Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 696 Zoren Needs a Favor

"Jas, Jas?"

"Hmm?"

Zoren looked at him, puzzled. "Did you not hear what I just said?"

Jasper chuckled awkwardly, his eyes glued to his phone screen. "Oh, what did you say?"

Zoren sighed in exasperation and repeated, "I said my uncle's daughter, who's been away for years, is coming back. She'll be attending our school, and my mom wants me to help her get settled on the first day. But I already made plans with some people, so I'm too busy. Could you pick her up for me?"

Jasper grinned, patting Zoren's shoulder, then took a swig from the beer can on the table. "Some people? You mean the History Department beauty, Amelia?"

Zoren froze. "How did you know?"

Jasper flipped his phone around, showing Zoren his social media feed. A girl's profile picture was front and center, along with a selfie from the other night at the bar. Though it was just a selfie, Zoren could clearly be seen in the background, lounging on the couch. With a teasing grin, Jasper said, "So, you're ditching your cousin to hang out with a girl, huh? Not exactly the best move."

Zoren grimaced. "Why bring that up? Geez.

"Anyway, I really can't make it. Can't you go for me, just this once?"

Jasper didn't hesitate to refuse. He leaned back in his chair and said, "No way, I'm busy too. Just because you're going out doesn't mean I don't have plans.

"Do I look like someone who shows up early to things?"

he had a point, leaving him stuck

it that she wasn't exactly easy on the eyes, which was why she

pretty. But as a guy in his prime,

Zoren turned

"I'm busy too."

look up from his

frowned. "Busy

but I'll tell you more later. My mom wants me to lie low for a bit. On the first day of school, I'm getting a

in mock defeat. "Unbelievable! When I hit a little bump in

probably free. Why don't you ask

you guys to do it, how am I supposed to get him to help? Forget

eyebrow. "You won't

laughing. "Exactly. You

maybe

for drinks that night, but Hayden hadn't

nightlife. Of the four of them, Hayden was

Hayden had any desires at

Hayden's number. After about thirty seconds, Hayden's

"Hello?"

need a

"No."

that! I haven't even told you what it is yet. It's super simple, I promise. Hardly any trouble

of school, can you pick