, but they look cute on this girl I just met.





I touch my cheeks that hurt from a smile that won’t go away, but it disappears at the sight of the next topic.