Replace Me

by Jennifer Foor

  I knew it was a shallow assumption, but I’d never been turned down by any female. As much as it frustrated me I knew it wasn’t realistic to think that I could have everything I wanted in life. I still missed her and it pissed me off that I did.

  As soon as we pulled up to the college, my mind finally eased from Lacey to all of the fine ass that was walking around the campus. I must have been too obvious with my lingering eyes, because my sister smacked me a couple of times. I laughed it off and kept enjoying the scenery.

  My brother was in a co-ed dorm which separated male and female tenants by floor. Since we had been invited, he’d made sure his room was pristine, on account of our mother flipping out over it. She put the t in tidy and hated when things were an inch out of place, at home.

  Parker introduced us to his roommate before leading us on a tour of the campus and surrounding areas. We finished up the tour at a local restaurant where he’d gotten a part time job. My stomach turned when I thought about how responsible he was. I’d never studied my brother’s actions enough to consider that he always did the right thing, when it came to his life.

  Then I knew.

  Parker wouldn’t want Ashley to terminate the pregnancy. He would want to keep the baby and even possibly do the right thing, by dropping out of school and taking care of her. It was what my father had done when he knocked up my mother with me. Sure, they were still together, but sometimes I wondered what his life would have been like if he hadn’t married my mom.

  They bickered a lot and I wondered if it was because deep down they resented each other.

  Parker continued telling us how amazing his life was. When he introduced us to his beautiful blonde girlfriend, I felt like my lunch was going to come hurling back out of my mouth. They looked at each other like Sky and Ford, as if nobody else in the world existed. As curious as I was to feel that for myself, I knew that this secret could destroy everything.

  My dad would be so disappointed, in not only him, but me. Since we weren’t exactly close anyway, I didn’t want to picture our relationship once he found out. It would all be blamed on me. That was a definite.

  We stayed at a hotel near the campus, and to make it easier on Peyton, I got a room for the two of us to share. I knew she didn’t want to be near my parents. Her animosity towards my father was annoying as hell. Them rooming together would have made our weekend, and our ride home, unbearable.

  Once inside of our room, she plopped down on the bed. “What’s wrong with you today? You haven’t said ten words since we got here.”

  I sat down and played with my phone. “Nothin’! I’m tired.”

  She flipped over and leaned on her elbow to get a good look at me. “No. It’s somethin’ else. You still miss Lacey don’t you?”

  I shook my head. “No! She’s just a girl I was fuckin’. Mind your business.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Whatever! It was more than that and you know it.” She sat up and faced me. “It was always more for her, Shayne. If it wasn’t, she’d be here with you right now.”

  I cocked my right eyebrow and sighed. “I ain’t talkin’ about this with you, Pey. It’s between me and my dick.”

  She threw her hands up, like I was a hopeless cause. “Ugh! You’ll never get it!”

  I turned off the light between us, so she couldn’t judge me for giving her a dirty look. “I’m goin’ to bed.”

  The light came back on and she was standing over me. “Mom and Dad are goin’ to bed. I say we sneak out and find a party. Come on. You know you want to.”

  I ran my hands over my face and thought about the last time I’d partied with my siblings. My brother had knocked up my cousins ex and everything went to shit from there. “That’s a bad idea.”

  She grabbed her bag and started walking into the bathroom. “I’m goin’ with or without you. You can either come with me and keep me safe, or lay in bed wonderin’ if some stranger is havin’ his way with me.”

  I hated that she knew how to push my buttons. It also sucked that I was obligated to protect her, even when I felt like it was the last place I wanted to be. “You’re the worst sister, I tell ya. Do you really think that sayin’ shit like that is goin’ to make me want to help you? Why would you even put yourself in situations that would endanger your life?”

  She jumped on my bed and wrapped her arms around me, while sticking out her bottom lip like a little kid. “Please?”

  Knowing that it was a terrible idea, and that I was just adding more reasons to be homeless once my dad found out, I patted her to get off of me. “A couple hours and then we both come back here and sleep. You got it?”

  Peyton got up and acted giddy. “It’s a deal!”

  Lacey

  Ford and Sky had found the perfect place to move in together. It was part of a single family home, that had been converted into two apartments. They had two bedrooms, which meant I could come over and stay the night whenever I wanted.

  After helping them unpack, we got some movies and vegged out in their living room. I had to admit that they really were cute together. Ford, who gave off this asshole vibe, was like a gentle giant around her. He was so mesmerized when she talked to him and I could tell that she had his whole heart.

  As much as I needed to get out of the house, I envied what they had so much that it became almost impossible to be around them without getting jealous. It didn’t matter how many days passed. Shayne was the only guy that I’d never been able to get over. Well, that was until Ford’s cousin Joey walked in. Then my thoughts of Shayne dissipated.

  This guy was gorgeous and I was mad at Sky for not telling me about him sooner. He came right in, without being invited, and threw his keys on the table, before sitting down next to me, so close that our legs were touching. “Thanks for the invite, cuz.”

  “I didn’t invite you, Joey!”

  “Mom told me to stop by and see if you needed any furniture. She said she’s gettin’ rid of some shit and wanted you to have first dibs.”

