My Hurricane (The Truth Series Book 0)

by Owenby, J. A.

  “Shut the hell up,” I said, my eyes glued to them. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t stop looking.

  Nicole lay back on the bed as she and Brittany continued to make out. Most guys dreamed about this every night, and it was hot as hell, but that was my fiancée mostly naked with someone else. Not to mention in front of my best friend.

  “Brandon,” Brittany purred and motioned to him with her finger. “I’m sure Walker won’t mind, would you baby?”

  I was too fucking high to say no, and before I realized what I was doing, I was on the bed with everyone else.

  I wasn’t sure how long we were there, but Nicole and Brittany finished together as we all collapsed, exhausted. My eyes burned as I blinked and tried to clear my vision. I swore as I tossed arms and legs off me and stood. I held onto the dresser as I struggled to regain some kind of mental and physical balance. I located my clothes, stepped into my jeans, pulled on my shirt, and left the room.

  I staggered down the hall, into the bathroom, and closed the door. I turned on the cold water and washed my face, then I peered into the mirror. My blue eyes were bloodshot, and I stared at the hollow image reflecting back at me. I didn’t recognize him, but he wasn’t the only one I no longer recognized.

  I held onto the wall and opened the bathroom door. I glanced toward Brandon’s bedroom then left my fiancée with her friends. She’d made it clear where she wanted to be.

  Chapter 3

  I groaned as a knock pounded against my bedroom door. I covered my head with my sheets as the door creaked open.

  “Get up, Walker,” Mom said. “It’s almost noon, and you promised you’d help me around the house today.”

  The door clicked closed behind her. Blurry images of the night before floated through my mind, and I bolted upright. I located my clothes on the floor and swallowed, then I ran my tongue across my teeth and grimaced. It felt as if a big, thick nasty-ass-tasting cotton ball was in my mouth.

  I swung my legs out of bed, placed my feet on the cool hardwood floor, and rubbed my face as I tried to piece together last night. I wasn’t sure if it had been the combination of the Everclear and joint or what, but I’d never reacted like that. Parts of the evening were missing, and everything else was shrouded in fog.

  I swore, stood, and grabbed my clothes. I had no clue how I was going to manage the housework, but maybe it’d be better than obsessing over last night. If that was even possible.

  I walked into the kitchen and glanced at the phone. I wanted to call Britt, but I wasn’t even sure where she had slept last night. I shook my head and tried to clear it. What the hell had happened?

  Cold air rushed out as I opened the fridge and grabbed some water. I popped the lid and drank it straight from the bottle, replaced the cap, and put it back in the refrigerator.

  “Walker, how many times have I—you don’t look very good. Are you sick?” Mom asked, her face clouded with concern.

  “I’d love to tell you yes, but there was a party last night. I went overboard.”

  Mom shook her head as she placed her hand on her slender hip. Her blue eyes narrowed for a second, then she sighed. “I know you’re going to drink, son, but you need to be careful. Alcohol poisoning is a real thing.” She picked up her car keys off the kitchen table. “I have to get Garrett to basketball practice. Get some food in you, and I want the kitchen clean and the laundry caught up before I get home in three hours.”

  “Okay,” I said, leaning against the counter.

  I frowned as she pulled the front door closed behind her. Mom had always been thin, but for some reason, she looked as though she’d lost weight. I shoved the thought out of my head as I made some food.

  * * *

  An hour later, the phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, baby,” Brittany said.

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m at Brandon’s still. Nicole and I stayed the night. We were so wasted I couldn’t go home. Where’d you go?”

  “Home,” I mumbled.

  “We’re taking a drive to the lake. Meet me up there?”

  I frowned. Was she serious? “Why?”

  “Baby, are you mad? What’s wrong?”

  Shit, she was playing her games with me, and I wasn’t in the mood. “Cut the crap. What happened last night?”

  “What do you mean?” she asked softly.

