Always (Next Generation The Skulls #1) - Sam Crescent Page 0,55
came back.”
“You think I’m going to do anything that would make you angry or sad to be near me on purpose?”
“I don’t know. For all I know, my being here has made you stop caring about me.” She shrugged, trying not to sound as broken as she felt at the very thought of him not wanting her.
Simon went to her, gripping the back of her neck, tilting her face up, and kissing her hard. Wrapping her arms around him, she held on for dear life, not wanting to let him go.
“You don’t ever have to fear that,” he said against her lips. “Tabby, what I feel for you isn’t normal.”
She laughed. “That’s the way to a girl’s heart.”
“What can I say, you struck me when we were kids, and I can’t move on. I love you way too much to ever be able to handle that.”
“Damn, you say all the nicest things.”
“Always.”
****
“How is everything there?” Daisy asked.
“Fine, I guess. I don’t know. It’s tough.”
“Yeah, I heard the parents talking. They think you should come home.”
“I’ve already spoken to my dad. If it gets to be too much, they want me home. I’m doing good. My schoolwork is on point so it’s not like they can pull me away because of that.”
Daisy pouted. “What about us?” She rolled over so now Tabitha looked at Daisy lying down.
“What about you guys?”
“We miss you.”
“I know. I miss you guys so much.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” Daisy lifted and lowered the phone so Tabitha watched her face go distant then right up close.
“You’re freaking me out doing that.”
“I know. You know how much I hate these things. Does my double chin look bigger?”
Tabitha rolled her eyes. “Seriously?”
“I’ll shut up.”
“How’s school?” Tabitha asked.
“You’re sounding like a mom.”
Tabitha glared at her and Daisy’s brows went up. “Wow, all right, all right already. School is great, actually. Sure, we’re not exactly in the open arms of the Dogs but there haven’t been any fights. The Quad has been doing okay. Again, we’ve held up our end. I know Ryan wants a piece of Anthony but it seems a lot of people are pissed at him. With how quiet everything is, I’m starting to think you’re the trouble causer.”
“Don’t start,” she said.
“I’m only stating a fact,” Daisy said, laughing. “In all seriousness, how are you holding up? I know this has to be bringing up some hard shit.”
“It is. I’m doing okay. It’s Simon I’m worried about. The club is always around. They have a reason to stop by. I think the strangest thing I’ve seen so far is Dick and Martha offering mediation with Lexie. It seems to help, though.”
“I remember you telling me Dick’s into holistic stuff now, right?”
“Yep. Seems that way. I asked about it, and he told me to have lived and survived through some of the crap he has, he has to believe in a higher power.”
“Deep,” Daisy said.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
“So has this helped you to make a firm decision?”
“What do you mean?”
“Come on, Tabs. You and I both know that you’re there for two reasons. To be there for Simon during this time, but to also figure out if you can become his old lady. I’m not an idiot. I know exactly what you’re doing. I think all of us know what you’re doing.”
Tabitha groaned and sat up. “It wasn’t my intention.”
“But you’re doing it?” Daisy asked.
“It’s … hard.” She wrinkled her nose.
“How?”
“I don’t know.” She glanced around her room. Simon was out with Devil doing some club stuff. Lexie was already in bed, and Tabitha had all the children monitors in her room in case anyone ever needed her. Josh asked if she wanted to watch a movie, but she’d refused, and he’d gone to bed in a sulk. “I guess because I miss you guys so much.”
“Don’t go blaming us. That’s not fair.”
“I’m not blaming you. Far from it.”
“I hear blame in that voice.”
She snorted. “You’re being a bitch.”
“You love me for it.”
“You’re right, I do. Any new developments with Anthony?”
Daisy’s smile faded. “Don’t start.”
“Come on, don’t be so obtuse about this.”
“Obtuse?”
“I’ve decided to start using a new vocabulary. What do you think?”
“I think your vocabulary is certainly not obtuse.” Daisy winked at her.
Tabitha scrunched up her nose and stuck her tongue out. “Bitch. I know you’re trying to change the subject.”
“I’m not. Me and Anthony, supposing he talks. If he likes a girl, wouldn’t he talk?” she asked.