A Different Side (University Park #4)

by C. M. Doporto

  “Sure, that sounds good.” We crossed the street and a guy walked out of the comic book store. “Do you want to go?” Lexi looked at me.

  “Yeah, I need to get my latest issues.”

  She released a soft laugh. “I can’t believe you read comic books.”

  I opened the door to the donut shop and Lexi walked in. “That’s why I never read my assigned books.”

  “Aw, so the truth finally comes out,” she scolded.

  “What can I say?” I shrugged. “Comic books are more fun to read than Booker T. Washington.”

  “I guess it depends on what you like to read, but I won’t argue with you on that one.”

  I was glad she didn’t take offense to my bashing of classical reads, but Lexi never came off as one of those snobby English majors — at least not like the ones who had tutored me.

  I bought two cups of hot chocolate and then we headed next door. A small Christmas tree decorated with Star Wars figures immediately caught my attention.

  “Wow, this is cool.” I tapped a mini figure of Chewbacca.

  “It sure is.” Lexi showed me a Princess Leia figure.

  “I think we should buy it.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, we need one for the apartment.” I checked out the tree, noting all the figures. “It’s not Christmas, unless you have a tree.”

  Rimmy, the store clerk, stuck out his hand. “What’s up?” We clasped hands and then did the Vulcan salute, like we did every time I visited. My team might have made fun of me, but I didn’t care. To each their own.

  He turned around and retrieved the comic books I reserved monthly. I leaned over the counter and strummed my fingers across the glass. “I didn’t think the store would be open today.”

  He stacked the comics in front of me. “Since I live in the apartments right behind here, I was able to walk to work.”

  “Really?” I flipped through the issues, making sure he had pulled the right ones. “What building are you in?”

  “Building four.” He sipped his coffee from an oversized coffee mug shaped like the head of Spock from Star Trek. I was still mad I had broken mine and hadn’t been able to find another one. Rimmy said he was keeping an eye out for one, but nothing had surfaced yet.

  “I’m in building two.”

  “Kick ass.”

  I motioned with my head. “How much for the tree?”

  “Seventy-five bucks.”

  “Does that include the ornaments?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’ll take it.”

  “Alright.” He walked to the display and took the tree to the counter. He removed the ornaments and wrapped each one individually in tissue paper. We talked about a few upcoming issues of The Superior Spider-Man and if the writers would continue to make him part of the Avengers in the comic stories.

  “Woot! Woot! The Raven’s in the house.” I turned to see Calvin ‘Cage’ Rutherford enter with Jared.

  “What’s up?” We fist bumped.

  I hated that Cage continued to hang around with Jared. The guy was bad news, but I tended to fall victim, just like Cage. Maybe it was his badass apartment, the girls hanging out there, the free liquor, or knowing if I wanted to get high, he’d provide me with the weed. Regardless, it was a cool place to be.

  “Damn remote broke to my Xbox. Thought I’d stop by and see if they had one.” Jared ran his hand over his short buzz cut, showing an impressive amount of diamond rings on his fingers. More than last time. The dude needed to stop slinging dope before he ended up in prison.

  “You’re in luck, Jared.” Rimmy held up a brand new remote in a package. “We got a few last week.”

  Jared pumped his arm in a backward motion. “Yes.”

  “Good. Now we don’t have to take turns like little kids.” Cage rolled his eyes. “Rimmy, when does Halo: Spartan Assault come out?”

  “December twenty-fourth.”

  “Fuck. Seven more days?” Cage whined as he stomped his foot, pouting and sighing like a big baby. The floor shook and I looked around, hoping nothing had fallen off the shelves. I would definitely be giving him shit about his temper tantrum the next time he gave me a hard time in the locker room.

  “Sorry, man. We don’t open until nine, but I’m sure you can camp out at Game Stop if you want it that bad.”

  “Nah, that’s okay.” He waved off Rimmy’s suggestion. “They don’t give student discounts.”

  “Let me check on something.” Rimmy typed some information in the computer and then studied the screen. “Hey, Cage, I can preorder it if you want.”

