The moment he leaves, my chest becomes heavy again. I rub the spot, trying to soothe the phantom pain away. We parted ways on a positive note, so why the hell do I still feel like the worst of the storm is yet to come?
41
CHARLIE
I watch Troy’s game on TV and try not to think about the fact that he didn’t ask me to come this time. Was it because he knows I’m not a sports fan, or maybe he secretly regrets me coming the last time? I know my thoughts are irrational and have no merit, but when the camera shows Brooke’s face in the crowd, jealousy makes me see red. Her being there might not be because she’s still trying to win Troy back. She might enjoy football for real. But that doesn’t comfort me. Maybe I should have been a better girlfriend and asked for tickets.
I turn off the TV and stomp to my room. I never asked Troy if Brooke had been invited to Andreas’s party, but I’m going to assume she was. I didn’t have the chance to put her in her place when I caught her with Troy the last time, but if I see her tonight, all bets are off. What she did was fucked up. Getting drunk and coming on to Troy while I was somewhere in that party. Never mind her cunt of a friend who called Ben names.
This year was the first that I didn’t think of a creative Halloween costume. My parents’ issue and Troy have kept my mind distracted. It isn’t a real problem when half my closet is filled with cosplay outfits, though most of them aren’t sexy enough for tonight’s party. I only have one that will do. I pull the zipper of the garment bag down and run my hand over the smooth red velvet fabric of Raven the Sorceress’s dress. It hugs my curves in all the right places and has a plunging neckline that’s made to make men go crazy. She’s the master of seduction in our game, a reformed bad girl, per se.
I take my time in getting ready, knowing Troy won’t be home for hours. I have a towel wrapped over my head and my body snuggled in my fuzzy robe when I hear the doorbell ring.
Ah crap. Who can it be?
I decide to ignore it, but it rings again.
Shit. I’d better see who it is.
I make sure to tiptoe down the stairs, just in case whoever is outside isn’t someone I want to make aware I’m home. I look through the peephole and see Jane standing there.
Doesn’t she know Troy has a game?
I open the door a fraction, hiding half my body behind it. “Hi, Jane. What are you doing here?”
“Oh, did I catch you at a bad time?”
“I just got out of the shower. You know Troy is at the game, right?”
“Yeah, but I actually came to see you. Can I come in?
“Sure.” I step away and let her through. This is the first time I’ve been alone with her, and I’m feeling a little self-conscious to be standing naked under my robe. I pull the lapels closer.
“You must think my visit is super strange, but I have two reasons for being here.”
“All right. What are they?”
“I want to see the prop Fred made of me.” She sounds eager.
“He didn’t make it. His father owns a company that does that for movies.”
“Gotcha. So, can I see it?”
“Of course, but let me warn you, it’s pretty disturbing.” I walk to the closet under the stairs where we stored the box.
“Oh, I’m a horror movie enthusiast. Didn’t Troy tell you?”
I wrinkle my nose. “He didn’t mention it, but maybe it’s because I’m the opposite. I’m slowly going through the first season of Supernatural, which, according to him, is the scariest of them all.”
Jane laughs. “Oh my God. Supernatural is not scary.”
“It is to me.” I lift the box and then bring it to the kitchen counter. “Here. Have fun.”
Jane opens the box like a kid opening a Christmas present. She carefully pulls the head out, then smiles from ear to ear at the sight. “Oh my God. This is awesome.”
“Why did Troy think you would have a problem with it?”
She scowls. “Because my brother still thinks I’m a little kid.”
“It’s because of what happened to your brother, huh?”
“Yeah.” Jane’s voice grows sadder. My clue to change the subject.
“What was the second thing you wanted from me?”
Her grim expression vanishes, and there’s now the hint of a smile on her face. “Oh, I wanted to ask if you could do my makeup for Halloween. Troy mentioned you were doing his.”
When did Troy have time to tell her that? I just volunteered for the job this morning. I don’t voice my question though. I don’t want her to think I don’t want to help her.
“Sure. But I warn you, I’m not a professional by any means.”
“As long as you’re better than me.”
“What’s your costume?”
“Harley Quinn in the classic black-and-red jumpsuit. I was thinking you could paint my face white and black around the eyes. I want to be unrecognizable.”
“That sounds simple enough. Do you have a big party at your high school?”
“Something like that. It’s not at my high school. Someone is throwing a party. Don’t let my brother know or he might tell my mother.”
I don’t like that Jane is asking me to keep stuff from Troy, but in this case, I have to agree with her. He’s a little too medieval when it comes to her.
“I won’t tell. I promise.”
“Awesome.” She grins. “Oh, one more thing. Can you take a picture of me with the head?”
I laugh. “Sure.”
If Fred were here to witness this, he might fall in love with Jane on the spot. But I won’t tell him this happened. The last thing I need is one of my friends getting involved with Jane.
Jane is long gone by the time Troy comes home from the game. I’m still wearing my robe, but my makeup and hair are done. He comes straight to my room and sweeps me off my feet while crashing his mouth to mine.
“Troy! You’re going to ruin my makeup.”
“Fine. I won’t kiss you on the mouth, then.” He starts to fumble with my robe, pulling the lapels apart while the sash is still in a knot. “Please tell me you’re naked under this.”
“Yes. Oh my God, what’s with you? Is this a postgame shot of libido thing?”
His rough hands cover my breasts, kneading them while he flicks my nipples with his thumbs. “Don’t you know sports make men hornier?”
“I never dated a jock before, so the answer is no, I didn’t know.”
“Well, babe, you’re soon going to find out there are more perks to dating a jock than a hot bod.” He unties the sash but doesn’t bother to remove the robe before he drops to his knees and parts my folds with his hand.
“Troy….” My voice comes out strangled.
Our eyes meet, and I swear I melt under his heated gaze. I run my fingers through his hair, needing some type of anchor. He kisses each side of my thighs, and then he licks my clit, drawing a loud moan from me. With each sweep of his tongue and playful bite, he drives me crazy. My legs can barely support my weight. Troy must have sensed that because he keeps a firm hold on them.