Will was in rare comedic form today. The fish had an odor that should be bottled and used in warfare and the slime almost made me lose my lunch. Will thought it would be fun to coat me in fish guts and I told him I would filet him if he did.
At my locker, Jake greeted me hello as if the water park never happened. Cautiously, I listened as he told me he and Caleb made plans to play basketball after school. Just like that, he was off.
Cooking class was last and risotto was on the menu board today. Because of the difficulty, we paired up again: Sophie and me, Mark and Jake, and then Greg and Xander.
I really liked Sophie. I think she needed help in the wardrobe department and could use a self-esteem boost, but she had potential. Once she felt comfortable with someone, she was funny, and I wondered if she and Will could hit it off.
I halted at the fridge and blinked in horror. It was happening to me. I was turning into an amalgam of my mother and Melanie. I might as well put a scarf on my head and belt out a tune to Fiddler on the Roof. Oh no.
Xander and Greg talked the entire hour, whispering most of the time. Jake somehow started a fire and Xander put it out since Mark was too busy texting. With hair considered flammable, it was for the best.
I spilled half our rice. Xander laughed while he helped me sweep and Sophie struggled to save our dish. Our risotto was less gummy than Jake and Mark’s, but of course, Xander and Greg’s won. Even Mrs. Bradley said theirs was the best she had ever tasted. Xander put the tick on the board with a grin pointed at me.
Greg nudged me. “I know I don’t swing that way, Miller, and you are way prettier, but I would consider being Xander’s girlfriend if you don’t want the job anymore. The man can cook!”
“He’s mine, Johnson!” I said.
Xander wrapped his arm around me. “I’m sorry, Greg. I’m a leg man and yours are way too hairy for my taste.”
Greg feigned hurt and then grinned, holding his leg out. “Hair aside, they’re damn fine legs, admit it!”
Sophie and I cleaned up our station, laughing at the boys who were now comparing all their muscles. Before class let out, I asked Xander if he was busy tomorrow afternoon and he wasn’t.
Smiling, I sidled up to my unfortunate partner. “Hey, Sophie, I was wondering if we could spend a few hours together tomorrow after school.”
She looked around the class, pointing to herself as though another Sophie magically appeared in the room. “With me?”
“Yeah. Xander’s taking us to the mall.”
Her eyes widened behind the blue plastic frames. “Oh, I don’t know.”
“Xander will probably wander off to the sporting goods store until we’re done.” Lie, he never left my side, but maybe he would if I asked.
Sophie shifted her feet. “Okay,” she squeaked.
I clapped. “Good. Bring money, we’re going shopping.”
Her face dropped.
Xander eyed me. “What have you gotten me into?”
I put on my puppy dog eyes. “Can you take us to the mall tomorrow?”
He laughed. “You are a saint.”
Walking toward the parking lot, yelling erupted from a growing group of students. Xander texted someone while he dragged me with him.
Two guys were red-faced and coiled for a fight. It was Greg “The Tank” versus Tyler “The Slime-Ball.” Not exactly David and Goliath, but I wouldn’t want to be Tyler.
“You’re disgusting, Gibson!”
Tyler threw his bag down. “Why the hell do you care, Johnson?”
Greg stepped closer. “Why did you do that to Mel? The least you could’ve done was break up with her first.”
“She knew what I wanted,” Tyler stated.
Greg was in striking distance now. “And you didn’t consider what she wanted? No. You just think with your dick!”
“You wouldn’t know anything about that. You’re still a damn virgin!” Tyler laughed.
Greg’s face screwed up and his large arm wound back like a wrecking ball. Before I realized it, Xander was holding Tyler, and Caleb restrained Greg. Neither Wright looked as though it took any effort to keep the guys from Parking Lot Death Match.
Xander called over his shoulder, “This isn’t the way, Greg. He isn’t worth it. Walk away.”
The way Greg was looking at Tyler, I expected him to buck Caleb off and rip Tyler’s arms off his body. After a long beat, Greg grunted and jerked his shirt down. He stormed off and Caleb stared after him.
