by Cala Riley
He scoffs. “You should be thanking me. I saved you from Clark. That guy’s a loser.”
I stop in the middle of the dance and try to pull away.
“Ms. Miller, may I remind you that you’re being graded?” Mrs. Bonavich states.
I allow Reed to pull me back in, but I continue to glare at him. Once Mrs. Bonavich moves on, I tell him, “Jared is not a loser. He’s sweet and a great dancer. Much better than you.”
“Tell yourself whatever makes you sleep better at night. He just wants a piece of your ass. He heard the rumors too.”
“No need to be jealous, Reed. You know I’m too busy pining after your asshole ways to even look twice at another man. Especially one as handsome and sweet as Jared.”
My sarcasm isn’t lost on Reed. “Jealous? Yeah, right. You’re a used-up whore looking for a rider who doesn’t know any better. Looking for a virgin to defile?”
“That’s me. Corrupting the youth of the world.”
I step on Reed’s foot again, causing him to cuss lightly.
“You’re really bad at this,” he mumbles before pulling me closer to him. I can feel him start to lead me with his body, much like Jared did.
His face is so close to mine that I can feel his breath on the side of my neck. My own breath catches as he squeezes my hip, a shot of pleasure racing to my core.
My mind might hate the man, but my body craves the touch he provides.
Why couldn’t you want a nice guy like Jared? I reprimand my body.
Another jolt of pleasures rushes through me as Reed leans down to my ear. “Are you cold?”
His light laugh causes me to frown. Of course he knows his effect on me. It isn’t enough for him to be an asshole to me for no reason, but my body has to give him even more ammo.
I go to pull away once again, but he has other plans. He abruptly lets his arm drop, spinning me using his hand still clasped in mine. I stumble, disoriented, but he’s there to catch me, dipping me low.
Claps ring out around us, and my face heats. Reed pulls me back up, pinning me to his chest. He leans in, meeting my eyes. He’s so close that if I moved an inch forward, my lips would be on his. My eyes flit to his mouth without permission. I catch his slight smirk before he hides it.
“I bet virgin Jared doesn’t have moves like that.”
His words register a moment after he steps back from me, turning to move to the other side of the room.
As another song comes on, I numbly make my way back to my desk.
What’s with Reed Yates?
That’s the million-dollar question.
Chapter Five
The next day, it seems the whole school knows about our dance in finishing class. Rumors run rampant.
One rumor is that Reed and Jared fought over me. Reed won, of course, knocking poor Jared out in one punch for daring to touch the whore he deemed untouchable.
Another says Reed basically fingerfucked me in the middle of the dance floor while the teacher looked the other way. Reed, being king, of course got away with it.
There were many others, but the one I thought was most entertaining was the one saying that Reed and I are secretly dating and that his attitude toward me is our form of foreplay.
While the rumors are flying and stares are in overabundance, not one person has asked me for the truth.
It’s exhausting acting as if you can’t hear the whispers and avoiding the stares. Especially the leering ones from the guys. I really want to not care, but it bothers me that everyone is so quick to believe the worst. It reminds me again that my mother left this world for a reason. The longer I stay here, the more I want to make my own escape.
Walking into the cafeteria, I realize I should have skipped lunch altogether. All eyes swing to me as I make my way to the food line. While every nerve ending inside urges me to turn around and run, I force myself to hold my head high. I’ve never been overly shy, but all this negative attention makes me wish I were more introverted.
Before I can make it to the line, a cold feeling rushes over my spine. I turn, realizing the feeling is actually liquid running down my back.
“Oops. I can be so clumsy sometimes.” Ingram’s smile is far from innocent.
“What the fuck?” I shout.
The liquid is now dripping onto the floor as I hold my arms out.
“Sorry. Didn’t see you there.” She shrugs as if it’s no big deal.
Before I can respond, a teacher is standing beside me. “Go to the girls’ locker room and clean yourself up.”
I glare at Ingram before leaving the room. I make it a couple of steps down the hall when I hear footsteps behind me, echoing my own. I spin, expecting to see Ingram, but startle when I find Keaton instead.
“Hey, are you okay?” He shoves his hands in his pockets, looking guilty.
“Yeah. It’ll wash out. I’m just going to clean up.” I start walking again, and he falls into step beside me.
“Let me show you the way. You don’t have any PE classes, do you?” I shake my head and he continues. “Didn’t think so. Come with me. They have a shower you can use too. I’ll go grab you a new uniform to borrow. They keep extras in the office for emergencies.”
I give him a small smile. “You don’t have to do that. I can wash these out and wear them wet.”
He shakes his head. “Just let me be nice to you. You make it so hard.” He wiggles his eyebrows at his innuendo.
I roll my eyes. “Fine. Bring me a change of clothes.”
He points to the door we stopped in front of. “I’ll call in when I get back and leave them right inside the door.”
I enter the locker room, eyes widening as I take it in. The locker room at my old school had lockers lining all the walls with many in the middle. It always smelled faintly of sweat and overall grossness. The dingy appearance didn’t help either.
