sighs. “You should really go with me to Jamie’s party tonight. I wasn’t planning on going, but if you’re there…”
Her eyes do that puppy dog thing. It sucks. Hayley does that too, but she doesn’t ever mean to. Her eyes are just naturally big and round, suck-you-in green and innocent. They’re hot eyes, if eyes can be hot. Maybe it’s ‘cause she smiles with them.
I shake my head and focus on Quynn, who is now chewin’ on her bottom lip.
Hayles never bites her lip. Only that once, and it was weird.
“I don’t—”
“I’m not letting you say no.” She points a finger at me. “You skip out on all the fun stuff. You’re going and that’s that.”
She stands up, crossing her arms, giving me the ‘I’m teasin’ but I’m serious about it too’ look. She tosses her blonde hair over her shoulder and leans down, holding the arms of the recliner.
“Please, Brody?”
Girls suck. I don’t like her like I used to—I know that for sure—but how do they have such power over guys? One word. That cursed word. Please. Ugh.
“I’m bringin’ Tanner.”
She smiles and claps her hands together. “Point, Quynn.”
I chuckle, but it’s forced. Then she babbles on about parties or some other stuff. I’m not payin’ attention. All that’s goin’ through my stupid head is what Hayley will think if she finds out.
Oh! Maybe she’ll come with me. I could text her right now!
No, wait. She said she had somethin’ goin’ on tonight, which is why we’re goin’ out tomorrow.
Damn it.
But I will call Tanner. This will not be a date. ‘Cause I’m over Quynn. I’ve got Hayles. Or at least, I want to have Hayles.
Then why can’t I just spit out the words? Why can’t I tell anyone? Not Mom or Dad, not Quynn. Not even Tanner knows. Only person who does is my douche of a brother, and that’s ‘cause he saw me with her. What’s wrong with me?
“Okay, I’ll see you later then!”
I must be on autopilot, ‘cause I’ve walked her to the door and helped her with her jacket without even realizin’ it.
“Uh, yeah, okay.”
She skips off the porch to her car, then waves at me as she drives off.
Yup, I’m a wuss.
Reason 21: You can put boob marks in all my shirts and I won’t care
What do you wear to a party you don’t want to go to? Nothin’? Yeah, showin’ up buck ass naked will be a sure sign of, ‘I’m not into you. Sorry if I led you on.’ This stuff is messed up, I’m tellin’ ya.
I called Tanner, but he didn’t pick up. Sent him a text instead, which I’m sure shocked the crap out of him. Probably made him wonder if it was really me.
Then, just for the fun of it, I invited Hayles too. I know the answer will be no, but I’m kind of hopin’ her plans got changed or somethin’. She hasn’t said a word since I dropped her off—late—on Monday. No text, no calls… I may as well have had fifty conversations by myself.
I’m hopin’ we’re at least still on for tomorrow. It’ll be no tattoo parlor, but I’ve got my list ready for her.
I run my hand over my wrist before grabbin’ my wristband to cover up the tatt. I’m finally able to wear it again without it itchin’. Then I put on the first shirt and jeans that don’t smell like butt and get out of my room. I’ve cleaned it—Mom will be proud—but I’m still in the midst of laundry. There were a lot of clothes under the bed. Among other things.
Grabbin’ the keys, I do a mental checklist of everythin’ in the house. Back door, locked. Windows closed. Hall light on. No text from Hayles or Tanner. And fly… whoops, better zip that up.
All right, I’m done stallin’. Better get this over with.
It’s still raining. Pouring buckets as Dad would say. Nothin’ like living in the central point of God’s showerhead.
And because I’m majorly pathetic, I take the long route to Jamie’s house. I have to drive by Hayley’s just to see if she’s really not some sexually frustrated fantasy I’ve concocted over the past few weeks.
Nope, her house is still there. Lights out except for the porch light. Guess Hayles did have somethin’ goin’ on tonight. Not that she’d lie about it, but I know she hides things from me.
I’m about to turn off the road when something in her driveway catches my eye. A shadowy figure crouched on the ground, shakin’