Chasity thrust the microphone into their faces and eagerly awaited an answer.
“Feels pretty damn good,” Roy replied, chuckling smugly. “In fact, I’ve got a meeting with one of them tomorrow. Let me tell you, I’ve been wined and dined. But that’s what happens when you’re that damn good.”
Chasity glanced at Jake, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation as she awaited his answer.
“It’s cool, I guess,” he said. He was a bit distracted by the commotion emanating from the locker room.
“Well,” Chasity grinned, her voice purposefully soft and seductive, ”you boys sure are the town’s celebrities these days. As if you didn’t already know that. You’ve got a lot of people looking at you.”
She gave a flirtatious toss of her long hair and deliberately grazed her fingers over her exposed upper thigh. The move didn’t escape the boys. Jake could have sworn Chasity was intentionally trying to entice them. And it was working. Until they were interrupted.
“Let’s wrap it up, Chasity. Let these boys go home and celebrate,” the Chief Editor of the Clanton Chronicle said. His little 8-year-old son was in tow. The Chief Editor grinned at Jake and Roy and explained, “I just wanted to introduce you boys to my son, Eddie. He wants to be a football star just like you guys. Isn’t that right, son?”
The little boy appeared timid and clung close to his father. Chasity, in the meantime, had abandoned them, deciding to interview other players that still hung around on the sidelines. Roy was a little disappointed, for he had wanted to see how far Chasity would perpetrate her seductive display. And he had a feeling it would’ve been worth it.
“He’s a big fan,” the Chief continued, urging little Eddie forward.
“Hi, Eddie,” Roy and Jake chimed in unison. The little boy’s expression quickly changed to one of pure delight as the two “giants” leaned down and patted him on the shoulders.
“Good job tonight,” the Chief commended with a gruff voice that matched his gruff appearance.
“Thanks, sir,” Roy and Jake said politely.
“The way you boys are playing, we definitely will be headed for the state playoffs. No one in town expects anything less. Your daddy’s done a fine job coaching this team.”
The Chief paused to pat Jake on the shoulder before continuing, “By the way, I was wondering if you’d be kind enough to give Eddie an autograph.”
Roy and Jake were happy to oblige.
After providing little Eddie with an autographed signature on the young boy’s Lakeview Panthers baseball cap, Jake and Roy retreated into the locker room. They had a long night of celebrating ahead of them, and they wanted to make sure they got started without any further interruptions.
Chapter Five
Carly and the twins had been waiting patiently for nearly half an hour in the parking lot when Jake and Roy finally emerged from the locker room. Following close behind them were Chad and several other football players. Aaron sighed and mumbled sardonically, “Great. Looks like I’ll be forced to enjoy Chad’s company tonight.”
Amanda jabbed her brother in the side and then took off in Jake's direction, leaving Carly and Aaron to follow at a more leisurely pace. When Carly and Aaron had finally joined the group, Chad informed them of the plans for that night to celebrate the victory against Westhill. There was to be a party at a classmate's farm with lots of beer, liquor, and a bonfire. Chad offered to drive everyone because he had the most room in his SUV. Carly, Amanda, and Roy all climbed into the backseat, while Jake laid claim to the front passenger seat. Aaron remained outside, surveying the crowded truck.
“Aaron, you can sit on my lap if you want,” Carly offered playfully.
To that, Chad said devilishly, "How about you sit on my lap, Cabrerra."
“I think I'd rather opt for Aaron's lap, thank you,” Carly replied to the churlish comment.
Aaron took the hint and traded places with Carly so that she could plop herself on top of him. After positioning herself so that she was comfortable, Carly happened to glance at her best friend in the passenger seat and noticed his odd expression. She could have sworn he wore a scowl on his face and wondered why. Before she could ask Jake what was wrong, Chad's crude character resurfaced to annoy her further.
“You would've been much more comfortable on top of me, Carly. Trust me," he said while winking at her.
To that, Carly just rolled her eyes.
“I could get used to this,” Aaron teased.
“You fucking done back there so we can go already,” Jake snapped at the male twin, surprising everyone.
Aaron decided to ignore the surliness in Jake’s tone and said rather cautiously, “Whoa, Jake. What’s wrong with you?”
After an awkward moment of silence, Jake finally responded in a normal tone, “Nothing. I’m just…not feeling like myself. Sorry.”
He turned and forced a smile to reassure everyone, which worked to brush the matter aside. However, he remained disturbed by the idea that seeing Carly so physically close to Aaron had set him off. He didn't like that at all and it made him extremely uncomfortable, especially since he didn't understand it. Deciding he needed to encourage everyone to return to their former enthusiastic selves - and that he needed a distraction from his thoughts - Jake steered the course of conversation to the game win. The former electricity soon returned and before long everyone was in high spirits. Laughter, banter, and excited conversation filled the cab. It didn't take long for them to reach their destination. Chad pulled his truck onto the grass which served as a makeshift parking lot. Carly was the last to climb out. She immediately saw the huge bonfire and gazed at the massive structure as if completely mesmerized. She also took notice of all the people standing around it. It seemed to her that nearly half of Lakeview High School’s student body had shown up for Taylor’s party, which was being held on his parents’ 180-acre farm on the outskirts of town. This was definitely a huge party. Walking in the direction of the bonfire, Carly, Jake, Chad, Roy, and the twins were greeted with Taylor's hospitality as the boy handed each a beer out of a cooler. He then said, "It’s about time you guys showed up.” He grinned and said, "You know it's not a party until you get here."
