Out of Character (True Colors 2)

“I’m trying. But I want to earn it too.” My ribs ached with all that I wanted to get right in my life.

Jasper didn’t let go of my arm, gazing deep into my eyes like he could see all that yearning churning inside of me. “And that’s admirable. Truly. And I want to help.”

“Thanks.” I didn’t deserve this guy or his faith in me. He seemed so certain that I could deal with whatever was coming my—our—way, and I wished I shared that attitude, wished my stomach wasn’t churning, wished we had more time. Jasper might believe, but I wasn’t so sure that doom wasn’t lurking right around the corner, waiting for us.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jasper

“What are you doing here?” My Wednesday was already going haywire when George walked into the game store. I’d had an early morning class and now was helping Arthur because another employee had called in sick and there was a bunch of new merchandise to inventory before the weekend rush. I’d have to hurry to make it to the cosplay group on schedule, and I did not have time to deal with freaking George of all people.

“Now, is that any way to greet a paying customer?” He looked slick as always—expensive sneakers, pristine clothes despite slushy weather, perfectly arranged hair, and weaselly expression already in place.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I thought Arthur banned you from the store.”

“Correction. He banned me from playing here. Not shopping. My money’s as good as anyone else’s, and I need some booster packs for a draft party I’m having tonight. Thought I had enough but it looks like I’m more popular than I anticipated.”

With anyone other than George, draft parties were super fun as everyone got a set number of card packs and raced to build decks with the cards they scored and then played each other for prizes and bragging rights.

“Planning to cheat more so-called friends out of premium cards?” I wasn’t going to bring up Milo by name, but I couldn’t resist a dig.

He made a scoffing noise. “You’re jealous that I’m a superior player.”

“Superior at cheating, sure.” I shrugged, no closer to retrieving the packs for him.

“I could go pro and you know it, Quigley.” His sneer transformed him from slick to slimy and no way could I let that stand.

“Prove it.” Slapping my hands on the counter, I stared him down.

“How?”

“Rumor has it you recently acquired Frog Court cards. Play me for them.” I could already hear Milo’s protest in my head, but I was too pissed to reconsider my brash proposition. Milo might hate the idea, yet I’d also bet he wouldn’t turn down the missing cards. I’d almost qualified to the finals at the Philly tournament. I could do this for him as well. Even simply thinking it had my shoulders lifting. I wanted to be the one to do this for him.

“In your dreams.” George made a dismissive gesture. “Even if I had said cards, why would I wager them against you? What’s going to be your bet? Even that beat-up roller skate you call a car isn’t worth as much as a single one of those cards.”

He had a point, but I also knew exactly what would tempt him. “I have a ticket to the launch party in NYC.”

“Keep talking.” He was playing it cool, but the light in his eyes gave him away.

“Play me in the new tournament style they just announced. Best two out of three.” I liked this format because it was newer and therefore less likely that George would have already found a hack. “Bet me those cards.”

“I might think about it.” His smug smile had my fists clenching.

“You do that.” I finally gave in and slapped the booster packs down on the counter for him. “Now how many did you need?”

“Fifteen from the latest set.” He pulled out a gleaming credit card. “Why are you suddenly so interested in rares? They hardly fit your…style.”

“None of your business.” It was, however, Milo’s business, and he was undoubtedly going to have lots to say about me trying to goad George into a game. In fact, it might be better simply not to tell him yet. Wait to see if George actually took the bait.

At least that was how I attempted to rationalize things on the way to the hospital. I was a couple of minutes late, and Milo was already in costume, sitting in the waiting area with Kellan, laughing at a story Jasmine was telling while April sat on his other side. Watching him with my friends gave me a strange pang. I loved seeing him integrated into our little group, loved him getting better taste in friends, but I also knew how much more it was going to suck if things didn’t work out between us. It wouldn’t be only myself who was let down.