“I am too,” I mumbled into his shirt. Once he let me go, I turned to Gage. Suddenly I felt almost shy under his gaze. I remembered what he said in the library, and how surprisingly nice he was to me.
“Thank you too, Gage, for…everything,” I said, looking up into his eyes. I hoped he knew what I meant. He really did make me feel better, even if he didn’t know it. Gage was able to take my mind off Ethan and my stupid idea of learning how to get a guy as well as using someone to make him jealous. He might not like me all that much, but he did do me a favor today.
“No problem, princess.” He sent me a small smile. A smile that made my stomach do flips. It wasn’t full-blown, but it was enough to make my heart sing.
“I better go.” I gestured with my head to my dorm building. “I’ll see you guys later?” I said. They both nodded, already taking a step back.
“Bye, Car-bear,” Dylan said. I grinned widely at the nickname. I sent them a small wave as I turned to head home.
The walk back to my dorm building, I couldn’t wipe off the smile on my face. Both of those boys might have rough edges, but they were nice, even Gage. I knew it would take a little longer to make Gage like me as a friend, but I felt great knowing I made him smile somewhat. This afternoon was pretty great. Sure, I got knocked flat on my back for an hour straight, but I did learn a few things, and I learned a little bit about both Dylan and Gage while we ate. It turned out a lot better than I thought it would.
It wasn’t that late, maybe around seven or so, but there weren’t that many people out walking. It was pretty quiet, but I didn’t mind. I was lost in my own thoughts anyways. I was still smiling as I made my way up the stairs and put the key in the door. The moment I shut the door and turned around, I let out a yelp. Standing a few feet away from me was Macey. Her hands were on her hips and her green eyes narrowed right at me. She definitely was not happy at the moment.
“Where the hell have you been?” I gulped, staring at my best friend. If steam could come out of her ears, it would have. “I have left you tons of text messages and voicemails! I thought something had happened to you! I even almost called your brother to ask him where you were!” she yelled.
I wanted to facepalm at myself. This entire time I hadn’t checked my phone, which was in my bag. I had actually forgotten to text Macey telling her I was going out with Gage and Dylan. It slipped my mind, and now I wished I had texted her from the look on her face.
“I’m sorry,” I squeaked out.
“You better be sorry! You had me worried for hours. At first, I thought you were at the library, but when you didn’t pick up after an hour, I thought something was wrong.” She let her hands drop to her sides, letting me know she was slowly cooling off. I moved past her to set my bags on the counter.
“I’m sorry, Macey. I forgot to text you and kind of lost track of time.”
“Where were you?” she asked. I knew once I told her, she would freak out, but at least her anger would be gone. I took a deep breath.
“I was with Gage and Dylan.” I watched as her eyes widened and her jaw fall open.
“What?” she practically shrieked. Her hand latched out onto my wrist as she pulled me behind her to the couch. She wasted no time in shoving me down onto it and demanding I tell her everything.
Over the next twenty minutes I filled her in on everything from this morning to when they dropped me off. Macey only interrupted me a few times to question something, but mostly stayed silent until I was done. When I finished, I leaned back against the couch, tired.
“Woah. That is just, woah.”
“I know.”
“Good thing I didn’t call your brother then,” she said. I didn’t even want to think what Luke would do if he knew I was out with people he didn’t want me to be around.
“He would go crazy.” We both nodded in agreement, picturing the scene already. “Good thing we won’t tell him,” I said. We sat in silence for a minute before I stood up wanting to go change into my PJs.
“Don’t think you are off the hook just yet, Car. When you get back, we are watching all of the shows I want to see,” Macey said, but I could tell she wasn’t mad at me anymore, thank God. I smiled at her before leaving the room to change.
It didn’t take me long to get in my PJs, and by the time I got back to the living room, Mace already had treats on the coffee table waiting for us. As we watched the new show called Fuller House, my thoughts kept drifting to Gage. This time I didn’t want to stop myself from doing so. I let myself think about him while paying half attention to the TV.