Tyler spat at Xander, bringing our attention back to the invisible UFC octagon, “Get off me! You and your little bitch are the reason for all of this. Mel thought you guys were perfect and I should act more like you.” He shoved Xander, but Xander didn’t move one inch as though his body was made of stone.
Xander’s stare was piercing and his fists were clenched by his side. I’d never seen Xander look this angry, and I’d be totally okay if I never saw him this way again. He growled, “You should act more like me. And don’t ever call Abby that again.”
Tyler’s fist balled up. I knew it was coming and I couldn’t look away. Tyler swung and connected to Xander’s cheek. Xander remained still as though the fist never hit him, and Tyler cradled his hand, crying out. Caleb shot over to Tyler and examined his hand. A second later, Tyler wiggled his fingers, and then shrugged Caleb off and stomped away.
I spotted Mel and Beth by the Lexus. Stepping over to her, she was an even bigger mess than this morning. “Now everyone knows!” Mel wailed.
Beth tore through her bag for something to sop up Mel’s tears.
I pulled Mel in for a hug, risking the snot. “No, now everyone knows Tyler is a jerk.”
She clung to me. “I just wanted what you have, Abby. I wanted him to hold my hand wherever we went. To stare at me when I wasn’t looking. To watch me leave. To light up when I came into the room. Miss me when I was away. Smile when someone mentioned my name. For him to tell me that he loves me and thinks I’m beautiful. Is that wrong?”
My arms ached for Xander.
Beth produced a wad of clean toilet paper as though she was holding a winning lottery ticket. Mel managed a weak smile, more grimace than smile really.
“No. You deserve it, Mel. I know this is a terrible time to point out the obvious, but that ‘someone’ just defended your honor in front of the whole school.” I nodded to the other side of the parking lot. “I think when you’re ready, your knight in shining armor will be there.”
Wiping her face, she nodded. Once I knew Beth could handle getting her back to the dorm, I turned to see Xander waiting for me.
Taking his hands, I swung them. “I know I’m already monopolizing you tomorrow, but are you busy today, too?”
“Nope. Whatcha need?”
I winced as I asked, “Can you take us to our spot?”
“Uh, sure. You okay?”
I nodded.
While Xander drove, I traced his Claddagh ring. “What did you and Greg discuss in class?”
“Manly things.” He let out a series of caveman grunts.
“Do men usually whisper when they talk about manly things?”
He blew out a sigh. “Greg figured you knew what happened with Mel and also figured you told me. I know he’s had a crush on Mel for some time. I was stupid and told him what Tyler did. He was…happy.”
I tilted my head at him.
Xander explained, “Happy she didn’t have sex with Tyler. He asked about us, well, me. Greg assumed that I was experienced. When I told him I wasn’t, he was surprised, and it gave him hope. He asked me relationship advice, how to treat a girl, how to get Mel’s attention.” He paused. “I shouldn’t have told him the truth. He could’ve really hurt Tyler. I’m sorry for what Tyler said. He was lashing out at me.”
“He hit you pretty hard.” I touched his face, absent of a mark.
“It was a tickle.” He flashed a smile.
There was more to it, more secrets. “Xander, I can’t even tell he punched you.”
He shrugged. “What can I say, I’m just that incredible.” I shook my head at him and we had reached our spot. He asked, “Why have you brought me here today?”
Climbing out of my seat, I tugged him to the back. Finding some courage, I straddled him. With twinkling eyes, he embraced me. “Because Mel pointed out things to me I hadn’t realized you did. And I’m blessed to have you. I wanted to tell you that and needed to show you, this way. I didn’t want to practice in the school parking lot. So, I brought you to a remote mountain to take advantage of you.”
Tightening his hold around me, he rumbled, “I wasn’t complaining.”
40
Abby
Wednesday morning, I spotted Sophie outside the media center doors. She had her hair down and curled like the stylist showed her yesterday. Wearing the new clothes we picked out, the blue blouse was striking against her porcelain skin, and the floral skirt made her legs look long and lean. I got her to recycle the Bingo glasses for a pair of black metal frames that brought out her light brown eyes and into this decade. I had tiptoed around the “no socks with sandals rule” and she wore ballet flats.