  Then he turned his attention to me. “So where were we?”

  His cockiness caught me off guard. I should have known that he would be a total douche. Most hot guys were. “We weren’t anywhere!”

  His raised his brows and smirked. “Not yet!”

  Ford caught us off guard when he stood up and headed for the kitchen. “Leave it be, Joey. She doesn’t want what you’re offerin’.”

  Joey didn’t look away from me. “I think we should let her make that decision.”

  I was speechless, sitting there watching him fuck me with his mind. His eyes were a hazel shade of brown and his dark hair stubble across his cheeks made me curious as to how old he was. When he smiled, displaying his white teeth and perfect smile, I was taken back.

  Sky stood in front of us. “Ignore your cousin. He’s being a terrible host. Would you like a beer?”

  He still didn’t stop looking at me. “Yeah.”

  I crossed my hands over my chest. “Staring isn’t going to get in anywhere near my underwear.”

  He looked over to make sure they weren’t coming back into the room. “You can keep your panties in your dresser. There’s no reason to wear them around me.”

  I was so shocked that he’d said it that I started laughing. “Are you serious? That’s the best you can do?”

  Ford walked into the room with two bottles, handing us both one. “Give up, Joey. Lacey ain’t interested. She just broke up with Shayne.”

  Joey looked at Ford. “Shayne? Your cousin on your mom’s side?” Then he looked at me. “You were with that player?”

  My stomach knotted up. “Unfortunately!” I couldn’t let anyone in the room know how torn up I was over it. Had I been the only fool to trust someone like him? Did the whole universe know that he was a terrible boyfriend?

  “Shit, you let me know when you want to experience what a real man can do to you. I don’t need to wear a pair of red lifeguard shorts to get pussy, that’s for sure.” He took a drink of his beer and didn
’t crack a smile. For someone that was so flip, he was definitely confident in himself.

  Sky walked back into the room and cuddled up next to her man. “Be nice, Joey. She cared about Shayne.”

  “Aunt Viv could have called me. Why are you really here?”

  Joey looked around the room. “Your dad mentioned the place next door is for rent. I was thinkin’ about gettin’ my own place. In fact, I just came from checkin’ it out and meetin’ with the landlord. I just stopped by to meet my new neighbors.” He looked back and me and winked. “And their sexy ass friends.”

  Ford reached over and punched Joey in the arm. “Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me? You’re movin’ in next door?”

  “As early as tomorrow. You goin’ to sit around mopin’ or help me move my shit in?”

  It wasn’t my business, but I had to ask. “Are you two even friends?”

  Ford and Joey looked at each other and then back to me. “We’re family!” Ford’s description made Joey laugh.

  “We like to compete, but we’re cool.” He added.

  We forgot all about the movie that was playing. Sky grabbed the remote and turned down the volume. “I think it will be fun.”

  Ford shook his head and finally seemed to relax. He leaned back on the couch and held his beer out to cheers with his cousin. “Welcome to the neighborhood, bro!”

  “That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” Joey drank to that and then looked back in my direction. “Hey Sky, so do all your friends look like this one?”

  It wasn’t cool that he was speaking to me like I was some object.

  “You’re not going to give up are you?” Sky was laughing, leaving me to be the only one in the room that had a problem with the way this jerk was acting towards me.

  “I’m not a fucking trophy, you know!”

  “Yeah you are. You just don’t know it yet.” He leaned in and ran his stubbly face against my ear. “Give me one night.”

  I pulled away and scrunched up my face. “Get a life!”

  “Your loss!”

  After he finished his beer, Joey got up and left. He said nothing else to me, nor did he even look in my direction. Ford was nice enough to wait until he left to warn me. “Stay away from that one. You think Shayne’s bad, well, he’s worse!”

  It was enough of a warning to let me know that I shouldn’t think twice. “Don’t worry about that. There’s no way I’d ever be with someone like him.”

  Chapter 3

  Shayne

  Partying with my little sister wasn’t exactly my idea of a fun night. Instead of having fun, I found myself feeling like a babysitter. Peyton was wild and she held nothing back. She was the kind of girl that I’d always gone after and I hated that she acted that way, because I knew exactly what guys thought of her.

  I don’t even think she cared. Peyton was gorgeous and she didn’t need to ask people how she looked, because she already knew it. Parker complained that all of his girlfriends hated her, because she’d either broken up a past relationship of theirs, or one of their friends.

  I watched her getting close to one particular guy and had to clench my fists. She was my sister, my flesh and blood. I didn’t like thinking about what guys wanted to do to her. My natural instinct to protect her was only heightened in situations like this.

  While keeping an eye on Peyton, this hot brunette held up a red cup full of beer. “You look like you could use this.”

  I grabbed it and smiled. “Yeah, thanks.”

  She stood with me and spotted what my eyes were focused on. “She your ex?”

  I laughed. “Worse. She’s my sister.”

  “Well, it sucks to be you. I mean, she’s hot. I’m a girl and I’d get with her, so I can’t imagine what the guys think.”

  All of the sudden my mind did a one-eighty. I felt my beer coming out of my nose as I struggled with what this chick had just admitted to me. “So, are you a lesbian, or somethin’?”

