Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(27)

Bennett’s hand is in the cup before Sawyer finishes his directions. “How old were you when you lost your virginity?” She blushes

when she finishes reading.

I choke a bit on my sip of Dew. Clearly I didn’t know the kind of questions to expect! Looks like my GPA won’t be saving me from

shots tonight. Shit.

“Um.” She looks to the ceiling and taps her chin. Well, shit, she’s going to answer, and she appears to have to think about it!

“Fifteen.”

I subtly tap my chest so I don’t choke on my bite of pizza and stare at the ground.

“Sixteen.” Not Sawyer’s question, but he shares with the class.

“Fourteen! Mitzi Shawn, beat ya both!” Tate adds while giving Sawyer a fist bump.

Neither Dane nor I say a word. It wasn’t my question, so I’m pretty sure it doesn’t apply, but I will drink the whole damn

bottle before I answer with “not applicable.”

“OK, my turn.” Tate draws his slip. “When’s the last time you got laid and by who?” WTF! PLEASE let me draw one of my own

questions. “Well, it was about three weeks ago, but I don’t kiss and tell, except about Mitzi,” he laughs, “so I’ll do the

shot.” And he does.

Dane’s turn is next, and I already feel sorry for him; Lord knows what it will say.

“What are your three favorite Disney movies?” He looks at me and a genuine smile lights up his face, it takes up the whole room.

“Hmmm, I wonder whose question this is? Could it be, could it be...the little cutie in the princess pajamas?” He winks at me.

“Let’s see...I’m gonna go with Toy Story...”

Classic boy pick. “Monsters, Inc...” Great choice.

“and...oh, of course, The Fox and the Hound.”

“Oh my God, dude, you’re a fag.” Sawyer throws a wadded up napkin at him.

Dane just shrugs his shoulders and sneaks a peek at me. I’m just staring at him. I really liked his answer.

My turn. I could possibly throw up right now... “What would be your ideal date?”

“Oh yay, I was hoping you’d draw that!” Bennett squeals and claps.

I think of Evan, all the times we went to eat, to prom, fishing...were those ideal? I have no idea, but they were to me because

Evan was there. Would I enjoy those things without him? Probably not, but he’s gone and I haven’t enjoyed much lately. I don’t

even really like softball anymore. I feel tears welling up...strangers, people examining me, it’s all too much.

“I’ll take the shot,” I say and do just that. It burns, just like the backs of my eyes. I look up and Dane has me locked in his

gaze, but he doesn’t say a word.

Sawyer also draws one of mine. “What makes you happiest? Laney, did you ask one dirty question?” He gives me a teasing scowl.

“That could be a dirty question, depending on your answer!” I stick my tongue out at him, earning a laugh from everyone.

“*, beer, and sports make me happiest, probably in that order.” Sawyer is a pig, but in a “he’ll grow on ya” kind of way.

After a few more rounds, I know way too much about everyone. I downed two shots and revealed nothing important or embarrassing, as

Dane and Bennett went easy on the questions, too.

Finally Dane stands. “Guys, it’s getting late. Let’s go so these ladies can get to bed.”

“You don’t have to leave yet, right, Laney?” Bennett pleads at me with her eyes.

I say nothing because I’m tired.

“Tate, come on, man. Sawyer, get your ass up and say goodnight.”

Tate leans over to whisper in Bennett’s ear when she sees him to the door and Sawyer shuffles out, mumbling, after giving me an

awkward hug.

Dane stops and turns to me. “Night, Disney, hope tonight was okay for you.”

A nickname? Already? Not sure he’s earned that privilege yet, but it’s such a good one that I let it slide.

“Yeah, no worries. It was fun.” I shrug.

“You’re lying to me. Half of the questions horrified you,” he laughs.

“Nah, some of them were funny. It was...different, good different.”

“Well then, I’m glad. Sweet dreams.”

I go to bed without calling Evan, not even a text, because I feel guilty, although I’m not sure why. He does the same, apparently,

and that makes it hard to fall asleep.





Chapter Fifteen


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A PICTURE’S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

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Laney

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It’s raining when I wake up, a perfect Saturday. There’s coffee made and Bennett’s gone, a note says she’ll be home later

tonight; she’s off working on her play. I move slowly, picking up the room and bagging up my laundry, and then take a shower. I

try to call Evan. It goes to voicemail, so I call home.

It’s so good to talk to Dad. I tell him all about my classes and Bennett. He, of course, asks about the team and the coach. I keep