“You did what?” The muscles in my hands tensed and I balled them into fists.
“I’m sorry.” Delaney pressed her hands together, pleading for forgiveness. “I felt sorry for him. He thought what happened at the stadium suite, which wasn’t much, made you mad.” I had confided in Delaney about the heated situation at the football stadium a few days after I called off the marriage. I had confessed to her that I had never told him I was engaged because it never came up. But that I also hadn’t offered to tell him.
“Oh.” Covering my face with my clean clothes, I moaned. “I can’t believe you told him.” There really wasn’t a reason he needed to know about Collin and me. I had no plans of starting up something with him. Everything I felt for Raven was just hyped up because of what I wanted and longed for from Collin, at least that’s what I had told myself for the past month. But it didn’t help the fact that I was silently dying to see him.
“He would have found out eventually.”
I lowered my hands. “How?”
“Things get around.” She waved her hand in the air.
“Maybe about you, but not about me.”
“Ouch!” Delaney pretended to stab herself in the chest with her fist.
“Sorry.” I let the anger go because what was done, was done.
“Anyhow, he invited us to a party tonight.” Holding up her phone, she showed me her Facebook page.
I grabbed the phone from her and stared at the invite. “You’re friends with Raven?” My mouth fell open. “Hell, I’m not even friends with him.” A spiral of jealously hit me. Why was she trying to be friends with him? She needed to worry about Luke and not about Raven.
“I’m friends with a lot of guys. Even those I don’t sleep with, so get over it. And don’t worry. I don’t want to sleep with Raven. I actually prefer your brother instead.” She smiled and her face glowed.
“If you say so.” I watched for a moment and the glint in her eyes told me she was sincere.
Slowly, she eased the phone from my hands. “Besides, how often are you on Facebook?”
“Umm… I don’t know…”
“Exactly. Never.” Placing my jeans in my arms, she got up from the bed and shuffled me to the bathroom. “Get dressed because the clock’s ticking.”
“No.” I shook my head, still fighting the inevitable.
“Oh, come on, you know you want to go.” She turned on the shower and backed out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
I placed my clothes on the counter and wiped the steam from the mirror. I didn’t like who I had become and recalling all the things I had told my parents and Collin, I hadn’t done any of it. Why wasn’t I living my life? There was no one to stop me or tell me I couldn’t do any of it. I was free to do what I wanted. Yet, I had done nothing. A smile crept up over my face, and I quickly pulled off the clothes I had been wearing for the past week. It was time to start living my life for me.
***
“Holy crap, Delaney! These have to be the best seats in the house.” I stared in awe, taking in the field that was only a few feet in front of us on the fifty yard line. The bright green grass contrasted against the canvas of purple and white that spread from top to bottom in the stadium, drowning the opposing team’s colors of gold and green. Dance music blared over the speakers as the coaches, referees, and other personnel rushed along the sideline, preparing for the game to start.
“Do you think he owns these seats?” Delaney waved to a group of people behind us that I didn’t know. “Hey! What’s up?”
“I doubt it. Someone probably gave him the tickets.” I looked around, wondering if Raven’s mother and brothers were nearby. Since I had never met them, I had no idea if they were there. An older lady and man shuffled past us and sat in the empty seats next to me. Based on their blondish hair color and fair skin, I knew they weren’t his family. Raven had a creamy, light brown skin color and dark hair indicating he was probably a mixed race. Maybe Hispanic or African American with some Anglo. Whatever his parents were, it made him one damn hot guy!
“It probably works the same way it does for baseball. They designate certain seats for the players and their family.”
Pressing my fingers to my temples, I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to think about Collin.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up.”
After pushing him to the furthest recesses of my mind, I opened my eyes. “It’s okay.”
The sun was directly overhead and warmed the air to a nice 65 degrees, proving it would be a great day for football. A train horn blared and smoke filled the south end zone. The big screen flickered with lights and the announcer spoke over the loud speaker. The game was starting. The people around us stood and immediately began clapping as the spirit team entered the field carrying large purple flags that spelled the school’s name. Delaney and I joined the crowd, cheering as the football team made their grand entrance. The band played as guys in black jerseys and tight spandex pants with chrome purple helmets sprinted across the turf. I scanned through all of them looking for Raven.
“There he is!” Delaney pointed, “Almost in the center of the field.”
His number called to me, drawing my eyes directly to him.
“Yep, that’s him.” I pressed my lips together, holding back a smile that fought to release itself. Seeing him brought back all the memories, especially the most vivid one that took place in the stadium several weeks prior. There was no denying what I felt with him and what I was experiencing in that moment. A silent calling that moved my body, shaking it to the core.
I watched him track to the side in front of the forty yard line along with several other players as they waited for the referee to start the game. He huddled with several of his teammates and appeared to be reviewing plays. A whistle blew and the players clapped their hands and broke apart, running to their positions on the field. Raven looked into the stands, and I immediately raised my hands in the air. “Raven! Raven!”
His eyes searched the crowd. When he noticed me, he pointed a finger at me and winked.
