Shrugging, I kicked the dirt again, “I told her Mackey was into her.”
“He’s into anything with a pussy.”
“Lucky for her then.”
“You okay, man? Your parents never made it?”
Giving him a little shake of my head, I mumbled, “No.”
“Shit, bro, I’m sorry. Listen, you want to come back to the house and hang out? Mom’s making lasagna.” Despite his parents being out of town a lot, whenever they were back, Mrs. Bennet insisted on having quality family time.
“Nah, I should probably get home and make sure everything is okay.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yeah but tell your mom and dad I said hi.”
Asher clapped me on the back before making his way over to his Jeep.
“Yo, Chase,” it was Jase’s voice. “Are you coming to Bell’s?” He started walking over, a few guys lingering behind, waiting for their QB to give the order.
“I need to get home.”
“Come on, bro, we always celebrate a win together.” He was right, we did. But I wasn’t feeling it tonight.
“I’m needed back at the house.” It wasn’t a complete lie.
“I know your mom has got stuff going on, but it’s senior year.” He sounded irritated. “They know you need to prioritize the team. You don’t have to feel gui—”
“Tomorrow I’m there, okay?” I offered him a small nod, hoping he’d drop it.
He studied me for a couple seconds longer and then shrugged. “Yeah, whatever, man. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Jase was pissed but he didn’t get it.
Maybe he never would.
And until recently, it had never been a problem.
Hailee
Since I’d attended the football game with her last night, Flick agreed to humor me at The Alley. It was our usual hangout, mostly because the football team rarely came around here. They preferred to go to Bell’s, a bar downtown. The owner there was a huge football fan, letting the team come and go as they pleased. Needless to say, I avoided it at all costs. Even if they did have the best chili fries in town.
But The Alley was cool. It had roller skating; bowling; a small arcade; a diner; and, on a weekend, Tate, the owner, let local bands perform. He wasn’t like Jerry, the owner of Bell’s, who let the team drink and get up to no good, but it was still a good time.
The second reason I loved The Alley so much... It sat right on the Rixon/Rixon East divide with amazing views of the Susquehanna River. It was like my very own Switzerland. A football free zone, untouched by the rivalry between the Raiders and the Eagles. Anyone was welcome to hang out here, but Tate would kick your ass to the curb quicker than you could say ‘go Raiders’ if he got wind of any trouble.
Did I mention Tate was my kind of people?
“So, did you hate it as much as you expected?” Flick asked me as we got our milkshakes, and bacon and cheese fries and found a table.
“It was… okay, I guess. But I won’t be rushing to get my tickets for next week’s game.”
“Spoilsport.” She poked out her tongue at me. “The guys looked hot though, right? In those tight pants and shoulder pads.” She practically panted.
“Doesn’t really do it for me.” I shrugged as I stirred strawberry sauce patterns in my shake.
“I’m sorry,” Flick choked out. “But are you blind?”
“I just don’t find football players hot.” Except maybe one but he was an asshole that I wanted nothing to do with. Ever. Again.
Flick scrutinized me, her narrowed eyes searching my face. “What?” I asked, uncomfortable with her probing gaze.
“You’re hiding something.”
“Am not.” Great comeback, idiot.
“Hails…”
“Flick…” I met her steely gaze with my own.
“It’s him, isn’t it? Cameron? Has he gotten under your skin?”
“What? No.”
“You’re being cagey. I know something happened. You might as well tell me now or I’ll only—”
“Fine,” I hissed. “Fine. Just keep it down, okay?” My eyes surveyed the immediate vicinity for any kids from school. Shuffling closer to the table, I leaned forward on my arms. “He kissed me.”
“Kissed you?” Her eyes almost bugged out of her head. “And you didn’t tell me? When did this happen? Was there tongue? Was he any good?” She groaned. “Of course he was good; it’s Cameron Chase for Christ’s sake.”
“Flick.” I gave her a pointed look. “Breathe.”
“I… wow.” A dreamy expression washed over her. “He kissed you.” Her expression changed to a smug one. “I knew it. I knew he wanted you.”
“Have you forgotten what he did to me?”
“Foreplay, Sista. I’m telling you, it’s all foreplay.”
“You have a very strange view of the world.”
“I’m just saying, being a grade A asshole comes hand in hand with being a Raider. Those guys are… well, they’re a law unto themselves. It’s just how it is. You know Coach has all these rules about them dating and girls being a distraction.”
“So that gives them license to sleep with half the girls at school and never call them again?” My brow rose. I wasn’t buying into it, no way.
“That’s not what I’m saying, but the whole town puts them on this pedestal. It’s no wonder they’re the way they are when you think about it.”
“Is there something you need to tell me?” I flipped the tables on her.
“What? No!” She blushed and alarm bells rang out in my head. “I’m just saying…”
“Sounds a lot like you’re defending them if you ask me.”
“Oh, stop.” Flick shot me a bemused look. “Everyone knows the guys on the team are manwhores. They don’t date, they don’t fall, and they certainly don’t kiss girls for the sake of kissing them.” It was her turn to raise a brow.
“They kiss girls for the sake of it all the time.”
“Where did Cameron kiss you?”
“W- what?” I gawked at her, feeling myself grow hot.
“Answer the question, Hails.”
“Where do you think he kissed me? On the mouth, dumbass.” Although I couldn’t deny the idea of him kissing me in other places had me pressing my knees together. Get a grip Hailee Raine. You hate him, remember? Hate. Him.
“No, I mean where did he kiss you? At a party? In the hall at school? At home? In your bedroom? Dumbass.”
“I… hmm… in the janitor’s closet at school.”
“Oh, this just keeps getting better.” Flick smirked, amusement dancing in her eyes. “And how, pray tell, did you end up in the janitor’s closet with him?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Doesn’t matter? Are you freaking kidding me? I think it matters; I think it matters a whole lot. You like him, don’t you?”
Like him?
I didn’t like Cameron Chase.
I hated him with every fiber of my being.