Roman is dangerous. Forbidden. Fleeting. Nothing more than a test.
And one I’ve failed miserably.
As we walk up the hill, I see a few people passing a joint around, pausing as we approach, throwing us a welcoming smile. Everyone, that is, except Zack.
His hood is pulled low, hiding the bandage on his head, his eyes deliberately avoiding mine.
Cups filled with bright red liquid are passed around, and I notice two boxes of wine sitting on a log—the same kind used for Communion.
The irony isn’t lost on me.
Luca sets his guitar aside and pats the spot next to him. I sit, tucking my hands into my pockets as his shoulder nudges against mine.
"Glad you made it," Luca says, his voice warm and welcoming. Zack and Nathan both lower their heads as Aiden joins us, the tension palpable.
I guess Aiden’s been keeping his distance since everything went down.
"What the hell happened to you?" Aiden asks, taking the joint from one of the boys, his eyes narrowing at Zack.
"Zack managed to slip and hit his head on the holy water fountain," Zoey says, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she takes a long drink.
Zack glares at me, his expression a mix of anger and unease, as if he’s waiting for me to challenge the lie he’d told the others.
I meet his gaze, my voice low and deliberate. "You should be more careful. It could’ve been a lot worse.”
The tension hangs in the air, thick and heavy. There’s an unspoken understanding between us—a threat wrapped in the guise of concern.
Zack shakes his head and takes a drink, his eyes fixed on me. "How were service hours with Father Briar, Eden?" Zack sneers. "Did you learn anything...useful?"
I shift uncomfortably, glaring at him.
"He seems like a real jackass," Luca says, staring into the fire. "Not that I’ve had many run-ins with the guy."
"Who’s Father Briar?" One of Luca’s friends asks, but Zack cuts me off before I can respond.
"Saint Michael’s new priest. You should see him. He looks barely older than us. And has some fucked up looking tattoos," Zack snaps. "He seems to like Eden. Really like. You know, I’m way behind on my service hours, but not once has he taken a personal interest in me—"
"I told him about what you did," Aiden interrupts, his voice sharp. We turn to look at him.
"What the hell does he mean?" Luca puts his cup down, leaning his elbows on his knees, and stares at Zack.
"Go on, Zack," Aiden spits. "Since you’re so eager to stir shit up, why don’t you tell our new friend here how you ripped Eden’s sweater off—"
"It’s fine, Aiden," I whisper, cutting him off.
"Eden—"
"I said it’s fine!" I snap, the group falling into an uneasy silence. I lock eyes with Zack, my voice low and dangerous. "Zack knows exactly what will happen if he’s that fucking stupid again."
"Right," Zack mutters, nodding as he takes another drink. "Because I’m the one who needs to be careful, isn’t that right, Eden?" He adds, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Jesus, you all sound fucking feral.” Zoey rolls her eyes, hiccupping loudly as she fills her cup with more wine. Once she’s finished, she walks to where we sit, nudging Luca aside, shoving her cup into my chest.
"Drink it. Trust me, I think you’ll need it."
"Eden doesn’t drink," Zack taunts. "She skips it every Communion. What’s the reason for that, Eden?"
Zack’s taunting words hang in the air, and I can feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me. For months, I’ve resisted—avoided alcohol like a plague. Not because I’m some devout saint but because I know what happens when I let my guard down.
