Behind the Plate (The Boys of Baseball #2) - J. Sterling Page 0,59
before I could even think about latching on to it.
“You don’t like him.” It was more of an observation than a question, and I wasn’t sure which surprised me more—Danika trying to dump the guy or the fact that her roommate didn’t like him.
“I hate him,” she said emphatically and with a frown that didn’t match her otherwise cheerful demeanor.
“So, why are you telling me this? If she didn’t actually break up with him, then nothing’s changed.” I found myself getting agitated and annoyed at the information. It wasn’t really helpful.
She shifted her weight from side to side. “I know, technically, nothing’s changed. But this is the first time she’s ever tried to break up with him. It’s the first time she’s ever wanted to, Chance.”
“I think he’s using her.” The statement stumbled from my brain and out of my mouth before I could stop it.
“Using her? For what?” Sunny asked, but the way she said it made me question myself and my read on the conversation I’d had with Jared in the commissary.
“Her dad’s money?” I fumbled over my accusation.
“Why would you think that?”
“It was just something he said to me.” I blew out a breath. “I can tell by the look on your face that I’m obviously wrong.”
“It’s just that Jared’s family has their own money. I mean, it’s not Marchetti kind of money, but still. Did you tell Danika?” She looked up at me, her blue eyes narrowing.
“No.”
“Why not?” Her expression twisted and I suddenly felt like everything I was saying was the wrong thing.
“What am I supposed to say? I’m not trying to be the reason she leaves the guy. If they break up, I don’t want it to be about me or because of something I said to her.”
Sunny nodded her head before looking down at the watch on her wrist. “I get that. But just so you know, she likes you. She just doesn’t think she’s allowed to. Everything with Jared is…complicated. Look, I’m sorry, but I gotta go.”
“Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.”
She sped away as quickly as she’d arrived, leaving me alone without even glancing back.
I felt like I was walking on air as I headed toward my building, convinced that nothing could get me down until my eyes scanned the campus and landed right on her. Danika was up ahead in the distance, near my building. But she wasn’t alone. Jared was at her side, his arm wrapped around her as they laughed at something.
She didn’t look at all like someone who wanted out of her relationship. As a matter of fact, she looked like the exact opposite. I had to stop myself from throwing my fist through a wall as I kicked at the ground and sent bits of dirt and rocks flying everywhere.
Danika turned her head toward where I currently stood, sulking, and even though we were still far enough away from one another, I knew the second her eyes landed on mine. Her body language shifted in that instant, and she actually seemed uncomfortable. I took it as a sign and sucked in my pride and walked straight at them. She saw me coming and locked her hazel eyes on to mine until I was mere feet away.
“Oh, hey, Chance,” Danika said, her voice soft and surprised at my arrival.
“Hey.” I tried to sound like seeing her with him didn’t rip my guts out.
Jared gave me a head nod. “Bro,” he started.
My entire body cringed. I wasn’t this dude’s fucking bro.
“Sorry about the other day. I was out of line. It won’t happen again.” His tone was convincing enough even though I could tell that he was full of shit and only saying it for Danika’s benefit. He didn’t mean a damn word.
When he extended his hand toward me, I stared at it a beat, wanting to break it instead of shake it. I stared at Danika, who clearly appreciated her boyfriend’s bullshit gesture, and then I took his hand in mine and gripped it hard.
“It’s all good,” I lied and watched as he pulled her closer to him, kissing her cheek and then her mouth for my benefit.
His eyes stayed open and on me while he played the doting boyfriend. He knew exactly what he was doing, putting on a show for her, tormenting me.
“We were just about to grab some coffee. Do you want to come?” Jared asked.
Danika looked at him, then at me, and back again, her eyes wild.