This is not a locker room. The room I’m standing in is more like a luxury spa changing room. While there are still lockers, they’re all white with names written delicately in calligraphy. Instead of an old-school combo lock, there’s a keypad with a fingerprint access panel.
I look around the locker room until I find a wall of fresh towels. I grab one, thankful my hair is up, meaning it didn’t get wet in the assault. It takes me another five minutes to realize the doors lining the back wall lead to individual shower rooms.
Such luxury for the future of America.
I strip out of my clothes, setting them on a bench near the door, then wrap the towel around me as I make my way back to the shower. Stepping inside, I set the towel on the hanger on the back of the door. I quickly shower, using the soap that’s already in the stall.
A sound outside the shower causes me to pause. I open the door a crack and listen closer.
“Sage? It’s me, Keat. I’m placing your clothes right here.” I let out the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding at his voice.
“Thanks, Keat,” I call back before closing the door and finishing my shower.
Once done, I dry myself off before wrapping the towel around me tightly. I exit the bathroom and make my way toward the front door, frowning when I realize my soiled clothes are gone.
Did Keaton grab my clothes for me?
Looking by the door, I see there is no pile of clothes like he said. Thinking I must’ve gotten the placement wrong, I search all over the bathroom. It isn’t until I realize my phone, which I set on the bench next to my clothes, is also gone that it hits me.
Keaton played me.
My heart hurts at the thought. He’d been sweet to me from the very beginning. I started to look at him as a friend or maybe even an annoying little brother. The fact that he would pull this shit after getting angry for the way Reed treats me shows me who he really is. It was all an act.
Sighing loudly, I peek my head out the door and find the halls are still empty. I’m debating my options when Tinsley rounds the corner, headed straight for me.
“Sage, what happened?”
She gives me a questioning look. “The office doesn’t have extra clothes. Where are yours?”
“Fucking Keaton.” I shake my head.
“What did Keat do?”
“He said he would grab me a change of clothes from the office. While I was in the shower, he said he’d put them inside the door. When I stepped out of the shower, they weren’t there. Shit. What the fuck am I going to do?”
I start pacing. I can’t hide out in here forever.
“Keaton’s the one who told me what happened. Why would he come find me and tell me to come help you if he was going to mess with your stuff?”
“Why would he tell me the office kept extra clothes if they don’t?” I shoot back, hearing the biting tone in my voice. Taking a steading breath, I turn to her. “I’m sorry, Tins. I didn’t mean that the way it came out.”
“No need to apologize. You’re right. I don’t know why he would say that, but why would he send me to you if he was planning something bad? Either way, worrying about it right now isn’t helping. Class will start in ten minutes. We need to find your clothes.”
She taps on her lips as she thinks. I sit on the bench, resting my head in my hands. The hopeless feeling I felt before I saw Tinsley comes back full force.
Before I can lose myself to my depressing thoughts, Tinsley moves, drawing my attention to her. She walks up to one of the lockers, pressing her thumb to it. It clicks open, and she starts digging around.
“Yes! I have an extra uniform in here. It’s a bit wrinkled and it’s from last year, but I think it’ll fit you. Try it on.”
I look at her skeptically. “You’re at least five inches shorter than me.”
She shrugs. “It’s all I have.”
I sigh but start pulling the skirt on. It feels weird wearing a skirt without anything underneath, but I have no choice. I button up the shirt without a bra before tucking it in. Turning to Tinsley, I hold my arms out.
“What do you think?”
Her mouth falls open. “Damn, S. You have a killer body. You fill that out better than me.”
“The buttons look as if they’re about to pop, and you can see my nipples through the fabric. Add in the fact that the skirt barely covers my bare ass and… well, I look like the whore they claim I am.”
“Not at all. You look like a sexy vixen. The fabric is thick enough that you can’t see through it as long as your nipples aren’t hard. As for your skirt? Girl, your legs are a million miles long. I would kill for them. Just don’t bend down. You aren’t wrong about the length, but it makes your legs look amazing.”
“Really?” She nods. “Okay. Let’s get this over with, then.”
When we walk out of the locker room, the hallways are filled with students. It doesn’t escape me that more than one had their eyes glued on the door. We round the corner, headed toward the junior hall, when I notice Reed standing by a locker. He’s surrounded by Sterling, Finley, and Keaton.
Reed’s eyes narrow as he takes in my appearance. Keaton turns to see what his brother’s looking at. Once his eyes meet mine, he smiles, gesturing us over.
I go to walk right by them when Keaton grabs my arm.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“You can drop the act, Keaton. I know you took my clothes and phone. You can fucking keep it. Don’t bother to talk to me. I don’t need this shit.”
I go to move again, but this time he steps in front of me. He fully takes in my appearance, looking confused. “Where did you get those?”
A humorless laugh escapes me.
“I’m more resourceful than you anticipated. I don’t play games, Keaton, but when I do, I always win. Don’t underestimate your opponent next time. I’m not the weak girl you guys make me out to be.”
“I’m so confused. I left you clothes inside the door.”
“Whatever.” I shake him off. “I have places to be.”
He doesn’t stop me this time. I want to believe he’s as clueless as he’s acting, but I can’t depend on it.
