Why is everyone so blood thirsty? “Emma, you need to calm down.”
“NO. Fuck that. I don’t need to calm down for anyone. Marcus is a lying heap of shit. Monique is a giant whore who’ll spread her legs for every guy at school. I hate her. I hate him too,” Emma says bitterly.
I turn to face Beck, who’s watching me with a questioning gaze. I place a hand over my phone. “It’s Emma,” I whisper to him.
“Marcus is the one you should be mad at,” I tell her. “He’s the one who said he wasn’t with her anymore.”
“Only because she keeps chasing after him! She’s relentless!”
She’s not going to hear anything I have to say to her, so I stop trying to convince her. “Do you want me to meet you somewhere?”
“No, it’s okay. Marcus just got into his car. He’s leaving. I’m going home too.” She exhales loudly. “I guess there’s no point in yelling at him for the rest of the night. He’ll just get madder at me.”
Oh geez. This probably means if he sweet talks her later and promises he won’t get with Monique ever again, my friend will most likely take him back.
“Go home, take a shower and try to get some sleep. Things will become clearer in the morning,” I tell her, wanting to roll my eyes at my lame advice.
But it’s true, right? She’s pissed right now. Some sleep and distance will help her see what Marcus did to her. And how she needs to end things with him, once and for all.
“You’re right. Thanks, Addie. I’ll text you later,” she says, sounding exhausted.
“Drive safe.” I end the call with a sigh and glance over at Beck. “She caught Marcus with Monique in the school parking lot.”
Beck’s brows lift. “Doing what?”
“Not sure, but it was definitely something they shouldn’t have been doing.” I shake my head, already reaching for the door handle to climb into my car. “I should probably go.”
“Thanks again for coming by.” He smiles at me.
I smile at him in return, trying to ignore the nagging worry that’s hanging over me.
Not about Beck, but my best friend. She’s changed. Slowly but surely.
And I’m worried about her.
TWENTY-SEVEN
BECK
I finally return to school on Friday, enthusiastically welcomed back by my friends the moment I exit the parking lot and head up the sidewalk. They’re clustered together as usual, standing in a group near the edge of the cafeteria and I can’t help it…
Disappointment hits me when I realize Addie isn’t with them.
That’s probably because Marcus is standing there with Monique draped all over him, her arms looped around his neck while he completely ignores her and talks to everybody else. He’s not even looking at her, but her attention is totally on him and no one else.
It’s kind of pathetic, her behavior. Sasha was affectionate with me, but not like that. We weren’t big on PDA, and I wasn’t filled with the need to publicly claim her at school.
I feel different about Addie though. Even though we haven’t one hundred percent confirmed it, I do think of her as my girl…
And I want every motherfucker on this campus to know it.
“Callahan! You’re back.” Dom breaks free of the group and approaches, extending his hand toward me. I grab it, performing one of those complicated handshakes we love to make up, grinning at him. “We’ve missed you.”
“Glad to be back.” I glance around before I ask, “Have you seen Liam yet?”
Dom nods, his expression turning serious. “He was hanging out by the gym after we got out from conditioning.”
Hate that I had to miss a conditioning session, but I’ll be back at it next week. As will Liam. Shit. “How was he?”
“Pretty much fuming, but when is he not? I guess his dad made his time off from school fuckin’ miserable. And I guess Addie hasn’t reached out to him at all, which pisses him off even more.”
I keep my expression neutral, secretly relieved that she hasn’t talked to him. Not that I thought she would.
She’s been too busy talking to me. We’ve been texting pretty much nonstop since Tuesday night, when she stopped by with the excuse of bringing my homework. That kiss we shared…I had to restrain myself from jumping her out in the road.
Neighbors probably wouldn’t have liked that. They’re kind of snooty.
The car that drove by caused us to separate. And then my mom…
Cockblocked by my mother. Unbelievable, but also typical.
I’m a patient man. I will make Addie completely mine, and soon.
No doubt about it.
I’m pulled into the group by Dom, all of them happy to see me with the exception of Monique, who watches me with a faint sneer on her face. Not that I care, considering I don’t really like her much. She’s trouble. She and Marcus eventually wander off, and I’m glad.
I’d rather just hang with my bros and catch up.
We’re talking about tonight’s game and how they think it’s going to be an easy win. I smile and nod and agree with them, secretly wishing I could play. It’s going to kill me, standing on the sideline, watching it all go down, and not being able to do anything.
Freaking sucks.
The bell is about to ring when I spot Addie walking toward us, Tori beside her, wearing Dom’s jersey. Without hesitation, I break away from the group, falling into step right beside Addison, the smile on her face making me grin in response.
“Morning, Adds.” I flick my chin toward Tori. “Nice jersey, Victoria.”
Tori scowls at me right before she starts laughing. “What’s up with the full name, Mr. Callahan?”
“Don’t know. Guess I’m in a good mood.” I shrug, my gaze on Addie. She’s the reason I’m in a good mood. Seeing her is the perfect way to brighten my day.
Dom approaches, grabbing Tori by the arm and pulling her in for a quick hug and a smacking kiss on the lips. Guess they’re pretty much official.
Helps that he pulled Tori away though, because it gives me a chance to talk with Addie alone while we head for class. The bell rings, causing people to spring into action, but we’re walking slowly, lagging behind everyone else heading to their first period.
“I should’ve asked you to wear my jersey,” I say, my voice quiet as we walk side by side. “But I’m not even playing…”
“I still would’ve worn it,” she admits, and I send her a quick look, noticing how pink her cheeks are.
“But I’m not playing, so I didn’t want you—or me—to hear a bunch of shit from people.” I’m half-tempted to take her hand, but I don’t. “Next week for sure. If you want to wear it.”
“I want to,” she says quickly, laughing nervously. “Um, yeah. I should’ve probably played it cool just now.”
“You don’t have to do that with me, Adds,” I say easily, confidence making me stand taller.
This girl wants me. Maybe even as badly as I want her.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Addie says after we’re quiet for a few seconds. “It’s been weird, not having you around.”