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?"

point, leaving him stuck in a

yet. Rumor had it that she wasn't exactly easy on the eyes, which was why she had stayed out of the spotlight for

her away just because she wasn't pretty. But as a guy in his prime, he wasn't thrilled about ditching his

Zoren turned to Liam.

"I'm busy too."

look

"Busy

family's dealing with some stuff right now. I can't really get into it, but I'll tell you more later. My mom wants me to lie low for a bit. On the first day of

hit a little bump in the road, you guys all start making excuses. My heart is breaking

free. Why don't

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

eyebrow. "You won't know

in, laughing. "Exactly. You might be surprised-Hade

his head. "Yeah, maybe I'll give

out for drinks that night, but

one for bars or nightlife. Of the four of them, Hayden was the

always wondered if Hayden had any

seconds, Hayden's cool, steady voice

"Hello?"

I need a

"No."

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

of school, can