  “Alright, let’s do it.” Cage’s whiny voice transformed into a husky tone better matching his three-hundred and twelve pound frame. The guy was nothing but a big ole teddy bear underneath it all.

  “Hey, man, why don’t you stop by tonight? We’re gonna play some Madden and have a few bitches over.” Jared tossed a hundred-dollar bill on the counter. I immediately looked around for Lexi as she suddenly appeared from behind one of the shelves.

  “Yeah, uh, well…” I stumbled to answer Jared. What the hell was I supposed to say? I shot Lexi a quick glance. She was waiting for a response, just like Jared. “I um don’t know.”

  Jared didn’t pay me any attention, his eyes locking on Lexi instead. He lowered his shades and scanned her from top to bottom in a slow and scheming manner. A devious smile played on the edge of his lips. If he was thinking Lexi was available to share, he was wrong.

  “Who’s this?” Jared asked, his gaze remaining fixed on her.

  To my surprise, she held her own. Keeping a straight face, she stuck out her hand. “Hi. I’m Lexi Thompson.”

  Jared’s brows arched. “Oh, you’re Lexi.” He shook her hand politely, but I was all just a ruse. He tried to charm women, but ended up treating them like shit. Why they continued to come back was beyond me. Rumor was he had a big dick. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise,” she said, her eyes darting from him to me.

  I had no idea how he knew her name, but I was willing to bet Macy told him about her. She liked hanging out at his place and after I made it clear I was with Lexi, she was probably hooking up with him. I even deleted her phone number along with about one hundred other girls in my contact list. I thought it might be difficult, but I guess when you’re crazy about someone, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to prove they can trust you.

  “Yeah, so I don’t know, man. Lexi is staying with me and—”

  “Oh, you are?” Jared asked, continuing to shake her hand. I didn’t like his sweaty paws on her and just as I was about to pull Lexi away, she yanked her hand from his grip.

  “Yes. I am,” Lexi stated boldly.

  “Then you should come. We’re gonna hang out, play video games, and drink.” He continued checking her out, and I clenched my fists, holding back from punching him in the face. I reminded myself he always flirted with women and once I told him she was hands off, he’d back down. But what did I expect? We were known to shuffle women between us.

  I hooked an arm around Lexi and pulled her close. “Okay. We’ll stop by.” I didn’t want him to think I was completely tied down. I was still up for having some fun. I picked up my bag of comics and the tree Rimmy had wrapped for us and turned to Lexi. “Ready?”

  “Yeah, I just need to pay for this and we can go.” Lexi walked to the counter and paid for The Walking Dead figure she had in her hand. I watched Jared, catching his gaze still on Lexi. I needed to set him straight, but didn’t want to cause a scene. I’d tell him when we went over later.

  “Excuse me.” Lexi shouldered past him but he barely moved.

  “Sure.” Jared raised his brows at me but I shook my head, letting him know she was off limits. “I guess I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Yeah, man, see you later.”

  “Let’s go.” Lexi grabbed my hand and bolted out the front door.

  ***

  After we put up the miniature Christmas tree, Lexi made it
a point to tell me she thought going to Jared’s was a bad idea. I wasn’t sure whether she knew he had been my partner in crime or what he had done to get kicked out of school, but she definitely didn’t want me to hang around with him. I knew better, but I ignored the voices of reason.

  His apartment was located on the other side of the park, a short drive from the apartment. I assured Lexi I’d be careful and drive slow. But she didn’t stop there. Her list of concerns grew, insisting that he made her feel uncomfortable by the way he stared at her at the comic shop. Again, I reassured her. Besides, he did that to all the women. I’d set him straight once we got there. It was going to be a non-issue. I wasn’t sure why I felt so compelled to go to his place, especially when I knew, deep down, I shouldn’t. Maybe I needed to prove to myself that I could still be with Lexi and hang out with the guys.

  We pulled up to his apartment complex and I entered the parking garage. I had to admit, I was a little jealous of Jared. The complex he lived in was the nicest apartment building around campus, not to mention the most expensive. Why he continued staying by campus was beyond me, especially since he was dismissed permanently from the university when we got busted back in the spring. If that happened to me, I’d get as far away from this place as possible.

