Wait—Did I Steal Your Best Buddy While You Were ‘Missing’? HELL YES!! Chapter 03
I found out Callan’s secret.
And just like that, I was in too deep.
I know I should push him away.
Should stop the touching, the kissing, all of it.
But I can’t.
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Maybe because when I was crying myself sick over Jasper, Callan was the only one who stayed.
Or maybe because I’d already started suspecting the whole thing was fake.
What kind of parents don’t report their missing son-and actually stop his girlfriend from filing a report?
What kind of friends keep throwing parties while one of them has supposedly vanished?
Today just confirmed what I already knew-
They all played me.
Even Callan was part of it.
Back to right now: Callan still hasn’t let go of me.
“Did you make dinner? I’m starving.”
“Yeah, all your favorites.”
“Heat it up then.”
“Okay.”
He jumped right to it, didn’t even blink at my tone.
After we ate, I pulled off my shirt and tossed it at him.
“Wash this.”
He paused. “Can I?”
“Yeah, I’m tired. Don’t feel like doing it myself.”
He looked like I’d given him some kind of prize.
Wait. Did I Steal Your Port Ruddy While You Were ‘Miscing’2 HELI VESIL
Holding my shirt as he disappeared into the bathroom.
I knew he’d be in there at least twenty minutes.
Soon as he was gone, I grabbed his phone off the table and unlocked it.
Sure enough-Jasper had a burner account to stay in touch with everyone.
First few days, he’d asked about me.
Jasper: How’s Lexie doing?
Callan: She cried for hours today.
Jasper: She’ll be fine. That’s just how she is-clingy and dramatic. Thanks for keeping an eye on her.
Callan: When does this end?
Jasper: ???
Callan: If you don’t like her, just break up. Don’t play games.
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Jasper: I DO like her. She’s just controlling as hell. Won’t even let me go out drinking at night. Scarlett’s right-she needs to learn her place.
Callan didn’t respond after that.
Then a group chat notification popped up.
The name: Princess Scarlett and Her Three Servants.
Princess Scarlett: Fresh update-Lexie cried at work yesterday! Her coworkers saw the whole thing!
Servant #1 (Jasper): I heard about that.
Princess Scarlett: Told you my plan would work~ You owe me dinner, Jas.
This was Jasper and Scarlett’s group chat.
Four guys total, three labeled “Servant.”
But the fourth-Callan-kept his real name.
I’d heard about this before.
Callan joined later, probably because his family’s investment firm made him useful to them.
He barely talked in the chat though. Mostly just Jasper going on and on about Scarlett.
Servant #1 (Jasper): Dinner? I’ve bought you plenty.
I literally gave you one of my credit cards. Lexie used to lose it over that.
Princess Scarlett: That was hilarious. What’s her problem?
We’ve known each other since we were kids. She’s just jealous I have guy friends. eye roll emoji
Jasper: Don’t be mad, princess. From now on, any gift I get for her, you pick first. Deal?
Princess Scarlett: Fine, that’s better.
I felt sick.
I scrolled back further.
They talked every single day, like they were flirting.
Every time Jasper was late to our dates-Scarlett.
That time I was alone at urgent care with an IV in my arm-he was with Scarlett.
Even my Valentine’s Day gift was something Scarlett looked at first and didn’t want.
A new private message popped up.
Jasper texting Callan.
Jasper: Oh yeah, just remembered.
Two months ago at Scarlett’s birthday-I got wasted and crashed at her place. Don’t let that slip.
If anyone asks, tell them I was with you that night.
I typed slowly, copying Callan’s style: What’s going on with you two?
Jasper: Dude, we said we wouldn’t talk about it.
Scarlett and I are pretending that night never happened.
Only way we can stay friends.
Just then, Callan came out of the bathroom.
Clothes washed, expression calm-but his eyes were still kind of red.
I smiled at him. “Your hands work well for you?”
He froze.
We’d done some stuff-kissing, touching-but never went all the way.
“Did you get anything on my shirt?”
I pointed at it. “You know, while you were in there?”
“I washed it clean. You can check if you want.”
“Relax, I’m not judging.”
I looked him over-six-two, perfect build.
Better than Jasper in every way that matters.
“I might need you to wash a dress later too.”
“What?!”
I stood on my toes and kissed him before he could think about it.
“Callan.”
I whispered, making my eyes go all sad.
“I think Jasper really is dead.”
“Will you stay with me tonight…”