“S,” Tinsley whispers, “Keat looked really confused. Reed, on the other hand, looked smug. I think you’re placing blame on the wrong brother.”
As we reach my locker, I turn, giving her a smile. “Maybe, but I meant what I said. I don’t want to play games. They need to grow the fuck up.”
She nods understandingly. “I wish they would too.”
As we part ways, the insecure part of my brain wonders if Tinsley is acting too.
I squash the thought as soon as it hits me. She isn’t like her brothers. Maybe only the Yates males got the asshole gene.
Chapter Six
“One of the places I applied called when V and I were on our way home. I got a job.” I tell Richard and Alice while we stand around the kitchen island for our after-school snack.
“You did? Why?” Aunt Alice asks, looking confused.
“I want to earn my own money. I’ve been working since I was fourteen. I'm not about to stop now.”
“Is your allowance not enough? I can up the amount if you need,” Alice offers.
“I think it's great. Good work ethic is hard to come by nowadays,” Richard chimes in.
“Well, I’m all for you working as long as you bring me home dessert after your shifts,” V teases.
“You could always get a job with me. That way you can get your own dessert.” I stick my tongue out at her.
“Now, let's not get carried away, Sage,” she deadpans.
“Honestly though, Sage, shouldn’t you be paying more attention to your studies? How will you get there? I’m worried that you’re taking on too much at once,” Alice tells me, sounding all worried.
“Don’t worry, Alice. I’ve been managing school and work for years. I know what I can handle, and V said she can drop me off and pick me up tonight. It won’t work forever, but it will for now.”
“Well, cheers to you and your new job,” Richard toasts with his glass of water.
I raise my own glass and clink it with his. “Thanks. I’m excited.”
Alice taps her hand on the counter as she processes the new development. “We need to buy you a car. I don’t want you to be stranded.”
“No way. I’ll be fine. I used to take the bus everywhere back in Missouri. Public transit up here is probably safer than it ever was there.”
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this,” Alice starts, but Richard cuts in.
“Honey, this is obviously important to Sage. We can’t protect her from everything. She’s grown and can take care of herself.” He reaches out and squeezes her hand before turning to me. “You have your cell phone. Victoria can take you to and from work. If for some reason you get off early or Victoria can’t pick you up, I want you to call either me, Alice, or even a cab. For Alice’s sake, please don’t take the public bus. You would have to walk two miles down less frequently traveled roads to get home. I think if you make that concession, then your aunt can worry a little bit less. Right, Alice?”
She looks as if she wanted to argue, but she nods anyway.
“I can agree to that. If I can’t get a ride from someone, I’ll call a cab. That’s a fair compromise,” I agree.
I would take the bus if I had to, but they didn’t need to know that. Besides, Victoria had already made me promise to let her drive me since I refuse to get my own car. She also agreed to share her car with me, allowing me to drive it when I need to. I wouldn’t take her up on it often, but it may come in handy.
“Great. Now we should celebrate. How about I take you out for dinner at Noble?” Richard asks.
I give V a questioning look.
She smiles widely. “Perfect. Come on, S. I’ll help you get ready.
∞∞∞
An hour later, I’m dressed in a navy blue wrap maxi dress with sleeves. My legs are completely covered save a long slit on the left si
de of the dress up to midthigh.
“Are you sure you don’t want to wear a pair of heels?” Victoria asks for the fifth time.
I pull my dress up, looking down at my Chucks. They actually match the dress well, even though they aren’t nearly as fancy as the dress feels.
“You don’t think they match?” I tease.
“They look badass. You don’t know how to blend, do you?”
I shrug. “I like me the way I am. No shame.”
She chuckles. “Come on. They’re probably waiting for us.”
As we descend the stairs, Alice gushes, “You girls look gorgeous.” She holds her hand to her lips as she fights back tears.
I take in her cocktail dress. It’s as elegant as she is. “You do too.”
She gives me a smile before folding me in a hug. She tends to give me my space, but it’s obvious she’s an affectionate person. My mom had been as well, but Alice still feels like a stranger to me sometimes. This time I allow it, hugging her back.
“You’re a spitting image of your mother. Regal and gorgeous,” she whispers.
I pull back, feeling my own tears pooling in my eyes. Those words mean the world to me.
“Thank you.”
“You ladies ready to go?” Richard walks into the room, grabbing his keys.
“Yep,” Alice says as she wipes her tears away. “Let’s go celebrate Sage’s new job!”
As we all head to the car, I look around at the people who’ve taken me in. I might still plan to leave in eight months, but their level of compassion has put a chink in my armor. I thought it would be easy to leave and never think of this place again. Now I’m not so sure I can abandon these people who are slowly becoming the family they should have already been to me.
Victoria turns to me, realizing I stopped. “You coming, S?”
I shake my head to clear it of my thoughts. “Yes.”
∞∞∞
V drops me off twenty minutes early for my first shift. When I was filling out applications, this diner was the one I really wanted to land. It looks busy, which hopefully means good tips, and they’re more laid-back than some of the other places I applied for. Here I can wear T-shirts and jeans, no stuffy white shirt and black pants needed.