The "you" Taylor was referring to was unmistakable as he shook hands with Roy, Jake, and then Chad. Carly felt a little sorry for Aaron. No one ever really took note of the nerd. But then she figured the boy was used to it. Even now, looking at the twin, it appeared he wasn't really bothered by it. His eyes were on the bonfire, and he appeared genuinely intrigued by it. Deciding she wanted to get closer to it, Carly separated from the group. As she neared the burning structure, she could feel the heat warming her face. She stared as if hypnotized by the orange fury that blazed angrily against a contrasting backdrop of nighttime darkness. Aaron soon joined her. He nudged Carly’s arm, and once he had her attention, he pointed at his sister. Carly turned to look and saw Amanda next to Jake. The female twin was taking several long sips from the beer can in her hand.
“I predict that after that one can of beer, Amanda is going to be completely inebriated,” Aaron said. “I mean, look at her, she’s gulping it down way too fast.”
“I’m sure she just wants to fit in with the guys,” Carly reasoned, “You know how she is.”
“Yeah,” Aaron concurred, seating himself on a log in front of the bonfire. Carly sat next to him and set her water bottle on the ground.
She was still a bit bothered by Jake’s sudden mood change in Chad's truck before they had headed out to the party. After a few moments of contemplating she said to Aaron, "I wonder what all that was about earlier. Jake doesn't usually snap like that. And he sure has hell never snapped at you like that."
She paused and glanced in Jake’s direction before continuing.
“I just can't stop thinking about it. It's weird."
Aaron nodded and said, “Yeah, I know what you mean. It caught me off guard.”
Carly turned to spy on her best friend again. She saw that Amanda had
finished her beer, for the can was no longer in her hand and her behavior was becoming more and more erratic by the second. It wasn’t like Amanda to be giggly and affable, and she was also being extremely affectionate with Jake. Her arm was perched up on his shoulder, and she was also leaning in close to him as if she were telling him a deep secret. Aaron noticed his sister’s behavior and remarked, “I told you. The alcohol is having its effect. Not to mention, Chad just gave her another can.”
"That's not good," Carly replied.
To which Aaron retorted, "Not at all."
Carly couldn’t help but notice how flirtatious Amanda had suddenly become with Jake. She watched, her curiosity mounting, as Amanda continued to latch herself onto the handsome quarterback. She laughed sweetly at every word he said. The female twin's gaze remained locked on Jake’s face as if he were an idol she revered. At that moment, Carly felt a pang of jealousy. And it absolutely horrified her. She struggled to deny it, but she had clearly felt it. It was writhing inside of her now as she watched Jake and Amanda intently, their bodies so close together and his arm wrapped around the pretty twin's shoulders. She shook her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts.
“Look what Judy Crayson is wearing,” Aaron remarked, cutting through her silent brooding.
Carly followed his gaze and noted Judy’s mismatched attire. She nodded in agreement and laughed out loud. She also silently thanked Aaron for the change in topic. In fact, she almost felt the urge to reach over and hug him. Carly had to admit that she enjoyed Aaron’s company. They sat on the log for what seemed hours, commenting on people’s outfits and pointing out eccentric hairstyles. When Aaron didn’t have his nose in a book, he could actually be engaging and amusing all at the same time. And he was extremely funny.
Every so often, though, Carly glanced in Jake’s direction, curious about what he and Amanda were doing. She looked now and almost wished she hadn’t done so. The embers of jealous emotion were now lit and seemed to grow in intensity as she continued to spy on them. Amanda was squeezing the toned muscle on Jake’s upper arm. It wasn’t the squeezing and friendly touching that bothered Carly, it was how close Amanda was to him. They were so close, they could have easily locked lips. Carly jerked her head back to the bonfire and silently reprimanded herself for her silly thoughts.
“Carly, are you even listening?” Aaron asked, waving his arms in front of her face.
“Huh?” Carly mumbled. He shook his head and chuckled at her sheepish expression.
“Sorry, I’m just a bit distracted, I guess.”
“You think?” he replied sarcastically with a huge grin on his face. He playfully ruffled her hair before standing up and stretching.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to find a restroom.”
Carly watched as Aaron sauntered away.