  I parked on the top level and we got out of the car. We entered the complex and the sound of hip-hop music echoed from Jared’s apartment. The state-of-the-art workout facility called to me. I hadn’t worked out since Saturday morning. If I didn’t get one in tomorrow, Coach would have my ass. The rooftop lounge was closed due to the weather. I smiled, recalling some of the best pool parties we had there. That was the life. I glanced at Lexi, reminding myself my life was ten times sweeter with her.

  “Did I tell you that you look really beautiful tonight?” Black leggings covered her long legs, outlining every curve and accenting the length. I couldn’t wait to have them wrapped around me again. It didn’t matter what Lexi had on — she looked beautiful wearing anything or nothing at all.

  She unzipped her jacket and gave herself a quick look over. “Thanks.”

  “If things get too crazy, we’ll leave, okay?” I knocked on the door and Cage opened it.

  “What’s up?” He stood in the doorway with a huge glass stein filled with beer. The party was on!

  “Hey, man.” We exchanged a fist bump and walked into the plush loft apartment. It resembled a mini-penthouse, decked out in shaggy rugs, modern furniture, and bright wall colors. Neon lights, trophies, and football paraphernalia decorated the place. It really was a football player’s hangout. Lexi’s eyes surveyed the wall of canvas painted naked girls and I cringed internally, wondering what she was thinking.

  Why did I bring her here to begin with?

  Jared’s place really wasn’t the best place to hang out with her and I started to have second thoughts when I caught sight of Reece, another girl I’d hooked up with before, and Macy. This time, Macy’s hair was solid black instead of red and black or blonde. The light reflected off her shimmery blouse and gold jewelry, casting a bright golden glow around her. Jared lifted his chin when he saw me and I nodded in return. It was too late now. We couldn’t leave. But we didn’t have to stay long.

  A few girls were dancing to a video game in the living room, screaming as they freaked on each other. Tony, our kicker, and Deandre, who played one year and quit, were sitting on the couch with a couple of girls surrounding them. They held up their fist and I knocked mine against theirs.

  I led Lexi into the kitchen and dining area. Jared sat at his throne, donning a girl on each side. He took long draws from a silver pipe hanging from his lower lip. Small billows of smoke swirled above his head. I briefly wondered what he was smoking, but the smell was obvious along with the red streaks in his eyes.

  “Glad you guys could make it.” Jared pulled the pipe from his mouth and flashed his diamond-studded gold grill at Lexi. Based on his pad, diamonds on his finger and in his mouth, and his red Corvette that was parked outside the comic book store, I was positive Lexi knew he didn’t work for a downtown business firm or attend PHU anymore.

  He took his time, sweeping his eyes over Lexi, reminding me I needed to set him straight. “Don’t even think about it, Jared.” I pulled Lexi closer to me. “She’s not for sharing.”

  “Ah, hell.” Jared slapped the glass, shaking the table. “I thought I’d get to try a piece of her tight ass.” He snickered and I was ready to punch him.

  Lexi’s body tensed and she worked her jaw from side to side. I massaged my hand along her back, trying to get her to relax. Slowly, her shoulders dropped and her jaw softened. She released a heavy breath through her nose and managed to hold her tongue, not giving in to his demeaning tactics. I was proud of her.

  “Trust me, Jared, I’ve already tried.” Macy ran her slender hand down his arm and along his chest. I shuddered as her long, pointed fingers trailed a path to his mouth and razed his thick lips. She knew how to do some wicked things with those talons. Jared’s tongue swept across her finger and he sucked on it. Macy released a low moan while keeping her eyes directly on me. “For whatever reason, Raven’s really hung up on this one.”

  “Shut the fuck up, Macy.” I shook my head and rolled my eyes at her. She was just jealous. Lexi gripped my arm tightly, but she had nothing to worry about. I’d never allow him to touch her.

  “Do you want something to drink?” Reece unhooked her arm from Jared’s and stood.

