CHAPTER 5
Falling Hard
As I put on my shoes, I overheard Mom and Aunt Nicole talking again.
"...Yeah, but her dad was obsessed with it. Too obsessed. It was always training, always pushing her. I just don't want her to feel like she has to live up to that."
Aunt Nicole hummed in understanding. "I get it."
"Just keep it between us," Mom added.
"Of course."
I swallowed hard. I didn't realize how much my mom noticed.
Before I could dwell on it, Aunt Nicole spoke up. "Arienne, it's getting dark. Do you mind if Zayn goes with you to the store?"
I froze.
"Oh, I can go alone," I said quickly.
She gave me a look. "It's dark outside, and it's safer to have someone with you."
Before I could argue, Zayn beat me to it.
"I don't mind," he said casually, hands in his pockets. "Someone's gotta keep trouble out of trouble."
Oh my god.
I turned to Aunt Nicole, desperate. "I'll be fine."
She smiled knowingly. "I'd feel better if someone was with you."
I sighed. Great. Just great.
"Fine," I muttered, grabbing my jacket. "Let's get this over with."
Zayn grinned. "Relax, Ari. It's just juice."
I shot him a look. "Say one more word, and I'm leaving you outside."
He laughed as we stepped out into the night, the door closing behind us.