“Who knows.”
“But it’s still just the pudding thing, right?”
James nodded.
I took a deep breath. Pudding. It was just a silly prank. But it meant I was fighting back. “And the deal is still on? About trying to make up with Matt?”
“A deal’s a deal, Brooklyn.”
I put my hand out for him to shake.
He looked down at my bloody hand, shrugged, and shook it.
Betrayal - Chapter 31
Saturday
The front door opened and Matt was standing there looking…super pissed.
Crap.I stood up and stepped away from James. “Did you find Isabella?” I asked.
“Yeah, we found her. The cops are on their way. I was looking all over for you.”
I knew he was talking to me, but he was staring daggers at James. And James was wearing a cocky smile. Apparently he had no intention of helping me out and telling Matt that we were just talking.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I came out to find Miller and I ran into James.”
Matt lowered his eyebrows slightly. And I wasn’t sure if it was because of the mention of Miller or James. But he didn’t know that I’d been with Miller.Right?
I felt like I needed to give him a better explanation. “I was having another panic attack.”
Matt’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry I ran off.” He pulled me into his arms. “I wanted to make sure we caught Isabella.”
I nodded against his chest. I knew he was trying to remain calm. Because I could hear how fast his heart was racing.
People started coming out the front door.
“The party’s over,” Matt said to James.
That was a “get lost” if I ever heard one.
James laughed.
God, the last thing I needed was for them to fight again.
“Cool,” James said. “Later, Brooklyn.” He started to walk down the steps.
I held Matt tighter and hoped he wouldn’t read into James’ words. I needed the calm, supportive Matt right now. Not the angry one that got into fist fights. Matt’s heart was still stammering in his chest, but he just held me.
“I’m sorry,” I said again. “James was out here and I was having trouble catching my breath.”
“It’s okay.” Matt rested his chin on top of my head.
Red and blue lights lit up the sky as more people rushed out the front door. Yeah, the party was definitely over early.
“Come on, let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.” Matt grabbed my hand and pulled me back into his house. I nestled myself into his chest. He held me tightly as he ran his hand up and down my back. We stood like that in the middle of the foyer until the final guests were gone. The red and blue lights flashed through the open door of the Caldwell mansion. Someone turned on thelights in the foyer, making everything a lot less spooky. Although the red and blue flashes didn’t feel reassuring.
“There you guys are,” Kennedy said and wiggled her way underneath one of Matt’s arms too. “We were looking all over for you, Brooklyn.”