Gage, why do you have to do this to me?
Chapter Fifteen
The rest of the week flew by. It seemed that since the first week of classes was over, the professors were now down to business. With focusing on schoolwork and studying, I hadn’t had time to do basically anything. I’d only seen my brother and Ethan a few times this week, as they were just as busy as Macey and me, especially with another football game coming up. I was starting to see why people dreaded college classes. Homework was already starting to pile up, making me more stressed than I probably should be.
Mace and I stuck to a routine of eating breakfast together when we had classes the same morning. We would meet up for a quick lunch with my brother sometimes, then after our classes, we would either make dinner or grab something before digging into our homework. By the end of that we were usually passed out on the couch. We were still trying to get used to college life. Thankfully, we both were pretty disciplined when it came to studying or doing homework.
Because I’d been so busy, I hadn’t seen or talked to either Gage or Dylan. I figured they were both just as busy as we were, maybe even more so since they were a grade ahead of us. Even though I had English with Gage, I didn’t get the opportunity to talk to him at all. On Thursday he came in at the last minute, and left before I could even stand up. I couldn’t help but believe that he was avoiding me.
I was slightly glad for how busy I’d been; it helped me get my mind off Gage. That night, when he and Dylan dropped me off, Gage’s face would not leave my head. I could still feel his body on top of mine, and every so often, his brown and hazel eyes would pop into my mind. I itched to sketch him, but I was forcing myself not to do it. If I drew him, I felt like it would make him seem more real, or like I was actually getting along with him. Sure, I’d drawn him before, but I hadn’t realized it was him until I finished it.
It was now Friday morning, and I was currently in my room getting dressed for Luke and Ethan’s football game. It started at noon, and afterwards there was going to be some big party. Of course everyone was all ready for it, maybe more so than the game. I was finishing up my minimal makeup and trying to find something to wear. It was warm today, and I did not want my makeup running down my face.
“Carter, ready to go?” Macey yelled from down the hall.
“Coming!” I shouted right back as I glanced at my outfit one last time. It wasn’t anything special to be honest. I was wearing Luke’s jersey along with a pair of blue Hollister shorts. I decided to curl the ends of my hair and pull it into a high ponytail. I actually didn’t look too bad for once.
Making sure I had money in my pocket along with keys, my phone, and the tickets, I left my room and met Macey at the front door. Smiling at each other, we left the apartment arm in arm. Both of us were excited about the game, as was everyone else it seemed. We headed to the stadium with tons of other fans; most were yelling or blowing horns to cheer on their team.
“Think the boys are going to win?” Macey asked as we walked. Because the boys were ours, we usually referred to them over the entire team.
“Probably. I know they have been busy with practice this week since they have been absent.” I shrugged. I was about ninety-nine percent sure they were going to win.
We made it to the entrance of the stadium in no time. As usual, Macey and I got shoved around by people wanting to hurry and get inside. This was the part I always hated. I mean, we we
re all going to the same place, so they should just chill. When we passed the long line of girls getting their bags checked, I was once again glad I didn’t bring mine. Because neither of us had our bags, we were able to get through the lines quickly and get into the stadium.
Our seats were in the usual spot—right up front. Slowly, everyone trickled into the seats, anxious for the game to start. My leg bounced unconsciously as I waited to see my brother and Ethan appear. The music got louder, indicating that the teams were on their way. Sadly, my parents couldn’t attend this game, but I promised them I would send them updates on how the game was going.
In a matter of minutes our school’s team burst through the opening gates while the cheerleaders stood off to the side cheering them on. Everyone around us cheered loudly, making it almost deafening. Like every game, both Luke and Ethan ran toward Macey and me. I grinned, leaning over the edge so I could see them.