  She was nearly my height with her big afro. Her light mocha skin and soft green eyes made her the prettiest black woman I’d ever seen — or been with, for that matter. Too bad she was one of Jared’s groupies. Her love of cocaine made her dangerous, but she hid it well beneath her calm, sweet demeanor. The girl knew all my weak spots and worked them to her advantage. I was smart enough to keep my distance from her.

  “Yeah, sure,” Lexi said, slipping her hand from my arm. She gave Reece a quick once over and then tucked her hair behind her ear. By the way she was fidgeting, she was obviously uncomfortable around these people. I wanted to punch myself for being selfish and bringing her here. I was so stupid.

  “I’m Reece.” She smiled at Lexi, but kept her gaze on me, studying me purposefully.

  Lexi straightened, and said, “I’m Lexi Thompson, nice to meet you.”

  Reece might have made Lexi feel out of place, but Lexi didn’t back down. That’s what I loved about her. She wasn’t afraid to give someone a challenge. Reece strutted to the kitchen in her four-inch fuck me heels and we followed her.

  “What do you want to drink?” Reece pointed to several different bottles of liquor. When her finger landed on Malibu Rum, Lexi’s eyes widened.

  “How about Rum and Coke?” She pointed to the white bottle standing out against the clear and dark liquors.

  “Sure.” Reece pulled the bottle from the selection. “What about you, Raven?”

  “I’ll just get a beer,” I said, not trusting her to make me a drink. I opened the fridge and took out a bottle. She’d spiked my drink before, causing me to do things I vowed never to do again.

  Lexi kept a watchful eye and so did I as she made her drink. “Thanks.” Lexi took the glass and stirred the dark liquid with a red straw.

  I sat at the table, knowing Jared expected me to play cards with him. I wanted to hurry up, play a round or two, and leave. It was rude not to ask Lexi to sit next to me, but I honestly didn’t want her around Macy or Reece. And she didn’t want to be around Jared. She stood behind me, keeping one hand on my shoulder, staying close to me.

  “Let’s play some poker.” Jared shuffled a stack of playing cards. His fingers flipped through the cardstock with precision and speed, similar to the way dealers did in Las Vegas. “Come on, Lexi, don’t be shy.” Jared winked at her. “Sit down and play with us.”

  “I’ll play.” Macy took the opportunity to shift from Jared’s lap to the empty chair next to me. Her seductive voice and sensual shifts in her body told me what she really wanted
to play. I prayed to God this game didn’t end up being a game of strip poker. If so, I’d have to make up some excuse and leave with Lexi. The last time we played stripped poker, it ended up being one big orgy party. I was done with that.

  A huge smile formed on Jared’s face. “Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.” He placed the cards in the center of the table. “Well, what’s it going to be, Lexi?” He took another puff from his pipe and motioned toward the cards. “Are you going to cut them?”

  “Jared, leave her alone,” I warned before turning around to look at Lexi. “You don’t have to play if you don’t want to.” I slid my hand around her waist, pulling her close.

  “Um, I guess…” She cast me a doubtful look but before she could sit down in the other empty chair, Reece grabbed her hand.

  “Let’s have a dance off.” It was an innocent suggestion, but Reece’s scheme could not be trusted. I was certain she was doing this for Macy’s benefit and not to make Lexi feel comfortable. Then again, I’d seen Reece get it on with a few girls before. With the way she was checking out Lexi, she probably wanted to see what she had to offer.

  “What?” Lexi looked at me for an answer. The look in her eyes told me she didn’t want to leave me behind with Macy and I really didn’t want her and Reece becoming besties. Since she’d be in the next room, I could keep an eye on her. It was probably safer for her to hang out with Reece then having her at the table. I gave her a slight nod, telling her it was okay.

  “Come on, it’ll be fun.” Reece pulled her to the living room. Cage was dancing with two girls, humping one of them from behind while the other one twerked against him. He was having a damn good time.

  “I guess.” Lexi followed her, downing half her drink on the way.

  “Cage! Get your ass over here,” Jared yelled.

  “Shit.” Cage’s party was over. His smile quickly turned into a frown. “I guess.”