I pointed at his jersey I had on, and a huge smiled covered his face. I smiled back, glad that I had decided to go to the game. I couldn’t fight my desire to want to be with him. It was strong and forceful, propelling me once again toward him. I released the breath I was holding and prayed that I was doing the right thing, even though my head warned me it was too soon, not to mention extremely dangerous.
Delaney elbowed me. “And you didn’t want to come.”
With a slight roll of my eyes, I said, “I know. I know.”
“Did she just wave to Raven?” A voice dripping with jealously whispered and I cringed. The girl who said the comment was directly behind us. Either she had a thing for Raven or knew someone who did. I reminded myself of whom Raven was, and that there was probably no way to escape the world he had created around him. Did I really want to be a part of that world? I eased into my seat, ignoring the remark.
“Hmm. Whatever.” The girl continued as though waiting for me to turn around and say something.
Delaney tucked her phone in the inside of her boot and leaned close to me. “Did that girl behind us just say something about you?”
“Yeah, I think so.” I whispered.
“Don’t worry. She ain’t got nothing on you.” Another girl spoke, and I inched down in my chair. I didn’t think wearing the jersey would have drawn attention to me, but apparently it had.
“I shouldn’t have come.” I frowned when I heard a slew of laughter bellow from their hi-pitched voices. It reverberated through my ears, reminding me of the types of girls he was known for hooking up with.
“That’s it.” Delaney sat her drink in the cup holder and flung around.
“No! Don’t.” I grabbed her arm and tried to stop her, but she pulled away.
“Do y’all have a problem?” Delaney stood with her hands on her hips eyeing the three voluptuous girls behind us that reminded me of the ‘Plastics’ from Mea
n Girls.
Great.
I stood to get a better view of who my new enemies were. A girl with dark, wavy hair and long tanned legs reclined in her seat, ignoring Delaney. She wore a tight baby doll T-shirt with Raven’s number on it.
Perfect. Another one of his hoes.
The two other girls sitting next to her giggled and then looked away. One of them stared at her finger nails, admiring her purple and white nail polish, while the other one played with her long blonde waves as she stared into the crowd with a clueless expression. They were all so pitiful looking that I couldn’t help but shake my head at them.
“Because if you do, you know you can leave.” Delaney stood her ground, waiting until they caught her gaze. I gripped the edge of my seat, praying that these girls wouldn’t want to fight. I knew that Delaney wouldn’t have thought twice about hitting them, and I would have been useless, having never fought a day in my life.
“I’m sorry, did you say something?” The long legged brunette cocked her head to the side, feigning ignorance. The other girls continued to ignore Delaney, and I felt confident they wouldn’t want to mess up their pretty hair and nails. I took in a deep breath and allowed my shoulders to relax. Raven was right. I really was an upgrade in comparison to these ditzy hoes. I had no reason to feel inferior to any of them. They might have had bigger lips and boobs than me, but I was glad to be silicone free. Even though I was in the pee-wee league, I knew that I could learn what I needed to know to advance me.
If only I had the courage to do it.
“Forget about it Laney, they’re not worth wasting our breaths over.” I placed my hand on her shoulder and turned us around just in time to see Raven score a touchdown. The stadium erupted in to applause and the train horn blared. Raven hi-fived his team mates and did a little dance across the end zone.
“All right, Raven!” I yelled, not afraid to show those skanks and everyone else who I supported. After all, he was the reason I had come to the game.
***
To my relief, the girls sitting behind us left with a few frat guys during half-time and never came back. I assumed they had lured them into their hoe-trap and went to take care of business. I was glad they were gone because it made the game more enjoyable, especially when Raven threw the winning touchdown. We waited until the players cleared the field and then followed the remaining crowd out of the stadium.
“That really was a good game, despite those stupid biotches nearly ruining it for us.” Delaney pushed her way through the herds of people, dragging me along with her. “I thought I was going to have to plant my boot in their pretty little faces.”
“I know.” I huffed as I dodged a group of guys painted in purple without shirts, push by us.
“Damn! Can’t you wait?” Delaney yelled as she stumbled to catch her footing.
“They’re probably drunk.”
We wiggled our way through the congested walkways until we were able to squeeze through the gates that led to the front of the stadium.
“Whew.” Delaney fanned herself. “I hate being that close to people. I’m so glad the base… so anyways, I was thinking we should probably go to the store and buy some Coke. We can mix our own drinks before the party tonight.”
I stopped, causing the people walking behind me to make a trail around me. Delaney looked over her shoulder when she realized I wasn’t following her.
She tracked back toward me. “What’s wrong?”
Keeping my eyes trained to the ground, I said, “I don’t know. After what happened in the stands, I’m not sure I should go. ”
“Don’t be silly—,”
“Hey, Delaney, great game, huh?” A cute guy with spiky blond hair and a tight Kappa Sigma T-shirt stepped in front of us. Two of his friends waved at her as they darted across the parking lot to a huge white tent with their fraternity’s name on it.
Delaney smiled, giving a small wave and then tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Definitely. We kicked the bears right in the ass.”
The guy laughed and then shoved his hands in his pant pockets. “Why don’t you come on over.” He motioned to the tailgate party that was happening at the tent. “We’re starting the party early.”