“You got this!” I yelled once they reached us. Luke and I did our ritual handshake, smiling at one another. When he moved to Macey, I turned to Ethan. His brown hair was messy from his helmet, making me want to run my fingers through it. His eyes seemed even bluer, like the ocean, and I wanted to drown in them. I watched as a smile graced his lips. He watched me staring at him. Clearing my throat, I stuck my hand out.
“Good luck!” We gripped our index fingers and pinkies together in our “handshake.”
“I’ll make a touchdown just for you.” He grinned at me. He turned and ran off before I could respond. I stared after him feeling almost giddy. Macey put a hand on my arm, pulling me down to my seat. I bit my bottom lip, forcing myself to calm down.
Fifteen minutes later I was on my feet, screaming bloody murder along with everyone else in the stands. Next to me, Macey was gripping my arm so tightly I wouldn’t be surprised she left a bruise, but I didn’t care as I watched number seventeen running toward the end zone. Ethan’s long legs ate up the grass, and the guy guarding him was slowly getting further away.
“Go, Ethan! Go!” I screamed, practically jumping. Being a slight showoff, he stopped for a split second so he could do a front slip into the end zone, scoring a touchdown. Macey and I turned to one another, yelling and jumping around. I turned back to the field to see Ethan standing there pointing straight at me. I could practically see him grinning ear to ear as he faced me. He patted his chest and pointed at me one more time before running away so he wouldn’t get in trouble for being in the end zone too long. I could feel heat coming off my cheeks as a few people near us looked over at me.
“What was that about?” Macey asked as soon as we sat down, and everyone turned back to the game.
“He said he was going to do a touchdown for me, but I didn’t think he was serious,” I said as my heart calmed down a little.
“Apparently, he was,” she noted. All I could do was nod.
***
As I predicted, we won, by a lot. The other team was good, but it seemed after Ethan made the first touchdown, they got in a good groove. While everyone was making their way out of the stadium and the players were heading to get cleaned up, I texted my parents telling them the good news. Macey and I liked to wait until most of the fans were out of the stands before we left. If not, you were mixed with the crowds trying to get out, which meant shoving.
By now it was close to four, so the after-party wouldn’t start for another four or five hours. Apparently having a party earlier wasn’t allowed. It had to be near nine and go well into the morning. I still wasn’t entirely sure I was going, but I knew Macey and even Amy were going to hound me until I agreed.
“Well once we get out of here, find your brother and Ethan, then get something to eat. We will still have plenty of time to get ready for the party,” Macey said as we stood up.
“Who said I am even going?” I replied carefully, making my way down the aisle and up the stands.
“I did. You haven’t even been to a college party since we got here.”
“Mace, it is only the second week of school.”
“So? You are going tonight, no arguments.” Instead of arguing, I decided to give in. I was not going to listen to her trying to convince me to go. It was a Friday night for crying out loud. I was going to go to a party and let loose a little.
“Fine.” Behind me I heard her choke, making me smile. I could see she wasn’t expecting me to say yes. I continued walking out of the stadium. I had already texted Luke earlier today, telling him and Ethan to meet us and Amy at 95 Degrees. Macey and I were going ahead to make sure we would get a table. No doubt it was going to be busy. We were thinking of going to the diner, but they would be just as busy, and it was further away.
It didn’t take us long to get there, and when we entered the place, I was glad we got here when we did. Most of the tables were filled with people in school colors. I spotted a table near the back that had space enough for us five. Quickly, I claimed it and plopped down in a seat. I knew that the boys usually had a talk with the coach and team, then they showered and changed. Luke did say they weren’t going to shower until after they ate so they could be “fresh and clean” for the party. His words, not mine.