  “Did you screw Brandon?” My heart pounded. I didn’t want to hear her answer, but I needed it at the same time.

  “What? No? Why would you ask me that?” she asked, a hint of hurt in her voice. “You don’t remember anything?”

  “Not all of it,” I said as I ran my hand through my hair. “I don’t know what the hell happened. But—did you cheat on me with Brandon?”

  “No, of course not. You were really out of it, though, so maybe things aren’t making sense?”

  I frowned and kicked the floor. Was she messing with me, or had I been so wasted I’d hallucinated? “Then what happened?”

  “Why don’t you meet us at the lake? It’s warmer today, the sun is out, and we can talk.”

  “It’s January,” I said, my voice thick with frustration.

  “It’s going to be sixty degrees. Don’t be a jerk. Grab your coat and meet your girlfriend.”

  “Fine, what time?”

  “We’re leaving now. I’ll meet you at the picnic tables on the north side.”

  “Yeah, all right.”

  “I love you,” she said.

  “You too.” I hung up and banged my head against the wall.

  I dried the last few dishes, put them away, and tossed the dish towel on the counter. I scribbled a note for Mom, grabbed my keys, and closed the door behind me.

  * * *

  The entire drive there, I wrestled with what to ask her. I wanted to believe her, but as much as I loved her, when she had nothing better to do, she lived for playing games with my head, which was what I suspected she was doing now. Even though I didn’t remember much from the night before, an uneasiness stirred in my gut.

  I pulled my brown Nissan into a parking spot, grabbed my coat, and stepped out of the car as the afternoon breeze blew off the lake. I glanced around until I found her sitting on one of the picnic tables. Nicole and Brandon were laughing as they all shared a joint.

  I leaned against the car and watched her flip her hair off her shoulder and laugh. She took a drag and then handed it to Nicole.

  I cleared my throat as I approached them. “Hey.”

  “Where’d you go last night?” Brandon asked as he exhaled smoke.

  I hoped the park rangers weren’t anywhere close. I didn’t feel like getting busted.

  “Home,” I said as I held his gaze.

  He grinned and passed the joint. Had I imagined everything? Everyone was calm as though nothing had happened.

  “Where’s my hug?” Brittany asked, smiling.

  I approached her and wrapped her in my arms. “You’re shivering,” I said as I rubbed her back.

  She snuggled against my chest. “You’re so warm.”

  Our moments like these made me never want to let her go.

  “We need to talk,” I said.

  “Do we have to?” she asked as she looked up at me.

  “Yeah, let’s take a walk.” I reached for her hand, and she giggled as she hopped off the picnic table.

  “Back in a few,” she said to Nicole and Brandon.

  I waited until we were out of earshot. “What happened last night?”

  She stepped away from me as she folded her arms across her chest. “What do you mean?”

  “Dammit, stop screwing with me. What happened? All I remember is getting seriously fucked up from the alcohol and weed. The rest, I’m not sure, but I could have sworn you, Brandon, and Nicole—we were all in bed together…”

  “So what are you saying? Did you cheat on me last night?” she asked, her voice stepping up an octave.

  “I’m asking you what happened! Did you sleep w
ith my best friend? Did I do something with Nicole? I can’t remember. It’s all hazy.” I rubbed my face, trying to clear the fog.

  Brittany’s eyebrow arched. “I think the partying had a bad effect on you. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Then why did you just ask if I’d cheated on you?”

  “Because you disappeared for almost an hour!”

  “What?” I asked as my eyes widened in shock.

  “Baby, I don’t know what you think happened last night, but we all went back to the living room after we shared the joint. It wasn’t long before you staggered back upstairs. I just figured you weren’t feeling well.”

  “You didn’t check on me?”

  “I was on my way when you ran past me and straight out the front door,” she said as concern flickered across her face.

  “And that wasn’t your clue that something was wrong and to come after me?”

  “What was I supposed to do? I was wasted off my ass. I sure as hell couldn’t drive.”