She pressed her lips together and looked around as though checking to see if Luke was anywhere around. I could tell that being around this guy made her really nervous. “Yeah, I don’t know. Um—,”
“Delaney! Are you going tonight?” A girl with curly blonde hair wearing a short purple dress and cowboy boots rushed toward us. The girls that were with her headed straight for the tailgate party. It seemed like everyone was going to this pre-party except for us.
“I’ll see ya later?” The guy tilted his head to the side, trying to get her attention.
“Um, yeah.” She nodded and then turned to her friend.
“Shelby, what happened to you? I saw you in the stands and then I couldn’t find you.”
Her long eye lashes fanned across her painted lids and when she smiled, two little balls formed at the top of her cheeks. She resembled Annasophia Robb from the Carrie Diaries. “Oh, Josh’s parents have a suite, so I went up there to join them.” She turned toward me. “Hi, I’m Shelby Scott.”
“Oh, sorry.” Delaney thumped her forehead with her hand. “This is my roommate, Lexi Thompson.”
“Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand.
“Come on,” Shelby laced her arms through ours as if we had been life-long friends. “Let’s go see what’s going on with these Kappa Sigs while I wait for Josh.”
“Shelby’s dating Josh Marshall,” Delaney shot me quick glare, “you know the running back.”
I felt like the biggest idiot because aside from Raven, I really didn’t know all the players. Then it dawned on me. That was Raven’s friend, Josh. It was his parent’s suite we were in when he snuck me into the stadium. “Oh yea, number thirty-seven.”
“Yep, that’s my guy.” She giggled and her blue eyes sparkled. Without even seeing them interact, I was willing to bet they were one happy couple. I waited for that familiar pain to return to the center of my chest, but was surprised when it didn’t come. Had my heart grown that cold? Or was it so broken that it forgot how to feel?
Shelby introduced Delaney and me to her girlfriends and in turn they introduced us to their boyfriends that were all Kappa Sigs. Delaney managed to stay away from the cute blond guy, and I made it a point to ask about him later.
“Drink anyone?” Shelby appeared with two red Solo cups in hand.
“Sure.” Delaney took the cup and immediately took a sip.
“Thanks. What is it?” I stared into the orange Kool-Aid-looking liquid.
“I don’t know.” She shrugged as she picked up her drink from the bed of one of the trucks backed up to the tent.
“Taste like Gatorade mixed with Vodka if you ask me.” Delaney swirled her drink around.
I laughed. “Seriously?”
“Yep, I think you’re right.” Shelby rolled her tongue across her lips. “I see you’re wearing Raven’s number. Do you know him or are ya just a fan?” Shelby eyed my jersey while sipping on her drink.
Delaney shot me a quick glance.
“Um…” I bit down on my lip and wondered what to tell her. There wasn’t anything to hide since I was no longer engaged, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share my business, especially with someone I barely knew. Then I realized if I planned on going to the party, people would see me talking to him.
“I know him and I’m also a fan.” I openly admitted.
“Oh.” Her brows lifted as she took a drink. “Raven and my boyfriend, Josh, are buddies.”
“Really. I didn’t know that.” She probably thought I was hoping to get a chance with him, like every other girl. Sadly, that description kind of fit me in a twisted sort of way. The more I tried to convince myself that I had no business getting involved with him, the more I wanted to.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just that I’v
e never seen you around before.” Her eyes darted to a group of girls standing in the corner, the Silicone Triplets that were sitting behind us in the stands.
Great.
“It’s okay.” I smiled at her, reassuring her that I didn’t take offense to her comment. “We’re just friends.” I hesitated to tell her too much, but I wanted her to know that I wasn’t one of them. “Actually, I was his writing tutor,” I leaned forward and whispered, “but don’t tell anyone.”
“Oh my God!” She pulled her drink away from her mouth, spilling some in the process. “You’re the girl?”
“What?” Breathless, I looked at Delaney and she gave me a clueless stare. “What do mean, I’m the girl?”
She pressed her lips together and then let out a breath. “Josh said that Raven mentioned you a few times. That’s all.”
“Seriously?” My stomach lifted and released the nest of butterflies that had been trapped for the past several weeks. Raven talked about me to his friend? Had he said good things or bad things about me?
“Oh my God.” Delaney drew us in closer. “You have to tell us.”
“I don’t know much.” She had a dubious expression, like she was scared to tell us what she knew. It was obvious that she was withholding some vital information.
Information that I was dying to hear about.
Information that I had to have.
“Please?” I clamped my hands tighter around my cup, making it pop.
I guessed my pleading made her give in or maybe she felt sorry for me because she quickly traded glances with us and then said, “Well, okay. All I know is that he told Josh he was working with this tutor, which is you,” she pointed at me, “that he really liked. He also said she was very pretty and extremely smart.”
My mouth fell open and I took a step back. With a hand on my chest, I tried to steady my heavy breathing. “He said that, about me?”
She nodded. “That’s what Josh said. Which says a lot because Raven never talks to Josh about girls.” She rolled her eyes when the head silicone twin laughed loudly. “At least not ones he really likes and I mean, really likes.”
Opposing Sides Page 16