Playing Fate (Endgame Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

hundred.” Caden shrugs like it’s no big deal.
    “I’ll do it for a hundred.”
    “No way, Shortstop,” Mason refuses.
    “Please?” I smile at him, hoping it will work. Emberlee does it all the time, but she’s spreading her legs for him, so she may have the upper hand.
    “You need the money?” Caden is studying me.
    “Yep.”
    “Fuck. I don’t want you cleaning up after us.” They both stare at one another. “Fine, but you take three hundred for it.”
    “No way. But thanks.”
    “And you come to the party.” Mason throws the gauntlet down. I didn’t want to go to the party; I’m a freak in social situations. But I want the money and job.
    “Deal. But I don’t have to stay the whole time.” Mason goes to argue, but Deacon interrupts us.
    “You have any milk?” he asks them while watching me.
    “No,” they both answer.
    “We do. I’ll go get it.” I hurry to my house. As much as I’m drawn to Deacon, I avoid him like the plague.
    Pouring some milk in a cup, I hear Emberlee and Avery arguing. “You’re crossing a line Lee Lee. She made her choice.”
    “You don’t get it, Avery. She wanted out. You didn’t live like we did. Militant lifestyle. Each step of your life planned.”
    “Save me the sob story. She broke his fucking heart, and you’re supposed to be his friend.”
    “I’m hers, too. I can’t turn my back on her like you all did. He has Julie. He’s fine. She isn’t.”
    “Just don’t bring that bitch over here. I never want to see Adriane’s face again.” Ah, the ex. I guess they didn’t all cut ties. No wonder Emberlee doesn’t like me. She feels I’m the replacement, and she isn’t ready to let go of her friend like the others.
    I head back to the guys’ house, and the door is wide open. Pigs. “Why the fuck did you agree to her cleaning your house? She isn’t your maid.”
    Whoa. Angry Deacon is scary. “Dude, we’re paying her. She needs the money.”
    “So give it to her.” Oh hell no!
    “Here’s your milk, and I’m not a fucking charity case. I’ll work for my money.” I’m pissed. How dare he try and buy me.
    “Saylor, we can help.”
    “I have a rich stepdad who can help. I don’t want it. I’ll make my own way.” I give him my dirtiest look and watch as he shakes his head and slinks out. I’m not mad at Caden and Mason, but they start talking over one another.
    “Shortstop, give the guy a break.” Caden wraps his arm over my shoulders.
    “He’s a fixer. That’s what he does. He means no harm.” Mason clucks my chin and grabs a bottle of water.
    “I don’t care. I’m not his responsibility or his burden. He seems wrapped up in Julie, and I don’t need to be on his radar.” I’m disgusted he’s defending and championing me while Julie is his priority – everyone reminds me.
    “It’s different.” Caden tries to explain, but I hold up my hand refusing to hear their excuses – but it doesn’t stop him.
    “Deacon’s changed since Julie. We all try to help him, but he’s determined to make this work on his own.” I roll my eyes. “We miss him and make allowances because he’s stretched pretty thin. We just want what’s best for him, and if you’d get to know him you’d see what a great guy he is.” Caden is imploring me to understand. I can feel the conviction in his words. I can also see how much he misses his friend. I hope my attitude isn’t creating a bigger divide.
    “To get to know him he’d have to be available. That’s one thing Deacon isn’t lately,” Mason grumbles, but there’s no anger in his words – just somberness.
     
     

     
     
    I stewed all afternoon, the conversation like a constant loop playing in my mind. Getting ready for the party I slammed my brush, dropped my mascara, poked my eye with eyeliner. That tete a tete threw my entire day off kilter. Standing like a statue at this party isn’t my idea of fun, and my sourpuss face shows it.
    Avery cornered me. “What’s your problem?”