  My gaze dropped to the ground as I kicked at the rocks. She had a point. Had I just had a bad night, and nothing had happened? I closed my eyes and collected my thoughts for a second.

  “Okay, if you say nothing happened, I believe you.”

  “Baby,” she whispered as she leaned into me, “are you okay? You’re scaring me. I’d never cheat on you.” Her large brown eyes filled with worry as she brought her hand to my face.

  “Nothing happened, and we’re good?” I asked, searching her face.

  “I think you had a nasty reaction. Nicole was with me downstairs all night. We’re good,” she said and laid her head on my chest.

  I took a deep breath and released a heavy sigh as I wrapped my arms around her. I rested my chin on the top of her head.

  “I think I’m ready for you to take me home,” she said and stifled a yawn.

  “All right, let’s tell everyone bye and get the hell out of here.”

  Chapter 4

  I forgot about the party over the next few weeks, and Brittany didn’t bring it up again. I had accepted that I’d had a bad trip with the mix of alcohol and weed. I sure as hell wouldn’t try that again. Once had been enough.

  The second-period bell rang, and I stepped out of English Lit and made my way through the crowd to Brittany’s locker. She was wearing my favorite pink sweater that hugged her tits. I couldn’t wait to get her into my bed after school.

  “Hey,” I said before kissing her on the cheek.

  “Hey yourself,” she replied as she grabbed a textbook out of her locker.

  I leaned against the row of lockers and waited for her. A group of girls passed by, whispering and glancing our way. I tried to ignore it until I saw a few more students across the hall doing the same. I scanned groups of people as they strolled by, all whispering and looking at us.

  “Britt?”

  “Yeah?” she asked as she closed her locker door.

  “What’s going on? Everyone is talking and looking at us.”

  “What?” she said, turning around and eyeing the people in the hallway. “I have no idea, but I’ll find out. I wouldn’t worry about it. You know if it was anything good, I’d already have heard about it. Besides, you know how everyone talks. Just blow it off. Wink at them or something.”

  “Let me know what’s going on when you find out.” I leaned down and kissed her.

  “Of course. Walk with me?”

  I nodded as I reached for her hand, and we merged into the crowded hallway toward her economics class. We continued to draw stares and whispers, but Brittany didn’t seem bothered at all. She flipped her long brown hair over her shoulder and smiled as we walked.

  We stopped outside her room and said goodbye. I walked a few more doors down and entered my trig class. I located James and slipped into the seat across from him.

  “Hey, man,” he said.

  “Hey.” I glanced around the room and watched the other kids file in through the door. They shot a few looks my way then settled into their seats. “What the hell is going on today?”

  “What do you mean?” he asked, frowning.

  “I mean everyone is talking about something, and whatever it is, I’m getting a lot of looks. Watch the door, I’m not making this shit up.”

  James propped his elbow on the desk, perched his chin on his hand, and focused on the door. He remained quiet as five more kids strolled in, all whispering and shooting glances in my direction.

  “Nope,” he said as he leaned back and stretched out his legs in front of him.

  “Nope?”

  “Nope, you’re not making shit up. People are definitely talking and giving you looks, man, but I’ve got no clue why. You know I don’t pay attention to any of that gossip bullshit.”

  “Fuck,” I muttered. “This can’t be good.”

  “Oh, I’m guessing it is. Good that is,” he said as a crooked grin spread across his face.

  “Dude, knock it off. I’ve got to find out what’s going on. Let me know if you find out anything.”

  “You know I will, but I’d talk to your girlfriend. She’s always in the middle, and often behind, most of the gossip at school.”

  I rolled my eyes and slumped back in my chair. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  * * *

  My stomach growled as I put my books in my locker and grabbed my lunch. I walked down the hall and tried to ignore the stares, but I knew it would be worse in a few minutes.

  I located our table, pushed my way through the crowd, and made my way to the back wall of the cafeteria. I tossed the bag with my sandwich and chips on the table and settled in next to Brittany. Nicole, Brandon, and James joined us next.

