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?"

knew he had a point, leaving him stuck

long-lost cousin, had just returned, but no one had seen her yet. Rumor had it that she wasn't exactly easy on the eyes, which was why she had

because she wasn't pretty. But as a guy in

turned

"I'm busy too."

didn't even look

frowned. "Busy

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

mock defeat. "Unbelievable! When I hit a little bump in the road, you guys all start making excuses. My heart is breaking

smirked. "Hade's probably free. Why don't you ask

do it, how

an eyebrow. "You

laughing. "Exactly. You might be surprised-Hade

scratched his head. "Yeah, maybe I'll

were out for drinks that night,

the four of them, Hayden

had always wondered if Hayden had any desires at

number. After about thirty seconds, Hayden's cool, steady voice came

"Hello?"

I need

"No."

shut me down like that! I haven't even told you what it is yet. It's super simple, I promise. Hardly

the first day of school, can you pick up my cousin for