I threw her a thumbs-up and she grinned.
“That was a nice thing you did for her yesterday, Abby.” Xander pressed a kiss to my lips.
I shrugged. “She’s a nice girl. She deserved it.”
“I know you think your heart is weak, but it’s one of the strongest and purest I know.”
Finding Mel, she looked better but still raw with hurt. She at least did her hair and makeup and her eyes returned to their pre-swollen size. Hugging her, she gave me a weak smile.
At lunch, every time I turned, Greg was staring at Mel. Xander hit him on the arm to stop him from entering creeper status. How did I not notice Greg liked Mel before?
Tyler made it known he was back with Rachel, and had made more than one appearance at the dorms. That was hurtful. Beth seemed like she was coming around, too. I think being a support for Mel helped Beth snap out of it. I didn’t think she wanted to give up on finding love. They both deserved their own Xander.
Walking into biology, wild sandy hair rested on our desk and I didn’t think the fruit flies were making Will sick.
I slid into my seat. “Will? You okay?”
He turned, keeping his head on the desk as though it weighed fifty pounds. “I have a headache, overdid it on a hike the other day.”
I knew he was prone to migraines, suffered with them all through high school. “Sorry, can I do anything?” I rubbed his shoulder.
Will massaged his temples. “No, I’ll be all right.”
“Listen, I know this is bad timing, but there’s a girl I would like to set you up with.”
His eyes closed and brows rose up. “Oh yeah?”
“But I want you to keep an open mind,” I blurted out.
He mumbled, “Uh, huh.”
“Can you meet me behind Scott Hall after school today?” I winced and waited for his reply.
“Sure.” His eye cracked open. “No, I gotta know, who is it?”
“If I tell you, then you won’t have an open mind. Trust me?”
He squinted and that was either at me or because of the migraine. “All right.”
Today, we were grilling and Jake paired with me. After the water park and his best friend calling me a bitch, working with him was awkward. With a glance down the row, Xander was looking at me. He was paired with Sophie and Greg was on his own since Mark was absent. After announcing he was man enough to handle the kitchen alone, Mrs. Bradley laughed, then conceded.
Jake was helpful while I prepped the steaks and he cut potatoes. He not so subtly pulled the knife away from me, feigning fear. “I get queasy at the sight of blood, Abby. The Union nachos were bad enough the first time around, I don’t want to taste them again.”
“Funny, Turner.” Since I cut my hand, everyone tried to keep me away from the cutlery.
Mrs. Bradley had to step out for a minute to take a phone call.
Jake turned to me, his face solemn. “Abby, I’m sorry Tyler called you that word the other day. He’s an ass.”
I blinked at him, surprised. “Yeah, he is. Thanks.”
He nodded. “High school he was cool. College? I don’t know what happened to the guy. He’s different. I still can’t believe he cheated on Mel.”
“At least it was before they…you know. I’m glad she found out what he was.”
“Me, too. She was too good for him.”
Jake put the potatoes in the oven and I placed the steaks on the stovetop grill. Smoke erupted everywhere, causing me to step back, coughing. I forgot to put the overhead fan on.
Jake reached over me and flipped the switch. “It’s my job to create the fires, Miller. Don’t step on my toes.”
I laughed. “No problem. Consider your toes intact, the pyrotechnics are yours.”
After a beat, he asked, “Hey, I was wondering if you and Xander would come to a game sometime. The coach put me on first string.”
“How great!” I scrunched my nose. “Is first string good?”
Jake tried stifling a laugh. “Yeah, it is. My dad’s pretty excited.”
I looked up at him as though he started speaking Spanish. “I’m sorry. I don’t know anything sports related. What do you…do?”
“My position is a running back,” he explained.
“Oh, that sounds tiring.”
He really laughed this time. “Yeah, it can be.” The steaks spit grease out at me and Jake pulled my shoulders back. “If you were hurt on my watch, I would have Xander and Caleb to answer to. Greg was right. You don’t make it easy, Miller.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Turner.”
Huh, Caleb, too? All of the Wrights were nice to me, but I didn’t think they were protective of me like Xander was.