Attempting to resist the urge, but losing the battle, Carly’s gaze shot back in Jake's direction. Again, she wished she hadn’t done so. Even though it looked as though Amanda had put some distance between herself and Jake, an even larger threat had materialized. Carly immediately recognized Susan, and the blonde cheer captain had her skinny hands all over Jake's arm. She still had her cheerleading outfit on, as did her entourage of girlfriends. Amanda joined Carly in front of the bonfire moments later, mumbling something about “skinny" and "annoying sluts.” The twin plopped herself next to Carly on the log and wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“She just shows up like she owns the place and sinks her bony claws into him like she owns him!” Amanda sputtered.
Carly was thankful that Aaron returned only seconds later with a bottle of water.
“Damn, just looking at her makes me sick to my stomach,” Amanda growled, still staring at her nemesis.
“That’s the beer that’s making you sick, Mandy, “ Aaron said, grinning devilishly. Amanda shot him a malevolent glare, failing to find even a hint of humor in his remark.
"Here, have some water," he said.
Amanda just glared at the bottle in his outstretched hand before emitting a loud groan and stomping off.
"She's going to be hurting tomorrow."
"Yup," Carly concurred.
Turning to spy further on her best friend, she was met with the sight of Jake accompanying Susan to a trail that led into a heavily wooded area. She followed their departure with narrowed eyes, biting at her lower lip in a sudden state of agitation.
“What’s wrong?” Aaron asked, taking note of her troubled expression.
Aaron’s voice, however, seemed like a faraway echo hardly worth noticing. Carly shot up and stood on tiptoe, watching Jake and Susan’s retreat into the wooded area until she could no longer see them. Just as Amanda had done moments earlier, Carly groaned loudly and stomped away. Aaron was left alone to ponder what had gotten into his sister and now his friend.
Approaching Roy, Carly rudely interrupted the conversation he was having with a pretty brunette. He noted the annoyance in Carly’s tone, and thus did not protest.
“Where did Jake go off to? And why was he with Susan?” Carly demanded with both hands on her hips.
Roy held up both of his hands and stepped back, attempting to pacify her.
“Whoa, little lady, I don’t know where Jake is.”
“Don’t try to cover for him, Roy,” Carly continued in the same demanding tone.
“Look,” Roy finally admitted, “he left with Susan. Where they went, I don’t know.”
Roy’s expression suddenly mutated from one of confusion to one of newfound curiosity.
“Why does it matter anyway? Roy asked, folding his arms across his broad chest.
“It doesn’t. I-it’s just that, uh…”Carly stammered. She was having trouble explaining herself. Thankfully, Amanda appeared and saved her from further embarrassment.
“It’s because Susan is a skank and Jake should stay as far away from her as possible.” Amanda blurted this out so loudly that almost everyone there had heard it and were now laughing.
“You’re drunk, Mandy. You need to tone it down,” Roy advised her. His face had taken on an uncharacteristically serious expression.
Just then, Susan came bounding toward them with Jake reluctantly following behind her. The blonde appeared to be bubbling over with anger as evinced by the deep scowl on her face. She came to a screeching halt just a few safe feet in front of Amanda.
“I heard what you said about me! What is your fucking problem?” Susan burst out, then stepped back a few more feet just in case the drunken twin decided to attack her.
“You, you’re my problem. You’re not good enough for Jake,” Amanda returned, keeping a surprisingly calm stance.
“And what makes you think you know what’s good for him?” Susan challenged, placing her hands firmly on her thin hips.
The confrontation had attracted a huge crowd of people as they watched the two girls. Some of the bystanders weren't at all above instigating a fight as they gasped and groaned at the angry words emanating from both girls.
Amanda puffed up and answered, “I know what's good for him because I'm his friend. In fact, I've been his friend for a long time."
Taking a daring step toward Susan, Amanda added for good measure, "And I don't think he should be dating a skank like you.”
A collective gasp sounded out from the crowd.
Susan squealed with anger and instinctively lunged at Amanda, her arms flailing about as if she would scratch Amanda to death. Amanda simply sidestepped and laughed at Susan’s feeble attempt to strike her. Susan quickly gathered and composed herself and decided to go about this in a lady-like fashion. She glanced at Carly and demanded that the girl accompany her on a little walk to calm her frazzled nerves. Carly gritted her teeth at the thought, but obliged out of pure courtesy.
Before departing, though, Susan turned to Amanda and threatened through clenched teeth, “This isn’t over.”
Having anticipated a physical altercation, the disappointed crowd booed as the cheerleading captain left the sc
ene. Carly could hear Amanda shouting that whenever Susan was ready for a re-match, she would be waiting. Susan ignored Amanda’s threat. At the moment, the skinny cheerleading captain had more important matters to handle. Carly remained anxiously curious about Susan’s motive for a “stroll,” knowing instinctively that the purported walk was nothing but a pretense. They continued at a steadfast pace, no words spoken for a long while. Carly’s apprehension continued to grow until she could no longer contain herself. She turned to Susan and asked, “Why did you ask me to go for a walk with you?”
Susan sighed slowly, chewing at her lower lip while searching for the right words. Susan’s apparent hesitancy only served to intensify Carly’s apprehension.
The Road to L.A. Page 4