Chapter 146 Cameron Isn’t A Slacker
Xander was fuming and immediately slammed a video call over to Austin, who was caught off guard by the call.
Holding his phone, Austin glanced at the group and cleared his throat. “Uh…guys, Xan‘ s video calling us.”
Elijah looked up at him. “Xander?”
Austin nodded. “Yeah. Should I answer?”
Bradley said, “Pick up. Maybe he needs something.”
Austin glanced at Cameron, who remained silent, then answered the call with a smile. ” What’s up, Xan?”
“Where are you guys?” Xander demanded, his voice sharp with irritation.
“We’re at West Hill,” Austin replied. “What’s wrong, Xan? You seem pissed.”
Xander snapped, “You all went out without me? Trying to freeze me out or what? Just for that little punk Cameron, you’re all ditching me?
“What did I even do? All I did was ask him to play basketball. Was that so unforgivable that you all had to leave me out?”
Xander was like a firecracker–ready to go off at the smallest spark. But Austin had no idea what to do.
Trying to smooth things over, Austin turned to Cameron and aimed the camera at her. Then, he explained, “Xan, you misunderstood us, seriously. We’d never leave you out on purpose. It just sort of happened,“/
Xander shot back, “I don’t care if it’s a coincidence or not. Just wait there for me, I’m coming over right now.”
“Xan-” Austin started, but Xander had already hung up.
Austin let out a long sigh. “He’s coming.”
Elijah barely looked up. “Doesn’t really matter.”
Bradley shrugged. “If he wants to show up, let him.”
The truth was, Bradley just wanted to go for a ride with Cameron. Austin and Elijah tagging along wasn’t part of his plan, so if Xander came over now, it wouldn’t make a difference too.
Cameron still didn’t say a word.
Successfully unlocked!
Austin kept sneaking glances at her before finally walking over. “Cam, you okay? You‘ ve been quiet ever since I got here.”
Cameron looked at him calmly. “You’re overthinking it.”
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Chapter 145 Cameron Isn’t A Stacker
Austin grinned. “Alright, just making sure.”
Xander said he was coming–and, sure enough, he did. About an hour later, he rolled up the mountain on his flashy motorcycle.
He yanked off his helmet angrily before he glared at Cameron. “You punk, you did this. on purpose, didn’t you?”
Cameron didn’t even flinch. She kept staring at the sky like he wasn’t even there.
Xander stormed over to Cameron, all fired up. “Hey, punk, I’m talking to you. What? Are you deaf now?”
“Xander.” Bradley stepped in, planting a firm hand on Xander’s chest and pushing him. back a few steps.
“If you’ve got a problem, take it out on me. I’m the one who suggested coming to West. Hill for a ride today, so if anyone’s leaving you out, it’s me. Be mad at me.”
Xander was caught off guard.
He stared hard at Bradley–the always–composed, hard–to–read Bradley–and for a second, his anger cracked under the weight of something more raw.
“You’re taking his side?” Xander questioned hurtfully. “Brad, really? Why are you defending him? You barely even know the guy. What’s he ever done for you?”
Bradley said, “I’m not taking anyone’s side. I’m just being fair.”
“Xander, did you come all this way just to pick a fight?” Elijah frowned.
Xander snapped, “And you, Elijah? What the hell happened to you? You’re always the one who can’t stand slackers, so why are you standing up for him now? You look down. on me, but you’ve got no problem with Cameron? He’s even worse.”
“You’re wrong,” Elijah said calmly. “Cameron’s not a slacker.”
Xander shot back, “Not a slacker? He’s worse than I ever was. You’re such a damn hypocrite!”
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