Jake turned his attention back to the oven and I went to flip the steaks over. My hands slipped and I dropped the greasy tongs. I bent to get them and Jake’s hand appeared on mine. It was ice cold. “I’ll get those for you, Pink Polka Dots.”
I froze and dropped them again.
His eyes were dark, lifeless. This was the different Jake, evil Jake. He wasn’t drinking—we were joking around together. What was wrong with this guy, split personality disorder?
His stare went to my chest and licked his lips. “You wearing cute pink polka dot panties for me today?”
I breathed out, “What?”
Xander yanked me up by the arm and growled, “Go help Sophie.”
My feet cemented behind Xander, his arm blocking me and he stared Jake down. Xander’s frame was solid like he morphed into a rock, fists clenched. If I thought his Tyler-glare was scary, it had nothing on this one.
Jake stood, never taking his eyes off mine while speaking to Xander. “You get into her panties yet? Tell me, does she get wet for you like she does for me?”
I didn’t see how, but Xander’s arm no longer blocked me and Jake was dangling. Xander’s hand gripped Jake’s neck so hard his fingers were white. Any normal person would have been clawing for breath, but Jake…laughed. Xander carried Jake as though he was made of air and Jake’s dark eyes followed me with a wicked grin in place. When the class door swung open, Caleb was in the hall, seething. What the hell?
Greg blinked like something was wrong with his eyes. Sophie shuffled over to my kitchen and put an arm around me. Shouts and screaming came from down the hall, rousing Greg and he tore out of the room.
Sizzling and burning meat filled the quiet kitchen. Sophie turned the burner off and picked up the metal tongs. Neither one of us knew what to say.
Not long after, Xander and Greg came back in the classroom. No Jake.
Xander bounded over to me and held my face. “Are you okay?”
I may have answered him, but I didn’t remember. Bile inched up my throat, I went as fast as I could to the bathroom, and threw up. A rattle of metal against porcelain pinged in the otherwise silent bathroom. Looking up, I realized it was my ring hitti
ng the bowl.
The door to the stall opened and Calista asked, “Abby, are you okay?”
My legs wobbled and Calista guided me to the sink to rinse my mouth. Her warm hand stayed on my arm. Was that a Wright trait, hot skin? I felt better, my nausea went away, and I thanked Calista.
“Come on, Alexander will be worried if I don’t get you back to him.”
How did she know I was here? Why was Caleb in the hall? Where did Jake go?
As Xander ushered me to my locker, I remembered Will didn’t meet me after class. He must have forgotten. Thank goodness Xander didn’t make me talk. He drove me home and stayed with me, doing our homework together, huddled on the couch, and he stayed for dinner.
After we ate, I excused myself to the bathroom. When I came downstairs, I didn’t see Xander anywhere. Searching the house, I found him and Margaret in the backyard talking. I hoped this meant Margaret was finally coming around and I let them have their moment. A few minutes later, Xander suggested a walk and he grabbed Bozo’s leash.
The nights were cooling off, but it was still warm out. The neighborhood was quiet, lit by street and house lamps. Moths and tiny gnats swarmed to the lights and looked like dust motes from below.
We made it around the block before I decided I was ready to discuss today. “How…did you do that?”
He pinched his brows in question.
I said, “Pick Jake up like he was nothing.”
He looked up to the stars and swallowed. “I don’t know. My mind went blank. Adrenaline, I guess.”
“What did you and Caleb do to him?”
His eyes stayed locked on the sky. “We didn’t hurt him. Caleb talked to him and took him home.” He was lying. Xander didn’t look at me when he couldn’t tell me the truth.
“Why does he act like that? Like Jekyll and Hyde. Sometimes, he’s my friend, and other times, he’s so different. We were talking and joking, then he—” I trembled.
Before I could shudder again, I was wrapped in his arms.
41
Cresil
I almost wrote Jake off as a lost cause, and then it happened. A clang of the tongs and he glanced down. Faster than a rat could flap its pearly wings, wonderful, dirty, lustful thoughts rushed to his brain along to other parts of him. And I slipped right in.
To Fall (The To Fall Trilogy Book 1) Page 25