"Please tell me you don't believe what those people have been saying about me while I'm gone, because that would be messed up," you say, your tone bordering on accusatory. Apparently vulnerability isn't your strong suit today.
"Of course not. Jeez," Addy says. "You really think we'd believe you killed Rex?"
"Those two people have been looking at you for a long time," Kirill tells you, and he's not talking about the lobstermen. He gestures to a blue car in the parking lot with two figures leaning against it as they watch your every move.
"Oh, crap," Diego breathes. "Hey, why don't we go to my place? We can…watch a movie! Like, right now. Really, people, we should go."
By the time Diego starts trying to physically usher you all away, Caleb is already approaching while Ashley remains behind at the car. Whatever he has to say to you, it would be worse if you ran away. He is the picture of confidence with his relaxed gait, perfect side swept dreads, and "I just threw this together" photoshoot-worthy pseudo-hipster outfit.
"Hey," he says, raising a hand to stop any refusal before it can be issued. "I just want to talk to Petzeiros. That's all."
The last time someone "just wanted to talk" to you, they ended up dead.
"We never got a chance to talk things over before you left, and it felt like something we should do in person," Caleb says, his eyes glued to your face the whole time. The smile he flashes for you is friendlier than any he's given you before. "I'd like to have you over to my house later tonight if you'd be up for it. I'll get a pizza."
"Yeah, right," Addy growls.
"Listen, it's just to chat. That's all. You really think the sheriff's son wants to get into trouble?"
"Hasn't stopped you before," Diego mutters.
"What was that?" Caleb asks. Though only a couple inches taller than Diego, he still seems to tower over him somehow.
"Nothing," Diego quickly replies.
"Anyway. Petzeiros, what do you say? My house. Pizza. Smooth things over?"
You look up at Ashley, who is still leaning against the car. She won't even look at you. Instead she pulls at a strand of her long blonde hair as she stares at the ground and pushes around some gravel with her sneaker.