  “This day blows,” I said before popping a potato chip into my mouth.

  “What do you mean?” Nicole asked.

  “I don’t know what the hell is so important that everyone is talking about. Do you know anything?”

  “Me?” Nicole asked, pointing at her chest.

  “Yeah, you,” I snapped. My patience was walking on a thin wire. Why weren’t people being straight with me?

  “I know nothing,” she said and raised her hands in surrender. “Britt, go with me to get a Diet Coke?”

  “Good idea,” Brittany replied as she hopped up from our table and joined Nicole.

  I stared at them as they walked away.

  “Dude, what the fuck?” Brandon asked.

  “They know something,” I said.

  “They always know something. It’s their damned job or some shit,” Brandon said, laughing.

  “What’s going on then? Why is everyone whispering and staring at Britt and me?”

  “Dude, talk to your girlfriend. I don’t know what she’s told you, but she knows exactly what’s going on.”

  I tossed my sandwich down and glared at him. “What the hell? You know and you’re not telling me?”

  “Not my place, man. I know when to keep my fucking mouth shut.”

  I glanced at James and searched his face. He shrugged. I knew he didn’t know anything. James had always been straight with me. Brandon had too—until now anyway.

  “Don’t make a scene. Talk to your girl after school and don’t lose your shit,” Brandon said as he stood. “Catch up with me later.”

  He turned and left James and me staring at each other as the girls returned.

  I didn’t speak to anyone for the rest of the lunch period, but Brittany and Nicole chatted a mile a minute, totally oblivious to anything going on around them. My stomach tightened as I recalled Brandon’s words. What did he mean I shouldn’t lose my shit? About what? I glanced at Britt as the bell rang.

  “I gotta run, but meet me at the car after seventh period,” I said before placing a kiss on her cheek.

  I turned and walked away, leaving her sitting there with her mouth hanging open. I’d never missed walking her to class unless I wasn’t at school, but after three years, I figured she was capable of figuring it out on her own. Be
sides, I was too afraid of what I might say to her. I needed to collect my thoughts first and try to make it through the rest of the day.

  * * *

  Fat drops of rain splattered against my windshield as I started the car and turned on the heater. The warm air rushed out of the vents as my passenger door opened and Brittany slipped into the seat.

  “Shit, I hate the rain! It ruins my hair,” she said, wiping the water away from her face. She turned toward me, leaned over, and kissed me.

  My anger softened as her lips parted and her tongue found mine. I slid my hand up the back of her neck and pulled her to me, deepening our kiss and almost forgetting why I needed to talk to her.

  I broke away before I lost my nerve.

  “What’s the matter?” she asked, pouting.

  “We need to talk first. I need to know what everyone was gossiping about today at school.”

  Brittany frowned and dropped her hands into her lap. “Nothing. I asked around, and it wasn’t of any importance.”

  “Knock it off, Britt. Brandon told me you knew what was going on and that I needed to ask you about it.”

  “He said what?” Brittany asked, her eyes narrowing.

  In that moment, I realized Brandon hadn’t been bullshitting me. “What’s going on?” I held her gaze as she released a slow breath.

  “It’s no big deal, really. I don’t know why Brandon said anything.” She peered out the window as the rain grew heavier and pattered against the car.

  “Brandon wouldn’t say something like that if it weren’t a big deal. Please, just tell me what’s going on. Are you okay? What’s so important that had everyone whispering and staring at us all day?”

  “I don’t want to tell you,” she whined.

  “Jesus!” I leaned my head back in my seat. “Just tell me.”

  “Fine, if you really want to know. I had an abortion last Friday.”

  My vision blurred as her words sank in.

  “What?” I asked, my voice hovering above a whisper.

  “An abortion. You know what that is, right? I was pregnant with your kid.”

  “Are you kidding me? Because this isn’t funny.”

  “Look. At. Me,” she snapped.