#Chapter 53: After Curfew

As I packed my suitcase for the trip to the cheerleading competition, I dreaded what was to come. Having no choice, I had to accept Elena’s request to hold parties in my room. I hadn’t a clue how I was going to finagle my way around drinking alcohol again, especially without Asher’s help this time. Plus, I was sure to be exhausted from the competition. When I was tired, my mouth sometimes got away from me. I worried I might give away too much. But what could I do? To back out now was the admit defeat. I wasn’t going to give up, no matter what. Even as anxious as I was, no one was gloomier than Asher who loomed in my doorway, watching me, his passive expression in place. I was getting better at reading him. I knew he was worried. I had decided not to mention the party to him. If he knew about it, he might get an ulcer. Or do something rash, like insist I not go. He crossed his arms as I stuffed more clothes into my suitcase and started to close it. We both avoided looking at th