  She looked at me with her smoky eyes and bit down on her lip. “I like to keep my options open, depending on what the night brings.”

  My dick reacted to her words and I knew that the ball was now in my corner. How could I not be curious about a girl who was admitting to my hottest fantasy. “My name’s Shayne.”

  “Amber.”

  I took another good look at her. Her hair was down to her shoulders and styled wildly over her head, like she’d blown it dry and sprayed it as is. It was hot and with her dark makeup surrounding those gray eyes, I couldn’t help myself. “You live here?” The music was loud, so we found ourselves having to yell to hear each other.

  “Off campus. How about you?” She leaned into me so I could listen better.

  “I live in Maryland. My brother goes to school here. We’re just visitin’.”

  She pulled away and smiled, right before grabbing the waist of my pants and pulling me on the dance floor. She put her arms in the air and turned around, rubbing her ass into my dick. I immediately reciprocated by running my fingers over her tight black t-shirt. Her hands reached back and ran through my hair, so I ducked my head down against her neck.

  She smelled like she’d just gotten out of the shower and her shampoo was scented similar to suntan lotion. I felt her fingers trailing across my face right before she turned her body to face me. Her lips were close enough that I could smell the alcohol on her breath. “So my friends over there bet me that I couldn’t take you home with me.”

  I looked in the corner and saw the girls quickly try to look in other directions. Suddenly, the challenge went in a different direction. I looked back at Amber and we slowed our pace, even though the music stayed the same. “And if you win the bet, what’s in it for me?” My hands were still around her waist and I played with the edge of her top.

  She bit down on her lips again and it made me crazy watching it. “What do you want?”

  I leaned into her ear, feeling confident that this was going to be an eventful evening. “That depends.”

  She backed away and smiled. “On what?”

  “If you like being fucked hard.” I pulled away from her neck and looked right into her eyes. She kept her stare on me, and I could tell she was considering what her answer was going to be.

  She smiled and ran her tongue over her top teeth. “Can my friend come too?” Amber pointed and waved to a petite short haired blonde. When she waved back, already smiling, I knew they were playing me.

  I turned to see my sister still grinding on the same guy. “Let me tell my sister I’m leavin’ and we can get this party started.”

  Peyton didn’t argue with me. She was all for having a good time and not having me judge her. She was an adult and I needed to trust that she’d be responsible enough to make it back to the room before our parents got us up.

  Amber and her friend were waiting for me at the door. They were laughing as I got closer. “What’s so funny?”

  Amber grabbed my hand and started pulling me outside. “When we’re done with you tonight, you may never want to leave.”

  This was a challenge that I wanted; that I needed. This was going to make me forget all about Lacey.

  Lacey

  Once Joey left, we settled back in and finished the movie. As much as I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about how cocky he’d been to me. What kind of man thinks he’s that good? Had it not been for me respecting my friends, I may have slapped him, or punched him right in his dick.

  Did he not hear that I’d just had my heart broken?

  Joey didn’t come at me with sexy banter. He came at me like he knew it was going to happen between us. That pissed me off, considering that I wanted nothing to do with him.

  As the credits started rolling, I decided to head out to my car to get my bag and change into my pajamas. Sky and Ford had announced that they were going to head to bed, and I knew they weren’t going to go to sleep. For two grown adults, they couldn’t take their hands off of one another.

  The driveway was dark and I didn’t think that
Joey had stuck around, but there he was, taking out a bag of trash at the entrance to the other apartment. He had a cigarette dangling from his lips and tossed it in before noticing that I was standing there checking out what he was doing. “You leavin’ already?”

  “I’m getting my bag, if you must know.”

  He approached my car and I already felt like we were too close. I grabbed my bag and locked the car door quickly, before I started to walk back toward the house. “I knew your ass was goin’ to be sexy.”

  I turned around and gave him a dirty look. “Will you please stop? Sky is my best friend and I like coming to see her. I really don’t feel like having to go through this bullshit every time I come for a visit.”

  “I don’t bullshit. I tell it like it is. Always have and always will. Soon enough, you’ll know why.”

  He flicked his cigarette into the street and started walking toward me again. I walked backwards, afraid of him trying to put his dirty paws on my butt. “You’re ridiculous! It’s not going to happen.”

  He walked faster and grabbed my arm. I pulled away and pushed him. “Don’t touch me! I don’t know where your hands have been.”

  He began to laugh and crossed his arms over his chest. “It don’t matter where they’ve been. All that matters is where they will be. Just give it some time to sink in. I guarantee I’ll have you screamin’ my name. They always do.”

  “You are gross. I’m not some whore that will just jump into bed with a stranger. I have morals and can promise you that,” I motioned from me to him, “we will never happen.”

  He laughed again, this time louder, not caring who heard us. “I don’t fuck, whores. I fuck beautiful women cause they ask me to fuck them. Keep playing hard to get. I love the challenge.”

  I huffed and walked away from him without continuing the argument. He obvious thought he knew what I was thinking.

  When I got inside, the lights were turned off and Sky was walking back toward the bedroom. “Goodnight, Lace.”

  “Have fun!”