Friends Like These

1

Jessica

Morning, beautiful.

I flip over and there s his face, inches from mine ­Jake, my boyfriend and my next-­door neighbor. You scared me, I whisper.

His shadowy lips curve into a grin. I was shooting for romantic.

Well, you missed.

He rolls off the bed and turns on my light, posing in the most un-­Jake-­like outfit I can imagine: a cute dolphin-­print shirt with matching dolphin-print shorts and a pair of white-­rimmed sunglasses. At least I m well-­dressed.

Oh my god, why? I sputter.

Because I m taking you to the beach to see the sunrise. I even packed food.

I stretch and roll onto my side, prop my head up in my hand. You look like a tourist.

He adjusts the brightly colored shorts and slides off his glasses. A sexy tourist?

No such thing.

Jake sweeps me up, tucks my legs around his waist, and nuzzles my neck. So, are you up for a sunrise surprise? We have to hurry.

I gaze into his eyes, sweet caramel-­brown framed by long black lashes. I already know this picnic will be missing napkins or drinks or something essential, and Jake will insist on bringing his obnoxious dog, Otis, and there s no way we ll get to the coast in time for the sunrise, which happens in the east, not the west (and I think deep down Jake knows this), but none of it matters. The date will be perfect because we ll be together, so I agree. Yeah, I m up for it.

Jake inhales in that slow way of his, as if he s breathing me into his lungs. Then he sets me down and enjoys the peep show while I change into jeans and a sweatshirt, beachwear in Northern California. Ready, Mrs. Healy? he asks, giving me his last name.

Ready, Mr. Sanchez, I reply, giving him mine.

Jake collects his backpack and drops his sunglasses back over his eyes. Otis is going to be very happy you said yes. He s already in the truck.

I lead Jake out of my bedroom with happiness blooming in my stomach at being correct, because of course Otis is in the

Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is the author of ten published novels, including the YA thriller Lies Like Wildfire and two middle-grade fantasy series, but this is not where she started. After earning her BA in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, Jennifer went into finance, of all things. It was many years and several rejected manuscripts later before she accomplished her childhood dream of becoming an author. Jennifer no longer works in finance and spends her days dreaming up stories. She also teaches creative writing classes through her local library, encouraging others to write their own stories. Jennifer divides her time between Northern California and Middle Tennessee with her husband, kids, and more than her fair share of pets. You can follow her on Instagram @jennifer_lynn_alvarez or Twitter @Jenniferdiaries. Visit her online at jenniferlynnalvarez.com.

Praise for Friends Like These:

"Sharp, atmospheric, and wildly fast-paced, Friends Like These will leave you breathless as you rush to find out the truth hidden in the corners of Crystal Cove. A harrowing, nuanced portrayal of how far some will go to keep their secrets untold." JESSICA GOODMAN, NYT bestselling author of They'll Never Catch Us

This tangled story about terrible choices, mistaken assumptions, and the all-to-thin line between friends and enemies expertly cranks up the tension chapter-by-chapter until it leaves you dangling on the edge of a cliff and desperate for answers. GINNY MYERS SAIN, author of Dark and Shallow Lies

"Intoxicating and propulsive; an emotional rollercoaster that doesn't let up until the final, brutal twist." ALEXA DONNE, author of The Ivies

"An intoxicating must-read thriller, with characters so raw and human, you'll feel the full force of every twist." JARROD SHUSTERMAN, New York Times bestselling author of Dry

"A summer-y thriller in the depths of fall, Friends Like These has the sort of propulsive fun you expect in your favorite beach reads." Paste

"This drama sucks you right in." Girls' Life

"With pulsing dialogue and believable action, the thriller raises the stakes at every turn. A fast-paced thriller to keep readers on the edges of their seats." Kirkus

"For those who adore edgy thrillers, this is a fantastic read." Booklist

"Alvarez sensitively examines themes of bullying and consent in this jam-packed thriller." PW

"This fast-paced thriller will keep readers hooked right up to the last page." SLJ

Praise for Lies Like Wildfire:

Five fiery stars for this bingeable, edge-of-your-seat, twisty thriller. NATASHA PRESTON, NYT bestselling author of The Lake