Ten minutes later, we were still waiting for the three of them. I had checked all of my social media apps and even played a game with Macey. We picked people out from the café and made up stupid stories about them. It was fun until we did everyone there and got bored. It was maybe five minutes later when all three of our group stumbled in. You could tell Luke and Ethan had just came from a game because they wore athletic shorts and plain t-shirts. I had no doubt that in just a few hours they were going to be dressed all nice with their hair done for the party. Beside Ethan was Amy, who still wore her cheerleading outfit. It wasn’t too revealing but showed her toned stomach and belly button ring, as well as her long tan legs.
“Finally!” Macey groaned out as they reached our table. My stomach was growling, and I was more than ready to eat something.
“I’m surprised Carter hasn’t eaten the entire place yet,” Ethan teased.
“Ha ha, very funny. Can I eat it?” I asked. He just rolled his eyes at me. “Well, I’m starving, so I’m getting in line. Want me to get yours, Mace?” I looked at her.
“The same as you,” was all she said. I nodded.
“How about you, Amy? Want me to get yours?” I asked to be nice.
“Please. I’ll have the orchard salad.” I briefly nodded, going over to the counter. I heard footsteps behind me and glanced over my shoulder to see Ethan following me.
“You’ve resorted to stalking me now, Mr. Galloway,” I shot over at him.
“You wish,” he retorted.
Not even replying because it was my turn to order, I quickly rattled it off, as well as Macey’s and Amy’s. Just as I was about to say “that’s all,” Ethan butted in, shoving me to the side. I glared over at him as he ordered his and Luke’s meal.
“Hey!”
“Shhh.” He slapped my arm softly as the guy behind the counter gave the total. Ethan produced two twenties and handed it to the guy just as I was about to shove him out of the way.
“Ethan.” He just ignored me as he got his change and grabbed our number card. Turning around, he saw me glaring at him, which just made him smirk. “Ethan.”
“What? I didn’t do anything. In fact, you should be thanking me. I just paid for all of us.” I rolled my eyes at him but thanked him anyways. With three water cups in hand, I dodged around people back to our table and slid the cups to Mace and Amy. Of course Ethan was already there since he only needed to get two cups of water.
“So, party tonight,” Amy said the moment I sat down.
“Yup, which means tons of hot girls,” Luke said, a wide grin on his face.
“’Cause that’s what we all go to parties for,” Macey said, rolling her eyes.
“You’re into girls, Macey?” Luke gasped. Macey choked on her water, almost making it come out of her nose.
“What? I do not like girls!”
“Macey, it is okay to admit it. That is the first step to acceptance.” He reached over the table and softly patted her hand. I watched as Macey clenched her jaw, trying hard not to smack Luke across the face.
“Do you like girls?” Amy asked. I couldn’t help but let a laugh escape. Amy had asked because honestly, she seemed she really believed Luke. I sat there laughing while holding onto the table. Macey didn’t find it funny for she dug her heel onto my foot.
“S-sorry!” I said as I tried to calm down my laughter as well as shake the pain out of my foot.
“No, I am not gay, Amy,” Macey bit out, glaring daggers over at Luke who was grinning widely and trying hard to not laugh. “This jackass was just kidding.” She wasted no time in swinging her leg out and kicking Luke in the shin.
“Fuck, what was that for?” Luke wailed.
“That was for calling me gay!” Luke scowled at her but knew better than to reply. He knew Macey would just hurt him even more.
“Well, Mace, we would still love you the same if you were,” Ethan had to say. I couldn’t help it anymore; laughter burst free. People around us turned to see what I was laughing at, but I paid them no mind.
“Carter, if you don’t shut that trap of yours, I will put my fist through it.” Her green eyes would be shooting lasers at me if they could. I clamped my mouth shut, trying to keep my giggles at bay.
Thankfully, before anyone else could say something to Macey, our food came. We all seemed to shut up as our plates were put in front of us. My big hamburger with fries sat in front of me, seemingly calling out my name. This was the same thing I got when we first came here; I loved it, so I knew this was probably going to be the same thing I ordered. I guess I was that one person that always got the same thing every time they went out to eat.
Silent Love Page 21