Faker - Sarah Smith Page 0,98
I’m pissed at Tate, I don’t want him thinking I’m rebounding with Jamie minutes after walking out on him.
“Get your hands off of her,” Tate says.
Jamie lets go, then turns to face him. The two of them are inches apart, exchanging intimidating scowls.
“What the hell is your problem?” Jamie says. “I was just giving her a ride to her car.”
“You gave her a ride. Well done. Now leave.”
“Jesus, man. You need to get a hold of yourself.”
“I’m just fine. Leave. Now.”
Tate’s stern yet calm demeanor seems to aggravate Jamie. He clenches his fists; Tate stares him down. Their stances mimic gorillas egging each other on. I step between them before their standoff turns into a shouting match or worse.
“Stop it.” I face Tate head-on, my back to Jamie. “He was just taking me to my car. That’s all.”
“Really? Is that why he was holding your hand? Do people hold hands now after they ride with each other in the car?”
His eyes burn with a familiar intense look. I’ve seen it once before when creepy Brett was trying to chat me up in the warehouse while he stood next to me.
Jamie starts to speak, but I interrupt him. “What I do is not your concern. Not anymore.”
As terrible as it felt for Tate to see me holding hands with Jamie, I will not let him make me feel guilty about it. He takes a step back and thrusts a hand into his hair. The agitation in his voice translates into a rough exhale when he breathes.
“It is my concern if the guy you’re with is standing in front of my house.” Tate’s low voice packs a punch in the stagnant summer air. We stand, misted over with sweat. Even though the temperature has dropped about ten degrees, the humidity looms like an invisible cloud.
“Quit talking like that,” I groan. “I’m not with him. How many times do I have to say he just gave me a ride? I needed to get to my car.”
“I would have given you a ride if you had let me.”
“No way in hell I would have gotten in your car after tonight.”
We’re sparring back and forth, using the strain in our voices as weapons. It’s the only way we can keep from yelling at each other. It’s a strange game, keeping your voice at speaking volume when you actually want to scream. Whoever goes hoarse first wins.
By now we’ve backed up into the street, still facing each other. I turn around, remembering that Jamie is here. He’s standing next to his car with his arms crossed, taking in the shitshow.
A light flicks on in the window of a nearby house. A neighbor watching our impromptu party in the street. My dignity makes an overdue appearance, and I flush with embarrassment.
A scrawny middle-aged man in a robe saunters out of the house next to Tate’s duplex.
“Everything okay? Having car trouble?” he calls from his porch about ten feet away.
“Everything’s fine. Thanks, Lyle,” Tate replies.
“Oh. Hi, Tate. I didn’t realize that was you. These peepers of mine. Not what they used to be.” Lyle lets out an amused chuckle.
“We were just having a discussion. The car’s fine. I was about to pull it into my driveway.” Tate dials back his tone to politely sincere in record time.
Lyle waves good night before walking back inside.
I turn to Jamie. “You should go.”
He shakes his head. “No way I’m leaving you alone with this guy. He’s clearly unstable.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Tate stiffen.
I roll my eyes, unable to hide my frustration. “Jamie. Listen. I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. Tate isn’t anything to worry about.”
An exasperated sigh leaves his mouth. “If you say so.”
He pats my shoulder, then pauses to look at me for a few seconds. I’m paralyzed, wondering if he’s going to try for a friendly cheek kiss just to spite Tate. If Tate nearly lost it at the sight of us holding hands, he will coldcock Jamie if he kisses me. Instead he climbs into his car and drives away. A loud hiss of breath signals my relief. I clench my jaw as I watch his car round the block.
I start to open the door to my car. “Good night.”
“Wait.” Tate’s tone is gentle now, and so is his touch when he reaches for my arm.
“Tate, I can’t.”
“Will you please come inside and talk to me? I’ll explain everything. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it clear how I