Overtaken Read Free Page A

me,” she said, humbly patting her heart with her right hand. “I’m just sorry that Maya’s not here.”
    I stole a glance at Jackson, desperate for guidance.
    What do we say about Maya’s disappearance?
    â€œYeah, too bad,” Jackson said, all cool and calm. “Haven’t seen her since school the other day. I don’t know where she is.”
    â€œWell, I’m happy everyone else came. And I know we only just met, Nica,” Dana added with a warm smile, “but I’m so glad you came too.”
    â€œThanks for including me.” I smiled back, relieved to be off Maya but also determined not to reveal even the slightest hint that I might not trust Dana.
    â€œNow, if you don’t mind,” Dana said, slipping her arm through Jackson’s, “I need to steal this guy for a few.”
    â€œSteal away,” I retorted dryly, my eyes lingering on Jackson, wondering what he was thinking.
    Jackson looked back at me, giving me a subtle nod, knowing we had much more to discuss. “Catch you later, Nica.”
    I nodded and watched Dana lead Jackson over to her suddenly effusive parents, who embraced him like a long-lost relative or future son-in-law—instead of the persona non grata he’d been since Dana’s disappearance. I could read from Jackson’s stiff body language that he was being polite but skeptical. He didn’t seem to be buying their abrupt conversion any more than I was.
    While everyone gorged on barbecue chicken wings and pasta salad, I felt claustrophobic and forced my way outside. The cold, crisp Colorado air hit my lungs. I needed to clear my head and try to think, which I seemed to be having a lot of trouble doing lately. I breathed deeply and looked up at the sky. Because of the altitude and our relative isolation, the sky was dotted with thousands of tiny stars. It was so beautiful.
    â€œEverything okay out here, Nica?” A sweet voice expressed concern.
    Busted, I spun around to see that none other than the hostess of the party, Dana Fox, had come outside to check up on me with a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
    â€œYes, fine,” I sheepishly replied to Dana, taking the mug from her with a grateful smile. I was completely mortified at being found out. “Just needed some fresh air.”
    Dana furrowed her brow, definitely unconvinced. “You’re going to freeze your ass off.” Her arms were crossed and she was rubbing them briskly to keep warm. The sweater she wore over black leggings seemed to help.
    â€œThat wouldn’t necessarily be such a bad thing,” I joked, turning my head as I pretended to check out the size of my butt in my favorite black jeans.
    Dana laughed and shook her head in casual dismay. “Anyone ever tell you you’re—no offense—the tiniest bit crazy? And I mean that in a good way.”
    â€œI seem to recall the expression nut job being bandied about by various shrinks.”
    â€œUgh, I hate shrinks,” replied Dana. “All they ever want you to do is yak, yak, yak about bullshit. Just leave me alone.”
    â€œYou went to one?” I was surprised by her admission. I hadn’t seen that one coming at all. But I used the unexpected opening to do a bit of snooping.
    â€œPlease,” she remarked with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Who hasn’t?”
    â€œThe curse of our generation,” I quipped, trying to engage her and create a sympathetic bond.
    â€œTell me about it. My overprotective parents had me see this very nice woman in Denver last year. Specialized in teenagers. She meant well. Such a huge time suck.”
    â€œMy mom sent me to one when I was ten,” I confessed. “To make sure I was coping with my parents’ divorce. What was your problem,” I gently pressed, “if you don’t mind me asking?”
    â€œNo big deal really.” Dana shrugged and shook her head. “Jackson and I were going